Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects many Christian men. ED medications like Viagra and Cialis can help treat the symptoms, but some Christians wonder if it’s acceptable to use these drugs from a biblical perspective. This article will examine what the Bible says about sexuality, marriage, and the body to help Christians decide if ED drugs align with their faith.
God Created Sexuality and Desires Intimacy in Marriage
Sexuality is God’s gift to humankind. Genesis 1:27 states that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Sexual intimacy between a husband and wife is sanctioned and blessed within marriage (Genesis 2:24-25, Proverbs 5:18-19). God designed men and women as sexual beings with natural desires for physical unity. Therefore, sexuality is not inherently sinful but part of God’s original perfect design.
Within marriage, God calls husbands and wives to fully give themselves to one another, including sexual intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Couples are to save sexual activity for marriage and remain faithful afterwards (Hebrews 13:4). But Scripture celebrates marital sexual pleasure as good, without shame (Song of Solomon 4:1-15). God wants marriages full of love and satisfying physical intimacy.
The Body Is Good Yet Affected By Sin
When God created humans, He declared His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Yet Genesis 3 records how the first sin corrupted everything. Sickness and physical disorders entered the world because of humankind’s rebellion against God. The New Testament confirms creation suffers under the curse of sin (Romans 8:20-21). This includes diseases like ED impacting sexual function.
However, our bodies are still called “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). While affected by sin, God still designed the body for His glory. Christians should care for their bodies through rest, nutrition and medical treatment (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 5:23). God can also heal and restore damaged or diseased bodies as displays of His power and grace.
Impotence Is Not a Barrier to Salvation or Christian Leadership
Nowhere does Scripture teach that impotence or sexual dysfunction prevents someone from salvation or Christian leadership. When Jesus encountered a lame man, He said the man’s physical condition was not due to sin (John 9:1-3). Disabilities are part of life in a fallen world, not always an individual’s moral failure.
In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah that “he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus likely wasn’t the image of perfect virility, but His power was spiritual not physical. Paul also mentioned his own “thorn in the flesh” and that God’s strength is perfected in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Impotence does not exclude someone from God’s kingdom purposes.
Medical Treatments Can Be Used With Wisdom and Discernment
Throughout Scripture, physicians and medicine are generally portrayed positively. God gave knowledge to heal diseases (Ecclesiastes 38:1, Luke 9:1). Luke, Paul’s companion, was a physician (Colossians 4:14). James says to pray for the sick and “the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick” while also telling the ill “to call the elders of the church” for anointing, prayer and potential restoration (James 5:14-15).
This precedent of combining prayer and medicine continues today. Medical science developed drugs like Viagra and Cialis which can treat ED without harmful side effects for most men. However, some Christians propose alternative ED options first like natural supplements, diet changes or exercises that improve blood flow. Believers should use wisdom and discernment, through prayer and counsel, when considering ED medications versus other treatment options.
Moral Objections Are a Matter of Conscience
Some Christians refuse ED drugs on moral grounds. They believe enhancing sexual pleasure or performance artificially can promote lust. Or they think dependence on medication to fix a non-life-threatening issue displays lack of faith in God’s provision and healing.
Romans 14:1-15:13 discusses disputable matters where Scripture doesn’t provide absolute clarity. In these moral gray areas, believers should follow their conscience but not force their opinions on others. Whether ED drugs are acceptable or not is in this secondary doctrinal category. Couples must prayerfully evaluate their motives and decide if using medication aligns with their convictions.
However, believers must be careful of legalism or judging others on debatable issues. Christians married to someone suffering from ED should be sensitive and accommodating, not demanding or entitled regarding sex.
Non-Sexual Benefits May Warrant Use in Some Cases
For most men, ED drugs are taken to improve sexual function. However, some studies revealed non-sexual benefits as well. For example, Cialis was shown to reduce prostate size in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), decreasing related urinary symptoms. In some cases, ED drugs improved depressive symptoms in patients as well.
If a Christian man is experiencing significant frustration or depression linked to ED, medication improving these areas could be warranted, even if he abstains from sex until marriage. Believers should evaluate if ED drugs can provide holistic benefits beyond just sexual enhancement in their specific situation.
Wives May Be Supportive and Understanding of Treatment
When ED impacts marriage, Christian husbands should discuss treatment options humbly and lovingly with their wives. Wives married to men with ED can extend grace and support if the condition demoralizes or discourages their spouse. They can offer reassurance of their continual love and acceptance regardless of sexual ability.
Even without ED medications, couples can explore creative options to still experience intimacy and pleasure together. Partners committed to staying together “in sickness and in health” can develop deeper emotional and spiritual intimacy when forced to focus less on the physical.
God Can Use Suffering for Spiritual Growth
Struggling with ED does not signify God’s disfavor. Rather, He allows trials and weaknesses to grow our dependence on Him and refine our character to be more like Christ (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4). God’s power is displayed through those humbly admitting their limitations (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
If using medication does not effectively resolve ED, Christian couples must trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. He promises to “supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). His grace is sufficient to empower lives and marriages flourishing in unique ways defined by Him, not the world’s sexual ideals.
Seek Counsel and Pray for Wisdom
Christian couples considering ED drugs should seek wise, biblically-grounded counsel. Speaking with medical professionals ensures potential health risks and interactions with other medications are carefully evaluated. Pastors and mature believers can provide spiritual guidance as well.
Additionally, husbands and wives should continually pray for the Lord to impart His wisdom regarding appropriate treatment options. As James 1:5 promises, God will generously grant wisdom to those seeking His will in faith. The Lord knows each couple’s specific circumstances and can guide them to decisions honoring to Christ.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction can significantly impact marriages. However, ED does not disqualify someone spiritually. As fallen beings, we experience weaknesses God uses to display His grace and power. While the Bible does not directly address ED treatment, biblical principles can guide couples in evaluating medical options like Viagra and Cialis. Christian spouses should prayerfully seek medical counsel and God’s wisdom to make choices upholding their faith convictions and promoting intimacy in marriage.