how do you view marriage/wedding?

[Edward]

You've been very, very pushy about this, particularly in that previous thread, which I do not appreciate. It's fine to not understand, but please do not dictate to me what my own experiences are.

Asexuality is actually supported in the Bible, Matthew 19:12 NIV
For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.
The "choose to live like eunuchs" verse would be the people mentioned above who either repress sexual desires or simply choose never to act on them. The whole "choose to live like eunuchs" thing leads me to believe the verse includes not only people who physically cannot have sexual relations, but those who do not wish to or who lack the natural drive to do so.

Most people do have sexual desires, and yes that is how we were originally designed. But people were also designed to have eyesight, and yet we have people who are blind. My lack of sexuality does not negate anyone elses' presence of sexuality.

Sister, please forgive me. I mean no harm but only seek to understand that which has been previously beyond my scope. But the greek word Enuch is a masculine noun and speaks of castration mostly in the blue letter bible concordance.

G2135 - eunouchos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv)

G2135 - εὐνοῦχος eunoûchos, yoo-noo'-khos; from εὐνή eunḗ (a bed) and ; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):—eunuch.

www.blueletterbible.org

The definition of eunuch in Greek is: εὐνοῦχος eunoûchos, yoo-noo'-khos; from εὐνή eunḗ (a bed) and G2192; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):—eunuch.../

And so I wondered how can this be with a Female such as yourself? You have not convinced me that anyone has zero sex drive. I just wondered. It does pique my curiosity because, I actually have a lady friend in real life here locally, who is celibate herself, and she is also a Sister in Christ.

So I can fathom that there is something to this stuff of which you speak, because it is elsewhere in the world also. I certainly can't deny that! The only thing is...boy oh boy do you two Sisters talk differently and have different perspectives. I understand my celibate lady friend and very much respect her decision to be celibate. But honestly, she has Jesus on her lips. She walks the walk. She talks the talk. Jesus is on her vocal chords every day! And I'm not sure that I've ever heard you talk about our Lord. That's strange to me both of you Sisters have chosen to be celibate for the Lord. (that is right isn't it?)

 

[evenifigoalone]

Sister, please forgive me. I mean no harm but only seek to understand that which has been previously beyond my scope. But the greek word Enuch is a masculine noun and speaks of castration mostly in the blue letter bible concordance.

G2135 - eunouchos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv)

G2135 - εὐνοῦχος eunoûchos, yoo-noo'-khos; from εὐνή eunḗ (a bed) and ; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):—eunuch.

www.blueletterbible.org

The definition of eunuch in Greek is: εὐνοῦχος eunoûchos, yoo-noo'-khos; from εὐνή eunḗ (a bed) and G2192; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):—eunuch.../

And so I wondered how can this be with a Female such as yourself? You have not convinced me that anyone has zero sex drive. I just wondered. It does pique my curiosity because, I actually have a lady friend in real life here locally, who is celibate herself, and she is also a Sister in Christ.

So I can fathom that there is something to this stuff of which you speak, because it is elsewhere in the world also. I certainly can't deny that! The only thing is...boy oh boy do you two Sisters talk differently and have different perspectives. I understand my celibate lady friend and very much respect her decision to be celibate. But honestly, she has Jesus on her lips. She walks the walk. She talks the talk. Jesus is on her vocal chords every day! And I'm not sure that I've ever heard you talk about our Lord. That's strange to me both of you Sisters have chosen to be celibate for the Lord. (that is right isn't it?)

I know what it technically means, but the verse talks as if it's being used in-verse for a broader meaning.
Regardless, I don't think I really need to "convince" you. Believe asexuality exists in a small portion of the population, or don't. I don't care very much so long as you don't make a big deal out of it.

I've chosen not to act on my romantic attachments because I know that they would be sinful since they are directed towards the same sex. So yes, I am abstaining from romantic relationships. I have no sexual desires to abstain from. I understand that might be confusing, and I get it. But people exist who are married and consider themselves to be in love with each other, but who do not have sexual relations by choice. It's a thing. What would you call a couple who is married, considers themselves to be in love, but by mutual preference choose not to have sex, if not asexual?

Anyways.... Christian celibates, Christian asexuals, whatever you want to call us, are not hiveminds. We're not all going to think and feel the same. So far as my faith.... that's something only God truly knows. I've talked about God on here plenty.

 

[JLB]

I know what it technically means, but the verse talks as if it's being used in-verse for a broader meaning.
Regardless, I don't think I really need to "convince" you. Believe asexuality exists in a small portion of the population, or don't. I don't care very much so long as you don't make a big deal out of it.

I've chosen not to act on my romantic attachments because I know that they would be sinful since they are directed towards the same sex. So yes, I am abstaining from romantic relationships. I have no sexual desires to abstain from. I understand that might be confusing, and I get it. But people exist who are married and consider themselves to be in love with each other, but who do not have sexual relations by choice. It's a thing. What would you call a couple who is married, considers themselves to be in love, but by mutual preference choose not to have sex, if not asexual?

