God loves erotic poetry

There is a poem in the Bible called the Song of Songs, in which the woman says that she wants the man to "kiss me with the kisses of his mouth--for your love is more delightful than wine" (1:2). She tells him, "Take me away with you" (1:4). She says she's "faint with love" (2:5).

She is sexually alive, full of longing, expressing herself, full of desire--this is a woman with no hangups. And yet she says something fascinating later on in the poem. She says, "But my own vineyard is mine to give" (8:12).

Why is this significant? Because in the Ancient Near East, a vineyard is a metaphor for sexuality. She's not going to give herself away to just anybody. It's her decision, and she will make it without coercion or manipulation.

She's alive sexually, and yet it doesn't control her.

And how does the man respond?

He tells her, "You are a garden locked up...you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain" (4:12). "You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water" (4:15).

Why all of this talk about water? Because it's a symbol of life and vitality and energy and purity. He's praising her for her control of her sexuality. He isn't pressuring her, piling on the guilt because she's so tight, making her feel like she's repressed. He's thrilled that she doesn't give herself to just anyone.

So here are these two people who are totally alive sexually and who can talk about it, who can express themselves to each other openly and honestly, and yet they aren't at the mercy of their urges. They're able to live on some higher plane. There is something guiding them that's deeper and stronger than just their sexual urges.--from Sex God, by Rob Bell