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From: rlr@pyuxn.UUCP (Rich Rosen)
Newsgroups: net.singles,net.religion
Subject: Re: Sex and Christianity
Message-ID: <982@pyuxn.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 14-Aug-84 16:36:32 EDT
Article-I.D.: pyuxn.982
Posted: Tue Aug 14 16:36:32 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 15-Aug-84 01:29:10 EDT
References: <3127@decwrl.UUCP>
Organization: Bellcore:  We were the CSO, we were the central staff
Lines: 42

> 	The whole chapter (1 Corinthians 7) really needs to be read to
> 	see what points Paul is trying to make. First, he makes it clear
> 	that he is stating his *own opinion* here, and not scripture or
> 	gospel "policy", as such.

Yet that's what the "policy" has become.

> 	And as to rlr's comments:
> 
> 	Paul's not just a "bachelor marriage counselor".
> 	Although he states personal views from time to time (as above),
> 	The *goal* of of Paul's writings is to teach his readers about
> 	the Will of God, what God wants for them, etc. (even in the example
> 	above). In doing this he reveals many good and valid principles
> 	(morals, etc.).

The goal of Paul's writings was to teach his readers about HIS IMPRESSIONS of
what the will of god was/is.  You happen to agree with his conclusions, but
that doesn't make it any closer to reality.  I stand by my statements:  Paul's
biases regarding many things, including sex and marriage, have permeated
western thought for thousands of years now.  What I consider bias, you
consider Paul's direct inspirations from god.  Why?  Because he said that they
were???

> 	Paul chose not to marry so he could devote himself more fully
> 	to God. I think this makes him a better, not worse,
> 	spokesman for revealing God's thoughts on the matter. 

See above.

> 	And so (ta da!) I doubt that the "sexuality of the western world" 
> 	would have been much affected, since the goals of Paul's letters 
> 	would have been the same.
	
Assuming Paul's "inspirations" were not altered by a different life
perspective.  You believe that Paul's views on things, including sexuality,
came from a deity.  I believe that Paul's views of things INFLUENCED what he
codified as his experiences with a deity.  I think that's a bit more
rational, but of course that's just my opinion.
-- 
"Now, Benson, I'm going to have to turn you into a dog for a while."
"Ohhhh, thank you, Master!!"			Rich Rosen    pyuxn!rlr