THOUGHTS ON PRUDERY, GRACE, FREE LOVE, AND THE COMMODIFICATION OF SEX:

Among the anti arguments, this is surely one of the most pernicious: the idea that sex is not a pure gift (“free”), but a commodity—something with a price. But what I find more troubling—especially when one considers that the quote comes from a Lutheran minister—is the theological implication. The definition of grace includes the concept of “free,” because grace cannot be bought. Theologically, therefore, the notion that something that is free must be valueless is dead wrong; and I would add that, in my view, the notion is equally wrong when it is transferred to the sphere of sexuality, because that is an intimate sphere where human beings are closest to God.

Sexuality that is not free is traditionally known as prostitution. It’s odd that some of those who purport to value love and marriage the most see things in these terms.