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| Blogs > humorlife > Confessions of a Lifestyle Man |
In Florida, Christian Swingers Proselytize As They Play
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In Florida, Christian Swingers Proselytize As They Play With this post I’m going to walk into a minefield. I invite you all to tiptoe with me, but I ask that we all step cautiously – and respectfully. There are, as the saying goes, three topics one does not discuss in polite company: Sex, religion, and politics. I don’t really cover politics in my blog on this site (I have, quite happily, in other venues). Sex, of course, is topic one. And then there’s religion. I’m not especially observant, but I believe that for those who embrace a faith – any faith – religion at its best uplifts and comforts. At its worst orthodoxy is used as an instrument of oppression. Most expressions of faith fall somewhere in the middle. And then there’s an article which ran in The Christian Post titled “‘Christian Couple’ Spreading Gospel Through Wife-Swapping and Fitness; ‘I Don't Think God Would Be Mad,’ Says Bisexual Wife.” The article profiles Dean and Cristy Parave, who “say they are joyfully spreading the love of Christ and the Bible through their unconventional wife-swapping and fitness ministry.” Leave aside the term “wife-swapping,” which is viewed by many in the community as an out-of-date relic. This is an intriguing take on how one couple has reconciled faith and seemingly irreligious activity. As Christy was quoted on Barcroft TV, "I feel like right now this is God's plan. The Bible doesn't talk about swinging, specifically. ... I just feel like, as a married couple, if you agree on something together then it's OK. If it's not, like I said, judgment day, I'll find that out." The same holds true of single individuals who swing. And, apparently, other Christians – several of whom the Paraves have met through their adventures in the lifestyle as well. Occasionally, according to The Christian Post, “they encounter people who are unsure about Jesus or are atheists. In these instances, they explained, they would have a light Bible study before they have sex.” According to “Bodybuilding Christian Swingers From Florida Start Spouse-Swapping Website”, an article which ran in The New York Post, Dean Parave’s come-to-Jesus moment occurred seven years ago, when he dreamed up his fitness-and-swinging website after having an FMF threesome. “Swinging to me started as a lifestyle, and then it was like, you know what? We can do a lot of good with this, instead of… just, let’s just have fun with this,” Dean Parave told Barcroft TV (the video accompanies the New York Post article). “I’m getting to people that probably would never even visit a church." Make no mistake, the Paraves do proselytize. As Dean told Barcroft TV, “If I can go to the next swinger's event and get 10 people to believe in Christ, my job is done." It’s hard to know from various published accounts – most of which take a snickering tone – how sincere the Paraves are. Certainly there’s a touch of self-serving in how they’re portrayed. But I’ve known several people of deep faith, and sincere belief manifests itself in a number of ways… so I’m willing to give the Paraves the benefit of the doubt, at least for now. Furthermore, many faiths, through various denominations, allow for a wide variety of expressions of faith. Certainly Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism (at least in the United States) offer a lot of room for how they are manifested. My own note: I am neither a Christian nor a theologian, but I found some words from Romans 14: 2-4, worth mulling: “One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” Your thoughts? My apologies for repeating my comment from the top, but – because of the especially sensitive nature of this topic – while I welcome debate and dissent, respect has to be the watchword here… Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic |
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Well, if God created everything, then he created the diverse lifestyles and thoughts of men and women. If sexual desire is also a divine creation then using it is creative ways is part of the plan. Destroying Sodom and Gomorrah was Old Testament. New Testament is to embrace the sinners and forgive the sins... Hindus have the Kama Sutra, so why not have a Christian sexuality lifestyle?
