double standard?

A couple of weeks ago I advertised an event while not wearing a shirt. The response went well...lots of people showed up, people laughed and I think that many people were able to "re-look" at what Jesus has to do with our sexuality. Tomorrow I will be donning the pizza box again to advertise this event again. I asked a friend of mine to join me in this bit of exhibitionism for Jesus.

His response has been very interesting.

We has spent about 45 minutes today talking about whether this is an appropriate way to advertise a Christian event. In this count/counterpoint the question about whether a woman could participate in this form of advertising came up.

I am arguing that a woman could (I'll be it with the pizza box located in different places). The question seems to revolve around whether a woman would be tempting men. If she was, the idea follows, that she should not participate. And if a woman should not participate, then a man should not either.

I think I disagree with this idea at step one, that a woman should not ever dress in a way that could tempt a man. I struggle with this idea because it is so cultural. Is cleavage tempting? An ankle? Eyes? Shoulders? How can any culture agree what is a "sexual" part of the body?

Secondly, why is the responsibility for sexual sin placed on the woman? If I look at a woman lustfully is that lust my fault or hers? Does it matter how she is dressed?

Jesus says that a man who looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery in his heart. It appears from my study that adultery in the Bible is ANY sex outside of marriage. So then, this is sex without mutual consent. This is mind rape that Jesus is talking about. Isn't the idea that woman is at fault then, just like the argument that if a woman is dressed provocatively and is raped that she is to blame? How much violence towards woman has followed this idea?

Finally, and I think that this is crux of my idea, what message does this send to woman inside and outside of the church? I know woman outside the church who do not own any non-t-shirt tops that are lacking cleavage. Can they come to church? How are the looked at when they come? What are people's disdainful looks telling them about Jesus?

Was the woman who was caught in adultery clothed when she was drug before Jesus? Was the woman at the well dressed appropriately?

Does it matter?

Men; I think that it is time that we take responsibility for our own sexual thoughts and practices. We are weak at times. We need Jesus' help. We need to grow in love for our sisters and to learn to respect ALL of them, not just the ones who are not physically tempting to us.

Women; your bodies are not dirty things that suddenly become beautiful when you get married. Please don't get your value from the ways that we men see you...it is a fleeting way to get value that will never bring long term worth. I apologize for any way that I have contributed to making you feel like your body is the only thing that makes you feel special or dirty. Neither extreme is what God has for you. You were fearfully and wonderfully made. Please remember this truth.

And to my friend who brought this up. These are my humble thoughts. I may be very wrong. It wouldn't be the first time :)