In today’s culture, conversations about sexuality often dominate headlines, entertainment, and even casual discussions. From television shows to social media, the narrative is clear: romance and sex are the ultimate markers of fulfillment. Yet, in the midst of this obsession, another conversation has been gaining momentum—the rise of asexual and aromantic identities. For Christians, this development presents both a challenge and an opportunity: a challenge to think carefully about identity in light of Scripture, and an opportunity to reflect on God’s design for intimacy, love, and human purpose.
Understanding Asexuality and Aromanticism
Asexuality, often abbreviated as “ace,” refers to people who experience little to no sexual attraction. Aromanticism, or “aro,” describes those who feel little to no romantic attraction. While these experiences vary in degree and expression, both groups challenge society’s assumption that sexual and romantic relationships are universal and essential for happiness.
In a world that places extraordinary value on sexual expression, those who identify as ace or aro may often feel alienated, misunderstood, or pressured into conforming to expectations that don’t align with their lived reality. Christians, too, must take care not to dismiss or stigmatize such individuals, but rather to listen with compassion and point to the richness of life in Christ.
The World’s Idol of Sex
It is no secret that our culture has made a god out of sex. The Apostle Paul warned in Romans 1:25 that humanity “worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” In today’s context, sex has become one of those created things, elevated above its God-given place.
From billboards to advertisements, from music to movies, the message is the same: sex equals freedom, sex equals identity, sex equals love. Yet Scripture reminds us that true freedom and identity come not from sexual expression, but from Christ. When intimacy becomes idolized, it distorts God’s plan for human flourishing.
Interestingly, the rise of asexual and aromantic identities pushes back against this cultural idol. While some embrace these labels apart from any faith context, Christians can recognize that not being consumed by sexual desire is not a defect but can actually reflect the biblical call to contentment in Christ.
Singleness, Celibacy, and the Call of Christ
In many ways, asexual and aromantic people highlight something the church has often neglected: the sacred value of singleness and celibacy. Jesus Himself lived a celibate life, showing that intimacy with God surpasses any earthly relationship. The Apostle Paul also spoke of singleness as a gift, saying in 1 Corinthians 7:7, “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”
For too long, churches have sometimes placed marriage on a pedestal, unintentionally communicating that unmarried Christians are incomplete. But the gospel teaches otherwise. Fulfillment is not found in romance or sex but in abiding in Christ. Those who identify as ace or aro may remind us of this truth, whether they themselves are believers or not.
Pastoral Care and Compassion
For Christians engaging with friends, family members, or fellow church members who identify as asexual or aromantic, the first call is love. James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Listening to someone’s story with genuine compassion reflects Christ’s love.
Pastoral care must avoid two extremes: on one hand, treating ace and aro individuals as “broken” because they don’t conform to cultural expectations of attraction; and on the other hand, affirming secular worldviews that disconnect identity from God’s design. Instead, the church is called to gently guide people to see their worth in Christ, regardless of how they experience attraction.
It is also important to avoid equating “ace” or “aro” with holiness in themselves. While a lack of sexual or romantic attraction may mean fewer temptations in certain areas, every human being—regardless of orientation—needs redemption through Christ. The call of the gospel is universal: to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
A Prophetic Witness in a Sex-Obsessed World
The church today has a unique opportunity to speak prophetically to a culture drowning in sexual idolatry. The rise of asexuality and aromanticism is a reminder that not everyone fits the narrative the world insists upon. Instead of forcing people into molds, Christians can proclaim the freedom of Christ, who says in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
A full life is not dependent on sexual fulfillment or romantic love. It is dependent on being rooted in God’s love. This truth liberates both the married and the unmarried, the ace and the allo (those who do experience attraction), reminding us that our truest identity is not in labels but in being children of God.
Conclusion
In a sex-obsessed world, the rise of asexual and aromantic identities invites Christians to pause and re-examine what truly defines us. While culture insists that romance and sex are the highest goods, the gospel declares that Christ is enough.
For the church, this means honoring the dignity of every person, whether married or single, sexual or asexual, romantic or aromantic, while pointing them to the eternal love of God. In doing so, Christians offer not judgment, but the hope of a greater intimacy—the intimacy with the Creator who knows us fully, loves us perfectly, and calls us His own.