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Well, if God created everything, then he created the diverse lifestyles and thoughts of men and women. If sexual desire is also a divine creation then using it is creative ways is part of the plan. Destroying Sodom and Gomorrah was Old Testament. New Testament is to embrace the sinners and forgive the sins... Hindus have the Kama Sutra, so why not have a Christian sexuality lifestyle? Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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"spreading the good word of God by spreading legs..." where was this phrase when I was writing this post? While a pre-coital Bible study wouldn't be my thing, I could see how -- for people of faith -- it could be a joyful spiritual celebration which leads into a joyful physical celebration. Either way, your last point is spot-on. Amen -- so to speak! Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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I've always wondered if one could take other texts -- the collected works of Mark Twain, say -- and find passages that support what I preach. Personally, I've always been fond of Twain's comment "You tell me whar a man gits his corn pone, en I'll tell you what his 'pinions is." Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Many of the most important people in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, were involved in polygamous relationships. They often had concubines in addition to their wives as well. The area in which Jesus grew up and preached was a major crossroads for many of the important trade routes between the Roman Empire and the areas to the east. As such, it was a melting pot of cultures, including religious thoughts and ideas of the various people both within and outside of Judaism, who lived and traveled through this area. This cross pollination of ideas influenced Jesus' original teachings and the message he preached, including how we should love one another and that we should love others the way we want to be loved. The early Christian church began to move away from Jesus' original teachings with the increased emphasis of Paul's message over that of Jesus and the original disciples. Jesus' message was changed even more drastically, to the point where Jesus probably wouldn't recognize it, when Constantine "converted" to Christianity as a means of gaining power over the entire Roman Empire in the early fourth century. Constantine convened the Council of Nicea in 325 CE in order to take control of the Christian church, instituting a number of rules that Christians had to follow if they did not want to be branded as heretics. Many of the restrictions and prohibitions on various types of sexual behavior were instituted by the Catholic church during and after this time as a means of controlling the behavior of their members. Unfortunately, many of these attitudes have carried over to the present time. At a time where so many "religious leaders" have been implicated as pedophiles and adulterers, I actually think that it is refreshing that the Pareves are openly practicing and living according to Jesus' teachings of loving one another. Who are we to judge them for what they are doing? As Jesus is quoted as saying, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
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I would never presume what Jesus would do, but as a Nice Jewish Boy myself, I can only say that the correct response to a banquet is to start eating. And, uh, to periodically check to make sure one's mouth is closed while chewing. Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Many of the most important people in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, were involved in polygamous relationships. They often had concubines in addition to their wives as well. The area in which Jesus grew up and preached was a major crossroads for many of the important trade routes between the Roman Empire and the areas to the east. As such, it was a melting pot of cultures, including religious thoughts and ideas of the various people both within and outside of Judaism, who lived and traveled through this area. This cross pollination of ideas influenced Jesus' original teachings and the message he preached, including how we should love one another and that we should love others the way we want to be loved. The early Christian church began to move away from Jesus' original teachings with the increased emphasis of Paul's message over that of Jesus and the original disciples. Jesus' message was changed even more drastically, to the point where Jesus probably wouldn't recognize it, when Constantine "converted" to Christianity as a means of gaining power over the entire Roman Empire in the early fourth century. Constantine convened the Council of Nicea in 325 CE in order to take control of the Christian church, instituting a number of rules that Christians had to follow if they did not want to be branded as heretics. Many of the restrictions and prohibitions on various types of sexual behavior were instituted by the Catholic church during and after this time as a means of controlling the behavior of their members. Unfortunately, many of these attitudes have carried over to the present time. At a time where so many "religious leaders" have been implicated as pedophiles and adulterers, I actually think that it is refreshing that the Pareves are openly practicing and living according to Jesus' teachings of loving one another. Who are we to judge them for what they are doing? As Jesus is quoted as saying, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." I can't say whether the Paraves are sincere or opportunistic: My hopes and doubts lie side by side (as they do with most news stories, so this is no reflection about their faith). Whatever the Paraves are doing, they are doing apparently joyfully. If nobody gets hurt... Well said, and welcome to the blog! Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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We agree that warped religion has been used to support (I hesitate to say "justify") all sorts of atrocities... no need to stop at Jonestown, of course: There are The Crusades, The Thirty Years' War, clergy abuses (as MovingOn001 points out, above), and other actions too numerous to list. It would be curious to sit in on the pre-coital Bible discussions the Paraves hold -- and again, I say that as someone who doesn't practice. Absent having done so, I'm not willing to write off the joy and inspiration aspect of their Bible study. All this said, your red flag is well raised. Sex and religion are two very powerful forces. Combining 'em should be done with caution and sensitivity... and an open eye toward potential for abuse. But again, I'm not automatically ruling out the potential for genuine uplift, either... Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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I've been doing quite a bit of research into the history of early Christianity for a novel I'm writing about the first female pope. She was a linguistic anthropologist and a world renowned expert in the history of the early church, which is why I have been doing all of this research. I'm glad that I was able to use some of what I learned here to try to put this story into some perspective. Like you, I don't know whether the Pareves are sincere or not, but I also don't feel that I am in any kind of position to judge them either. I'll leave that to the "holier than thou" crowd.
