Why does it matter if Mpoomy and Brenden want to talk about sex? Faith leaders on Sunday Sexy Love

It's a show celebrating black love in all it's forms. 

But when the first snippets of it were showed, all some could focus on were the 'religious' people who were suddenly talking about sex. 

What about staying on brand, fans asked? How could they talk about their sex lives on TV, some wondered. 

The new Mzansi Magic show, Sunday Sexy Love, is hosted by comedian Tumi Morake. On the show, the celebrity couple guests share their love stories, the good and the bad. Intimacy and sex are also topics that are discussed on show. 

Guests include Bontle and Priddy Ugly, Brendan and Mpoomy, Dj Tira and Gugu as well as Ntokozo Mbambo and Nqubeko Mbatha.

When South Africans saw the snippet, the main questions were about two couples who are known to be Christian, Brendan and Mpoomy and Ntokozo and Nqubeko. They just couldn't reconcile their public image with the show. But why do South Africans have issues with believers and sex? 

South Africans went as far as saying it was “off brand” for them to be on a show where they will talk about sex because they are Christian.

Others came to their defense saying they should be allowed to be on such a show like that because they are married and have sex and the fact that they are loud about their religion does not mean they cannot talk about sex.

What happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors, or does it? We ask some faith leaders. 

Read more | Five minutes with Tumi Morake on her new show Sunday Sexy Love

Pastor Sivuyile Paliso says sex is of God and it should be enjoyed in holy matrimony. He says society has no right to dictate to people who they should enjoy or spice up their marriage if they are two consenting adults. He says God created sex for procreation and enjoyment.

“There should be no prescription here. In fact, if people read their Bibles, they will see how explicit the book of Songs of Songs is when it comes to sex. Therefore, you cannot possibly expect brethren to not go all the way in their bedrooms. Let them swing from poles if they want to.

“At the end of the day, everything we do must be for the glory of God and if the husband and wife agree on something that works in their bedroom, let it be so. In fact, it should be encouraged for abazalwane to have healthy sexual lives with their spouses.”

He says Christians should be allowed to participate in shows like this, perhaps it will teach some people a thing or two about Godly marriages.

“It’s not like the couple will be showing or giving detailed step by step information of what they do in their bedrooms, but simply sharing some of the things they have learnt along the to keep their fires burning.”

Shaik Fadihl Emandien of the Muslim Judicial Council says historically, it has always been seen as taboo to talk about sex.

“Leaders in our community would say it is not a topic to be discussed in public, but rather a private thing between individuals.

“Whereas the Quran speaks about sex. Even prophet Mohammed himself speaks about sex. When we allow other people to talk to our children about love and sex, and we do not do it ourselves, we are doing then a great disservice,” he says.

He says the intimacy and sex are not only about baby making, but also to bring the couple closer to each other and for enjoyment.

“It is not wrong for people to hold religious leaders to a certain standard. It is normal to see and admire them as godly, but it is important to remember that they are also only human, just like you. They have desires, needs and fantasies. Religious people also have lives and they have different roles like being loving husbands and playful fathers."

Read more | Sex advice your parents, pals or LO teachers probably never gave you

Both religious leaders agree that believers can be full sexual being within the conditions given by each religion.

“The Bible says the only time couples cannot be sexually intimate is if one or both of them are fasting, at an agreed time. You can use fasting as an excuse, your spouse should know and agree beforehand,” says Pastor.

“There are no limits in your marital bed. The only time you cannot be intimate is during the holy month of Ramadan. And even then, it only during the daytime but at night you can. When the wife is menstruating, and anal sex is not allowed. Those are the only three exclusions in Islam. Otherwise everything else is up to each couple to discuss and decide for themselves from BDSM to oral sex, its all a personal choice,” says the Shaik.

Shaik Emandien and Pastor Paliso joke and say there is nothing wrong with playing a little Luther Vandross or Babyface for your spouse to spice things up.

“You have to set the mood,” says the Shaik. “And you can’t always be listening to church hymns,” adds Pastor Paliso.