Nassau, Bahamas – A recent sermon delivered by Pastor Jennis has stirred significant controversy and sparked a fervent debate on the issue of marital rape and the interpretation of religious scriptures. The sermon, delivered to a packed congregation, addressed the troubling issue of husbands forcing themselves on their wives, a practice Pastor Jennis vehemently condemned as both un-Christian and inhumane.
Pastor Jennis began his sermon by questioning the moral and spiritual justifications that some men use to exert control over their wives, invoking the name of God to rationalize their actions. He cited instances where religious leaders, such as the infamous Jim Jones, manipulated scripture to exploit and control their followers. “Jim Jones used the Bible to justify his actions, leading his followers to tragic ends,” he warned, drawing parallels to modern-day misinterpretations of religious texts.
The pastor recounted a recent visit to the Bahamas where a question from a member of the choir highlighted the prevalence of marital rape in the region. “Even politicians and churches here say it’s impossible for a husband to rape his wife because she is his,” he recounted. Pastor Jennis vehemently opposed this notion, defining rape as “force entry against one’s will” and stating that any form of non-consensual sex, even within marriage, is a violation of Christian principles.
Throughout his sermon, Pastor Jennis cited various biblical scriptures, particularly focusing on 1 Corinthians 7 and Ephesians 5:25, which emphasize mutual respect and love between husbands and wives. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,” he quoted, arguing that Christ’s love is self-sacrificial and never forceful. He criticized preachers who use these scriptures to justify marital rape, calling them “mad men” and “pull pit dogs.”
He also addressed the potential consequences of such teachings, particularly in scenarios where a wife might be ill or separated from her husband. “What if the woman is frail or sick?” he questioned. “What if she’s separated from her husband, and he believes he has the right to ‘take what’s his’?” He condemned such actions as violent and un-Christian, urging congregants to protect and respect their spouses.
The sermon did not shy away from explicit and graphic examples, which Pastor Jennis used to illustrate the severity and reality of the issue. He described the physical and emotional trauma that victims of marital rape endure, challenging religious leaders who defend the practice to reconsider their stance. “No man ever yet hated his own flesh,” he quoted, emphasizing that true love and respect do not include violence or coercion.
Pastor Jennis’s bold and unfiltered approach has drawn mixed reactions. While some have praised his willingness to tackle a taboo subject and protect vulnerable women, others have criticized his graphic language and confrontational style. Nevertheless, the sermon has undoubtedly ignited a necessary conversation about the intersection of religion, marriage, and consent.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Jennis called on all churches and religious leaders to denounce marital rape unequivocally. “Any of you women watching me and being raped by your husband, or if you go to a church that justifies it, leave that church right now,” he urged. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the flock, stating, “The job of the preacher is to protect the people of God in every way.”
As the debate continues, Pastor Jennis’s sermon serves as a stark reminder of the power and responsibility religious leaders hold in shaping societal norms and protecting the vulnerable.
WATCH FULL VIDEO BELOW:
