Pure Church

anonintx,
Thanks for joining the conversation. I can't explain why bloggers use controversial pictures on their blogs. My guess would be to stir controversy ;-)

I don't think it was railing against attractive women at all. The piece was a helpful glimpse into the fraternity of lust and knowing, lingering looks that so many of us participate in. It was honest, in my opinion. The piece showed how the immodesty of leering at a woman affects young and old, and devours the unsuspecting. I thought the piece was useful for its illumination of the interior thought life of men. And while I empathize with your concern for discussing these issues, it's bringing sin and sinful tendencies to light--hopefully in the context of loving accountability--that the Lord seems to be pleased in many instances to free people. Surely you would agree that the faithful pursuit of holiness is God glorifying and helpful for maturity.

To be clear,
1. I'm not advocating, nor do I think the post I linked to advocates, either male-female accountability of "online accountability" if such a thing could be done.
2. Yes, I think "inner-thought-revealing conversations" is encouraged in scripture. Sin isn't simply a matter of external actions; it roots and sprouts in the heart and finds its genesis at least in part in the fulfilling of the desires of the mind (Eph. 2:3). Hence the mind needs to be renewed (Rom. 12:1-2). Seems to me confession and renewing should entail some sharing of our thought lives.
3. I can't speak for Mr. Edelen and his wife. Let me simply say that there is no necessary hurt to his wife for acknowledging that beauty exists in others. Given that he posted this on his blog, I would hope/assume things are strong enough with Mr. Edelen and his wife (I'm assuming he has one) that such statements are threatening to her. Just an assumption; sharing your hope that his every desire is for his wife.

Grace and peace,
Tahbiti

Dan,
Thanks for responding. My wife and I have a similar rlationship-long habit of discussing openly issues like the one you raise. And I second your viewpoint that it's made our relationship that much healthier. Sounds like you're loving and leading well. My Christ's love be evident in your love for your wife.
Grace and peace,
Thabiti