Bodily Functions

If the apostle Paul wants to use the body as a metaphor, fine. But there’re some bodily functions in the human body you just don’t want to talk about.

We gotta warn you. Some of the consulting staff who previewed this material hated it. Grossed them out. Others loved it.

One of the determinant factors seems to be age. Youth pastors immediately saw the “angle” or the hook for teaching 1 Corinthians 12; while those with more preaching and pastoral experience were cautious. “I’d never preach this in a million years,” said one.

So, we’re going to let you decide. That Homiletics is publishing this at all, can only mean one thing: that our senior editors have the minds — and social sophistication — of seventh graders.

Imagine a little boy in the neighborhood walks over, and pointing directly at you says, “Pull my finger.” Those familiar with this childhood prank know what’s coming next. Should you grant the boy’s request, he will break wind at the exact moment that you tug his finger as if your pull were the mechanical action that released his flatulent punch...