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I think you can be a swinger and Christian. I know of several friends of mine that are.. You did well on this post my friend.. All three things not to be said you did very well at it hugsssssssss V Become a blog watcher sweet_vm
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I think you can be a swinger and Christian. I know of several friends of mine that are.. You did well on this post my friend.. All three things not to be said you did very well at it hugsssssssss V Speaking of religious swingers... I ask my fellow Jewish bloggers: Does anybody else think a group Jewish swingers would spend so much time quibbling about where to eat afterward that they'd never get around to playing? Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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I've been doing quite a bit of research into the history of early Christianity for a novel I'm writing about the first female pope. She was a linguistic anthropologist and a world renowned expert in the history of the early church, which is why I have been doing all of this research. I'm glad that I was able to use some of what I learned here to try to put this story into some perspective. Like you, I don't know whether the Pareves are sincere or not, but I also don't feel that I am in any kind of position to judge them either. I'll leave that to the "holier than thou" crowd. As for casting stones (or not), I'll give that an "Amen" as well! Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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The couple is based in Florida, so it's likely their political affiliation is... um... Okay, there's no way of knowing. But yes, sex can be religious and sacred without actually being faith-based. It can also be joyfully secular, of course... Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Well, there is much fodder for a smart ass in this topic. "Bodybuilding Christian Swingers". Huh. You did counsel respect so I'm not going to go all Bill Maher or even Richard Dawkins on you. The above comments are milling around in my brain, mixing, having a drink to grease the ways and promote socializing with others. One such thought is eyeing the exquisite auburn haired beauty from North Carolina and another is thinking of sampling the hors d'ouvre. But maybe should visit the gentlemen's lounge first. I am atheist and am always suspicious of the claims of the faithful. Some stand up pretty well to scrutiny no matter how critically you examine them. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" springs instantly to the fore, although I confess to some difficulty in implementing it in some cases. I am thankful that you left politics out of the equation or I would probably not be able to take the pressure. Just when you think you've seen and heard everything, this item marches before you, refusing to be ignored. One of those thought partying in my head at present is your phrase "the potential for genuine uplift" which is of course ever my reaction when the red haired girl is in the room. You do, I get the impression, want to know what we think. I think this sounds like an excellent attempt to meet folks who share your religious values and fuck them. Become a member now and get a free tote bag.
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Well, there is much fodder for a smart ass in this topic. "Bodybuilding Christian Swingers". Huh. You did counsel respect so I'm not going to go all Bill Maher or even Richard Dawkins on you. The above comments are milling around in my brain, mixing, having a drink to grease the ways and promote socializing with others. One such thought is eyeing the exquisite auburn haired beauty from North Carolina and another is thinking of sampling the hors d'ouvre. But maybe should visit the gentlemen's lounge first. I am atheist and am always suspicious of the claims of the faithful. Some stand up pretty well to scrutiny no matter how critically you examine them. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" springs instantly to the fore, although I confess to some difficulty in implementing it in some cases. I am thankful that you left politics out of the equation or I would probably not be able to take the pressure. Just when you think you've seen and heard everything, this item marches before you, refusing to be ignored. One of those thought partying in my head at present is your phrase "the potential for genuine uplift" which is of course ever my reaction when the red haired girl is in the room. You do, I get the impression, want to know what we think. I think this sounds like an excellent attempt to meet folks who share your religious values and fuck them. Yes, this could have been fodder for great fun, and had this couple been, uh, exposed as scam artists of the Robert Tilton variety, I would have said have at them. But... there is always the chance that they are sincere in their faith. I have spoken directly with other people who are reconciling -- or trying to reconcile -- their deep spiritual beliefs with their swinging activities. For those making some serious inquiries, I offer my salute, my ear, and my (academic) interest. Your warped take on "the potential for genuine uplift" -- a statement I truly typed in innocence -- has me rolling my eyes. (I do so little in innocence. Let me have this one.) And your comment "I think this sounds like an excellent attempt to meet folks who share your religious views and fuck them" made me snort out loud. Oh, you unbeliever! Shame, shame! And, of course, I wish I'd written it first -- even if it would have been out of place in my post. Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Someone shared that article with me, and I'll be honest, I was more turned off by their appearance than their swinging bible belting. They almost seemed like a parody of how people think of swingers, with the fake tans, bleached blonde hair, etc. I kind of hate it when people validate stereotypes, ya know? Also, why do people feel like they must combine all of their hobbies? (swinging, fitness, and proselytizing). It's OK to keep them separate, folks!    
