The Law of Love
Simple, but not easy...
The Law of Love
Upon much pondering of the Scriptures, Father David articulated the theological standpoint that loving God first and foremost, and then our fellow man, is the ultimate fulfillment and completion of biblical law, including the Ten Commandments.
As explained in the Gospel of Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Theological Perspective on Sexuality
During this time David published many more writings that established the Family's theological standpoint regarding the nature of human sexuality, in which he expressed that sexuality was a God-ordained, pure, and needful wonder of God's creation, when practiced as God intended.
He also held the view that:
Sex should be a minor part of life, even amongst full-grown adults & mates, etc. Sex is normally only about two-percent of your life.--But it sure is a wonderful 2%!
A Radical and Deeply Sacrificial Approach
In part as a response to the sexual liberality of the early '70s, Father David presented a more intimate and personal, voluntary form of sharing God's love with those in need which became known as "Flirty Fishing" or "FFing." He offered in his writings the challenging proposal that since Jesus is the physical manifestation and embodiment of God's love for humanity, then we as followers of Jesus are in turn responsible to be living samples to others of God's great all-encompassing love.
Although sex and love are not necessarily directly linked, sex was nevertheless seen as an undeniable human need, and one that much of humanity equates with love. Therefore, Father David proposed that the boundaries of expressing God's love to others could at times go beyond just showing kindness and doing good deeds. He suggested that for those who were in dire need of physical love and affection, even sex could be used as evidence to them of the Lord's love. "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" (James 2:15-16 NKJV).
The motivation, guiding principle, and reasoning behind the FFing ministry was that through this sacrificial proof of love, some would better accept and understand God's great love for them. The goal was that they would come to believe in and receive God's own loving gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus, who gave His life for them. By this unorthodox method David felt many would find the Lord's love and salvation, who never would have otherwise.
Linking the spiritual love of God with the physical manifestation of that love was not understood or well received by mainstream Christianity, where "sexuality" and "God" are seldom if ever associated.
Although this sexual liberality expressed in the writings of Father David sent shock waves through the media and religious institutions around the world, many people, most of whom would never attend church, were reached and found faith in Christ through this open, humbly honest, intimate, yet deeply sacrificial approach.
In 1987 the Family discontinued FFing to emphasize other means of ministering the Word of God to others. Although The Family no longer practices FFing, the scriptural principles behind the ministry remain are nonetheless still considered sound.