Anyways.... Christian celibates, Christian asexuals, whatever you want to call us, are not hiveminds. We're not all going to think and feel the same. So far as my faith.... that's something only God truly knows. I've talked about God on here plenty.

...there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.


This speaks of giving oneself in complete service to God's kingdom, rather than be burdened with the affairs of marriage and family.

What do you believe God has called you to do in ministry that overshadows the need to forsake marriage and family.




JLB

 

[evenifigoalone]

...there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.


This speaks of giving oneself in complete service to God's kingdom, rather than be burdened with the affairs of marriage and family.

What do you believe God has called you to do in ministry that overshadows the need to forsake marriage and family.




JLB

Yeah, sorry, but I don't need some grand calling to be "excused" from starting a family. "Be fruitful and multiple" is not a command that was given for all humanity of all time. It is enough not to be interested in it.

Right now I'm not doing a lot since I'm working most of the time, but when I have time I am very active in my church and have helped with various ministries there.

 

[D-D-W]

What would you call a couple who is married, considers themselves to be in love, but by mutual preference choose not to have sex, if not asexual?

I would call them violating several scriptures; not the least of which is 1 Cor 7.
Sexual intercourse is commanded in scripture between marrieds.

1 Cor 7:5
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Interestingly, this topic was discussed by the great Jewish sages of the first century bc: rabbis Hillel and Shammai. (Paul's mentor was Hillel's grandson) How long should a couple abstain for prayer? Hillel said no more than one week. Shammai said no more than 2 weeks. And that was the underlying understanding of all the apostles.

 

[D-D-W]

"Be fruitful and multiple" is not a command that was given for all humanity of all time.

Rabbi Hillel said a couple (if possible) should have at least 2 children. Shammai said you keep going until you have at least one boy and one girl.

They both considered that command to be taken seriously by every married couple.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I would call them violating several scriptures; not the least of which is 1 Cor 7.
Sexual intercourse is commanded in scripture between marrieds.

1 Cor 7:5
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Interestingly, this topic was discussed by the great Jewish sages of the first century bc: rabbis Hillel and Shammai. (Paul's mentor was Hillel's grandson) How long should a couple abstain for prayer? Hillel said no more than one week. Shammai said no more than 2 weeks. And that was the underlying understanding of all the apostles.

I don't see it that way, but I think arguing would kinda derail the thread.
Though I will say that the scripture quoted is coming specifically from the perspective of a couple where one or both has a sex drive, hence the language used ("deprive"). The act of sex for the sake of sex isn't the goal, the goal of the command is to meet each other's needs.
No sex drive on either end, no problem.

So far as Jewish commentary, it is useful for learning context and such (kinda necessary, actually), but I wouldn't say it's above reproach or always correct.

 

[D-D-W]

So far as Jewish commentary, it is useful for learning context and such (kinda necessary, actually), but I wouldn't say it's above reproach or always correct.

It is a good thing to realize where the apostles were coming from and where they (listeners) all were at as our Lord taught His truth.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Rabbi Hillel said a couple (if possible) should have at least 2 children. Shammai said you keep going until you have at least one boy and one girl.

They both considered that command to be taken seriously by every married couple.

They are not God or the Bible so I don't really care what they think. Doesn't apply to me anyways since I'm never going to marry.

 

[evenifigoalone]

It is a good thing to realize where the apostles were coming from and where they (listeners) all were at as our Lord taught His truth.

I agree, actually, but their commentary should align with the canon of scripture. Where there is no scripture to back it up it's more of an opinion.

 

[Edward]

I know what it technically means, but the verse talks as if it's being used in-verse for a broader meaning.
Regardless, I don't think I really need to "convince" you. Believe asexuality exists in a small portion of the population, or don't. I don't care very much so long as you don't make a big deal out of it.

I've chosen not to act on my romantic attachments because I know that they would be sinful since they are directed towards the same sex. So yes, I am abstaining from romantic relationships. I have no sexual desires to abstain from. I understand that might be confusing, and I get it. But people exist who are married and consider themselves to be in love with each other, but who do not have sexual relations by choice. It's a thing. What would you call a couple who is married, considers themselves to be in love, but by mutual preference choose not to have sex, if not asexual?

Anyways.... Christian celibates, Christian asexuals, whatever you want to call us, are not hiveminds. We're not all going to think and feel the same. So far as my faith.... that's something only God truly knows. I've talked about God on here plenty.

I know that you're not a hive mind. But of course! Why ask any questions at all if I did think that? I could have looked it up then, lol. But you are not hive minded and so I spoke and asked questions. So why do you keep playing the victim card by making it offense to you? We're both on the same side! Stop it.


