The Seventh Commandment: part 2

Article in question: "Would you only marry a Virgin?" (Please scroll down and read article first so this all makes sense. )

I watched the two videos connected with the article... and it appears that Darrin is challenging the view that the church has, on promoting virginity purity before marriage. He believes it could be a dangerous 'bill of goods'.

In the first Video, Derrin comments on how the church creates an atmosphere for young adults to be MORE tempted to have sex before marriage, by encouraging them to pursue careers and put off marriage.  He argues that this is only increasing the temptation. (2:00) I wonder, is he saying the church is to blame for the mistakes of the people? Also, he comments on how the church does not support young couples, saying "they only married for the sex." In which my first thought is, "Well duh." Lol. 

But i believe that saying the church does not support young couples is isolated to his opinion. I know plenty of churches who I have the impression that they would stand beside and support all couples no matter their age. I believe this is a generalization on his part.

My conclusion about this video is he is presenting a controversial topic to get people riled up. He wants the attention. Way to go Rob Bell. 

In the second Video, I understand the story of redemptive framework that he is promoting. Frankly a lot of what he is says is just a lot of assumptions that are really not worth my time to correct. So here's a few main points:

2:13 He expresses that the central tenet of the gospel has become wether or not a person is a virgin. Again, an assumption. Someone who has been called by God and accepted Christ is a new creation, God does not look at that person's past sins and neither should we. On a personal note, I have dated people who were not virgins and although it does cause me to pause and consider the type of person they may be based on their past decisions, it is not a deal-breaker for me. But consider this: I Cor. 6:18:

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

Just saying. 

7:43 Again, a central point that Darrin makes is that we live in a sex saturated culture and that the church is unforgiving. 

"Call me naïve or foolish or liberal, but I am truly convicted that the Church is preaching a message about purity that is both impractical and unforgiving. The culture disdains marriage and puts it off so that people might remain in a state of advanced adolescence for as long as possible, especially men."

Well, yes, we have a lot of those people. But doesn't mean that you and I can't be the exception. We should strive to spur each other on in purity but also we do need to accept people who have fallen into temptation and who want to continue to strive to do the right thing and live a life honoring to God. 

In the article he also says "All spiritual platitudes aside, does it work in the real world? Can I tell my daughter, “Stay a virgin until marriage,” and have any hope of that being a possibility for her without it being the strangest anomaly known to man?"

Seventh Commandment: You shall not commit Adultery. (this includes adultery against your future spouse)

I vote, let's keep the standards up. I'm not about to let the culture begin to permeate my life like Sauron's army sweeping across the plains. If you believe that there 'is some good in this world and it's worth fighting for!' then keep up the good fight. 

If you are a virgin, good! Keep it up and fear God, love him above all and watch the situations you put yourself in. You will be stronger and a better person. The rewards are worth the effort! 

If you are not a virgin, and you are a believer... know that God has forgiven you! And so should the church, but if they don't...  remember that the church is not perfect. Lean on God's words for support.

I kinda feel like I rambled on and on there... and i think this blog is unraveling anyhow. Comment if your feeling like it. I'm outta here. ;)


Here's the links:

http://thechristianmanifesto.com/archives/4807#comments
part 1: http://vimeo.com/39347942
part 2: http://vimeo.com/39382528