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Someone shared that article with me, and I'll be honest, I was more turned off by their appearance than their swinging bible belting. They almost seemed like a parody of how people think of swingers, with the fake tans, bleached blonde hair, etc. I kind of hate it when people validate stereotypes, ya know? Also, why do people feel like they must combine all of their hobbies? (swinging, fitness, and proselytizing). It's OK to keep them separate, folks! Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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I knew about the first female Pope -- Pope Joan, right? -- but didn't realize there was more than one... As for casting stones (or not), I'll give that an "Amen" as well! There are some scholars who feel that Mary Magdalene was really the first pope, not Peter. They base that on some of the Gnostic Gospels discovered at Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945. The Gnostic Gospels say that Jesus loved Mary more than he loved the other disciples, and that he taught only Mary some of his more esoteric teachings and had her pass along those teachings to the rest of the disciples. My novel is set in more modern times, and addresses some of the serious issues now faced by the Catholic church, including pedophile priests, corruption and a whole myriad of other problems which threaten the very survival of the church. In the novel, I am also exploring some other things as well, including the missing years in Jesus' life from his time in the Temple in Jerusalem when he was 12 until he began his ministry in his late twenties, and the effects that archeological discoveries may have on the church, especially when they contradict what the church has been teaching for nearly two millennia. So far, I have nearly 80 pages written, but I still have a long way to go before I am even finished the first draft.
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I think that if that couple is happy and can share some spirituality, making other people happy, who are we to question that? I personally hate religion. Kk The observant make the best lovers, I may not do right, but I do write, I have bliss, joy, and happiness in my life, Kitkat Come check out my blog KItkat1415 check out this post by me Adventures In Body Grooming #39 April Topic Link: What Lies Beneath If April Showers Oh Bloody Hell What Kind Of Weather Turns Me On Bloggers Symposium 40
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Wow! I'm Jewish and this is just about making me want to convert  -tm
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The legends about Pope Joan have never really been proved or disproved, although there is some circumstantial evidence that they may in fact be based on a true story. There have been reports that a little known part of the selection of a pope after the time of Pope Joan was that before the final confirmation of his papacy, the newly elected pope would have to sit on a special throne which had the hole cut out of the seat. One or more of the cardinals would then reach up under the seat to confirm the presence of his male organs before he was approved to serve as pope. How true this is, and whether or not it still goes on, I have no idea, but it's one of many interesting little bits that makes this research so intriguing. There are some scholars who feel that Mary Magdalene was really the first pope, not Peter. They base that on some of the Gnostic Gospels discovered at Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945. The Gnostic Gospels say that Jesus loved Mary more than he loved the other disciples, and that he taught only Mary some of his more esoteric teachings and had her pass along those teachings to the rest of the disciples. My novel is set in more modern times, and addresses some of the serious issues now faced by the Catholic church, including pedophile priests, corruption and a whole myriad of other problems which threaten the very survival of the church. In the novel, I am also exploring some other things as well, including the missing years in Jesus' life from his time in the Temple in Jerusalem when he was 12 until he began his ministry in his late twenties, and the effects that archeological discoveries may have on the church, especially when they contradict what the church has been teaching for nearly two millennia. So far, I have nearly 80 pages written, but I still have a long way to go before I am even finished the first draft. Can't say whether this is fact or fiction -- it's too good a story to be ruined through verification. The novel sounds very interesting! Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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I think that if that couple is happy and can share some spirituality, making other people happy, who are we to question that? I personally hate religion. Kk Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Wow! I'm Jewish and this is just about making me want to convert -tmStop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Any religion that incorporates burritos deserves a very serious consideration. Even if this is, as you suggest, a way of promoting their fitness business... one does have to give them credit for a novel marketing strategy! Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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Where would any Religion be without sex? There aren't many Shakers left today... Stop in, read, and offer comments at my "swinging as seen in the media" blog, "Confessions of a Lifestyle Man" humorlife, which is also the home of the monthly virtual symposium. New post: The Virtual Symposium Returns Lets Pick A Topic
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