We've spend a fair bit of time discussing the Bible this term without even really meaning to. In particular, without even meaning to; we've looked at what we can take from the Bible and put into our lives... and what confuses us.
I think back to our blog about marriage and the role of husbands and wives... and I think to other conversations we've had (not necessarily as a whole class) on whether homosexuality and sex outside of the context of marriage is ok these days.
And you (10.3) got me thinking a bit. Surely; the world has changed enough that we can simply agree that you can interpret the Bible in a number of different ways. So when you read the story of 'King David and Bathsheba (David committing adultery with Bathsheba after she was bathing... presumably naked... on the rooftop outside his window), and see David get punished for adultery; we should read that as a good moral story, but not necessarily as a guide as to how to live.
After all; as you have told me over and over again, marriage is an institution that is doomed to fail. It makes SENSE, to move in with your partner, have sex, check it out, before committing. And anyway, marriage is just a piece of paper.
Then I found this passage in the Bible:
1 Corinthians 6:13 -
The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."[b] 17But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
This passage says, in ridiculously clear terms, to flee from sexual immorality. Flee from homosexuality, sex outside the context of marriage... and all that other stuff which I don't need to mention here.
Ok yeah whatever. Heard it all before. Boring. What's your point?
My point is this... (something for you to ponder over the break).
If you say you're a Christian; and you believe in what the Bible says... how do you read the passage of scripture above.
Is it really as clear as it looks? Or is there more to it?
Is it as simple as following what the Bible says?
Enjoy your holidays.
Mansfield
i reckon the bible could do without all the 'homosexuals are sinners' aspect. most of my best friends are gay, and at least half are christians.
ReplyDeleteI fully support my friend's decisions to save sex for marriage because thats their faith guiding that decision.
However, im not going to support the homophobist attitudes. But I like to make efforts to avoid conflict so I usually stand by while they preach.
:)
I think that's pretty clear. I agree that homosexuality and sex before marrige are wrong. For me, I don't find it hard to keep myself sexually pure. I know a lot of teens struggle with it, but sex is just something I don't think about doing. I KNOW I don't want a child when I'm 14, and I know I don't even want to risk it. The Bible's "instructions" are wise and they are also there to protect you. Cause' honestly, what kind of teenage guy will stick by his girlfriend when she tells him she's pregnant? None. It's all a matter of safety and common sense kids. Find better things to do with your time (:
ReplyDelete-Beck.
i dont believe you should have sex before marraige, but i also think that other than the fact the homsexuals dont follow the bibles rules that man was created for woman. there is nothing wrong with. so is it really that wrong? they are completely nice people. nothing overlly sinful.
ReplyDeletei agree with tina
ReplyDeletemost homosexuals could ba nice person and follow the bible except man sex before marrage is wrong. those who have tried should regret it or ask forgiveness. those who are christians and are gay should try to give up being gay.
it is usually what they want to do as long as they try to devote their life to God
just a fun fact, one of the men who helped come up with 'planet shakers' was gay.
ReplyDeleteits true, i read a book on it.
The thing to think about though team, is that you can't believe in God and yet 'get rid' of the bits in the Bible that you don't like.
ReplyDeleteRight?
Mansfield