Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/92

Contributor - Rodney Schutte

Title - The Gospel of Magic Johnson

Topic - AIDS

Now that the smoke has cleared and we are somewhat over our shock of the tragic news about Ervin "Magic" Johnson, questions about AIDS, safe sex, sexual promiscuity, and abstinence are being asked at a record pace. AIDS "hot-line" phones are ringing off the hook.

It is striking how both the book by Wilt Chamberlain, a former professional basketball player, with his claim of having been physically intimate with 20,000 women, and the revelation by Magic Johnson of his positive test for HIV have become public at the same time. Recently, almost an entire issue of Sports Illustrated dealt with Johnson's ordeal. It also included an article in which several professional athletes discuss the sexual temptations they have to deal with because of their fame. Most of them now live in fear for their lives because of their past (and, possibly, present) conduct and feel they are victims. It was reported that when Johnson told his pregnant wife he had the AIDS virus, she, too, was angry and feeling victimized.

The result of all this has produced the gospel of "safe sex." Many other athletes, including Johnson and Chamberlain do not admit they were or are wrong in their promiscuity. Most would say, the important thing is to practice "safe sex." They do not consider self-control a valid and necessary alternative. Magic Johnson merely said, "I tried to accommodate as many women as I could."

Now many may be led to ask, "But Magic is such a nice guy, how could he be wrong?" In speeches and interviews he speaks about being chosen by God for this to happen to him. His "mission", he says, is now to preach "safe sex." It's a crazy idea, but this is Magic, and this is a mixed up world. Perhaps even some of us are confused and tempted to buy in to this "gospel."

The question is, what does God say about all this. Can Magic, the cool superstar, be deceived? The Bible says: "Yes." The Bible records many accounts of sexual sin and their consequences in the lives of people. Some examples are: the city of Sodom (Genesis 19:19-29); Samson (judges 1316), and King David (11 Samuel 11 and 12). Judging from the consequences you may conclude that God does not treat sexual sin lightly.

It is true, medical science may prevent and cure some physical consequences of sexual sin. Sexually transmitted diseases (except AIDS) can be prevented or cured. The pill may prevent pregnancies. Abortion is available to "take care of" unwanted pregnancies. However, no scientific or medical breakthrough ever changes the fact that we must answer to God for our moral choices.

God is concerned with what you do with your body for He created it, and for the Christian it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. That is really the bottom line. If you choose to live a life with God, "safe sex" is not the answer. The answer is abstinence, except within marriage. Magic Johnson is not speaking for God if he says God demands only "safe sex". Safe sex will keep you physically safe, but spiritually in danger. Self-control is a gift God gives to those who sincerely desire it. If you are not married, self-control and patience are not options they are commands.

It's a spiritual issue even more than a physical one. God created sex when He created Adam and Eve. He meant it for the purpose of having children and to strengthen the relationship between husband and wife - to deepen the joy in one another. Above all He meant it as a way to bring honor to Him, and the only way for that to happen is to follow His standard.

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