What would I call a married couple in love who chose to go without sex by mutual agreement?
Well, it depends why they came to the agreement. Is it to better serve God? Or is it for a different reason?

Cuz if it was for to better serve the Kingdom of God through prayer and fasting, I would have to call them...in a season of prayer and fasting and such between them is not my business. If it was for a different reason than that, I'd have to hear the reason or else I would be guessing!

May I ask you, for what reason you have chosen to pick up this cross of celibacy unto the Lord? You must have thought about it. I'm not sure I ever heard you say why? Bad memory too, sorry. Just askin'.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I know that you're not a hive mind. But of course! Why ask any questions at all if I did think that? I could have looked it up then, lol. But you are not hive minded and so I spoke and asked questions. So why do you keep playing the victim card by making it offense to you? We're both on the same side! Stop it.


What would I call a married couple in love who chose to go without sex by mutual agreement?
Well, it depends why they came to the agreement. Is it to better serve God? Or is it for a different reason?

Cuz if it was for to better serve the Kingdom of God through prayer and fasting, I would have to call them...in a season of prayer and fasting and such between them is not my business. If it was for a different reason than that, I'd have to hear the reason or else I would be guessing!

May I ask you, for what reason you have chosen to pick up this cross of celibacy unto the Lord? You must have thought about it. I'm not sure I ever heard you say why? Bad memory too, sorry. Just askin'.

I didn't. I just don't want to have sex, period. It's no sacrifice if I don't want it in the first place.

 

[evenifigoalone]

And I'm about to go into an appointment, so I'll be gone for a bit, then I have work. But the reason I'm getting agitated is because you're trying to tell me what my experiences are and I don't appreciate it

 

[Edward]

I didn't. I just don't want to have sex, period. It's no sacrifice if I don't want it in the first place.

I'm sorry but you just sound slightly mixed up to me. Am I to assume that I am now correct in that, this is no big unto God thing that you do at all then, right? No sacrifice there, so not unto God...just something that you're doing on your own? Just don't want to have sex? Right?

 

[D-D-W]

I agree, actually, but their commentary should align with the canon of scripture. Where there is no scripture to back it up it's more of an opinion.

True in one sense. But in another sense, when our Lord DISAGREED with rabbinic opinion, He was very vocal about saying so. That is the crux of the Sermon on the Mount. That He was talking about rabbinic interpretation is clear due to His use of "you have heard it said..." rather than "It is written." He goes on to say "but I tell you ..."

On this topic, (and marriage was discussed many times in the gospels) He never said a single word against this rabbinic opinion.

 

[Edward]

And I'm about to go into an appointment, so I'll be gone for a bit, then I have work. But the reason I'm getting agitated is because you're trying to tell me what my experiences are and I don't appreciate it

Now I know why you sound mixed up to me just a wee bit. Because anything that is not done in faith is sin. That Romans 14:23


But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.../(NKJV)

So my understanding is no sacrife, no faith...this is not something that God led you into, or you would have said so. Sometimes when can sin accidently and perhaps this is what troubled me about your posts. Sister you need to pray about this stuff just to make sure that you don't even accidently sin.

I speak with a good heart to you Sister.

 

[evenifigoalone]

True in one sense. But in another sense, when our Lord DISAGREED with rabbinic opinion, He was very vocal about saying so. That is the crux of the Sermon on the Mount. That He was talking about rabbinic interpretation is clear due to His use of "you have heard it said..." rather than "It is written." He goes on to say "but I tell you ..."

On this topic, (and marriage was discussed many times in the gospels) He never said a single word against this rabbinic opinion.

That seems a poor argument to me. Omission is not evidence

 

[evenifigoalone]

Now I know why you sound mixed up to me just a wee bit. Because anything that is not done in faith is sin. That Romans 14:23


But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.../(NKJV)

So my understanding is no sacrife, no faith...this is not something that God led you into, or you would have said so. Sometimes when can sin accidently and perhaps this is what troubled me about your posts. Sister you need to pray about this stuff just to make sure that you don't even accidently sin.

I speak with a good heart to you Sister.

Ed, I'm not asking for advice. Stop it.
You can approve or disapprove of my lack of interest in sex. I don't care. But don't try to keep drilling it in when I've asked you to stop multiple times. Cease and desist. I'm done trying to talk it through with you. It's clear that's not going anywhere productive.

 

[Prycejosh1987]

If a person can get married they should, because its beautiful when two become one in very sense apart from literally.

 

[ZunduLord]

Even though my response is a bit belated, I wanted to say that views on marriage and weddings can vary a lot, but it's all about personal preferences and cultural backgrounds. In most places, marriage is totally allowed. For me, a wedding and marriage are all about celebrating the incredible bond of love and the desire to share life with someone truly special. I'm thrilled to say that I've found that person, and we're planning our dream wedding together! Right now, I can't wait for this significant day and to embark on this beautiful journey with my partner!