Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Manner of Speaking]

I guess I'll throw the question out there. I don't consider myself a Christian, or believe in any god for that matter, so for me there is no contradiction.

If your religion and formalized body of religious beliefs (i.e., the Bible) say that fornication and premarital sex is a sin, then are people who claim to profess Christianity, and yet engage in premarital sex, engaging in selective behavior (to say the least)?

[fiveeagles]

Those who confess to be Christians are those who believe in the grace of God. There are many people who know Jesus, but don't yet confess His name. These are people who are on the journey of finding the deepest levels of Love.

When we come to Christ, our journey for eternity begins in many aspects. However, it is a journey. It isn't instant soup. It is a process of enlightenment and freedom. It is like a mountain that we are climbing and many Christians are at different levels on the mountain. There are some who come, who cannot give certain sin. There are many reasons why they can't, but they can't. Maybe, they are still weakened by guilt or shame. However, God measures them not by their sin, but by their desire of being set free. For those who desire to be set free from sin, is what God finds happiness in.

For those Christians/non believers who desire to be set free from fornication is what God measures us by. Not by our success or failure, but by our desire. This is so important to note, because many people have the wrong understanding of God's emotions. Many believe He is either mad or either sad. He is neither, He is mainly happy.

It is like if you had a child. Your child may have certain behaviors you might disapprove of, but does that mean you will love your child any less? No, not at all. However, you will discipline your child so that he learns how to grow in maturity. The same is with God. I have attitudes and behaviors that God doesn't like. It doesn't mean He doesn't love me, it means I am a work still in process. And that means it might go on for eternity.

on the other hand, there are some who are in direct rebellion against God. Those who choose to sin against God will be in danger of going to Hell. Christian and non-believer.

The difference is immaturity and rebellion.

[kermo]

Short answer: Yes, probably.

Long answer: Yes, but. Being a sinner doesn't equal being a hypocrite. It's impossible to be perfect, and it's especially difficult to follow the rules when it runs contrary to the logic of the dominant culture. Take the Sabbath, for instance. It's one of the 10 Commandments, but very few people observe it. Most people don't consider it important, but they couldn't explain why-- it's just gone the way of the buffalo (insert sad music and various mournful environmental or aboriginal avatars used by Rapier.) I suspect that premarital sex is headed in the same direction, outside of conservative America.

I'm not saying that it's not a good idea-- I will and have argued for keeping sex (particularly the kind that could be procreative) in a marriage relationship. I do practise what I preach, despite the begging and the ridicule. I support and encourage friends who struggle to stay "pure" because they are Christians. To me, it's important as a symbol of lasting intimacy, and it also feels irresponsible to risk pregnancy with someone I wouldn't want to stay with or have a family with.

But but but. It's tough. In this culture, we tend to marry late, which calls for brutal patience. There are shades of gray. Thanks to Clinton, we are all aware of the debate over what should be defined as "sex". I will admit to stretching the definition to fit what seemed important at the time, and I would never describe myself as prudent, modest or pristine. I have kept the letter of the law, but not the spirit, so I'm probably as guilty as the next person (maybe more so!). I would rather someone choose premarital sex over a hasty and foolish marriage.

You ask good questions, MOS.

[Manner of Speaking]

Actually I should have phrased it as 'are Christians who practice premarital sex behaving hypocritally'. Sometimes the subject line limit can be limiting in more ways than one.

[Manner of Speaking]

[Gord]

[Manner of Speaking]

[Manner of Speaking]

In any case, wouldn't the act of having premarital sex itself be tatamount to telling others that premarital sex is ok?

After all, if you are having sex with a partner, you are, pretty much, telling that partner that premarital sex is ok.

[Summer Wine]

I think you answered your own question.

[Corporal]

[cionanian-cro]

Are Christians Who Practice Premarital Sex Hypocrites?

No more so than an alcoholic who wants to quit drinking yet can't help himself.

[magicwolfman]

[magicwolfman]

I believe yes, that they are hypocrates. We as Christians are suppose to be the "light of the world" (not perfect). If we proclaim to be Christians than we are proclaiming that we are made in the image of Christ and following the guidelines (rules) put forth in his Word (the Bible). If we engage in premarital sex we are breaking one of God's commandments and most definitely a hypocrate.

[Summer Wine]

[fiveeagles]