Written Criticism – The Song of Songs and Sexual Implications

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains in this lecture that the Song of Songs should not be understood in a literal or physical sense, as some believe, but rather as a deeply symbolic book expressing the love between God and the human soul, or between Christ and the Church.
He points out that certain expressions which seem strange or illogical when taken literally—such as “your hair is like a flock of goats” or “awesome as an army with banners”—actually reveal the spiritual symbolism of divine love, not human affection.
The Pope criticizes those who attack the book because they fail to understand the symbolic method of interpretation. Even denominations that removed other books from the Bible never removed this one, proving its spiritual value.
He emphasizes that the text’s meaning cannot be reduced to a physical or sensual level, but should be seen as describing pure, divine love that lifts the soul into spiritual communion with God.
Finally, His Holiness promises to publish a book explaining this scripture in depth, to reveal its spiritual meaning and beauty to all believers.

Main Message:
The Song of Songs is a hymn of divine love, symbolizing the relationship between Christ and His Church—not human love.

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