Mark Driscoll was once a prominent figure in the religious community, known for his edgy, aggressive sermons and punk-inspired worship services. However, his penchant for inappropriate language and disturbing behavior ultimately led to his downfall. In 2014, Driscoll was embroiled in a scandal involving emotional and spiritual abuse of his followers, plagiarism, and financial misconduct. These heinous actions caused his empire to crumble, and he was forced to face the consequences of his actions.
Despite the severity of his misdeeds, Driscoll was able to regain his position of power and influence with the help of his accomplice, James MacDonald. The two of them worked together to sweep the scandal under the rug, allowing Driscoll to re-establish himself at a new church in Phoenix, Arizona called Trinity. In a desperate attempt to boost attendance, this so-called “church” resort to using cheap tricks like “swimsuit Sunday” to lure in unsuspecting attendees. It is a shameful display of greed and manipulation, and it is a testament to Driscoll’s character that he would stoop to such tactics in order to regain his former glory.
Driscoll is infamous for his incendiary sermon in 2007 on the Songs of Songs in Edinburgh, where he brazenly and graphically described female genitalia and various sexual acts. His flagrant use of explicit language and controversial subject matter sparked outrage and disgust among many listeners. Driscoll, however, is unapologetic and unyielding in his beliefs and is well-known for his brazen and inflammatory preaching style. He has no qualms about causing offense or stirring up controversy and his devotion to crassness is undeniable.
Mark Driscoll is once again planning to preach this message, but this time at his own Trinity Church. The church has begun promoting an upcoming eight-week sermon series, with Driscoll using mailers and billboards to announce to potential attendees that ‘The same God who heats up our valley wants to heat up your marriage’ and ‘Married couples: has your bedroom become your bored room? We’re here to help.’
As part of the promotional materials, Driscoll is releasing an e-book that describes in graphic detail various sex acts and insists that the Bible, particularly, the Song of Songs, urges married couples to partake in them. Among these sex acts are oral sex and the use of sex toys.
In one chapter of the e-book, titled His Fruit Is Sweet to My Taste? using metaphorical stories to the Song of Songs, Driscoll appears to be discussing the idea that the Bible’s Song of Songs contains explicit references to sexual activity, including caressing and oral sex. He goes on to suggest that these references may be interpreted as metaphors for sexual fulfillment and that they show the fullness of the couple’s sexual freedom within their marriage. Driscoll also urges the readers to consider a range of sexual questions that modern couples may have, such as the use of sex toys, frank pillow talk, and various sexual positions and locations. It also suggests that as couples grow and build trust in their marriages, their consciences may change and they may be open to trying new things.
Below are some screenshots of excerpts from the e-book:
What you do in the bedroom with your spouse is your business, and we’re certainly not here to pass judgment on you. However, these acts are most certainly not discussed in the Song of Songs—and even if they were alluded to, certainly not in the graphic detail that Driscoll suggests. And it’s safe to say that the graphic detail that Driscoll uses to preach these sermons is certainly not appropriate for a congregation filled with young children. Driscoll is, once again, way off his rocker here.
