Premarital sex
Originally posted by Jenyar
I'm not sure what you are promoting. How is 'sleeping with everybody you ever loved', not promiscuous. If you say it's in the intention, then why can't the Bible propose codes of conduct that regulates these intentions according to God's will?
Never would I promote illicit sex or promiscuity. However, the Bible condoned "premarital sex" calling it "being betrothed" before an actual "marriage ceremony" took place (i.e. Mary and Joseph). In most third world countries today, there is no rite of marriage. People choose whom they want and it is accepted by their community as a marriage. Marriage licenses/ceremonies were invented by men so they would have a public record of their "possessions"--their wife and any children who came forth after this event. Women were the first slaves, and we're still enslaved today.
Also, young teenagers having sexual relations risk not only STDs but can have severe emotional damage resulting from premarital sex. As I've said before, when a relationship doesn't work out, you're either with the WRONG PERSON or you're with a person for the WRONG REASON. If one would take the time to figure this out, sex wouldn't necessarily be a problem of promiscuity. Who would want to have sex with everyone they met? There is no way a human being could be that attracted to everyone they meet.
Instinctively, men have been given the genetic desire to procreate as often as possible. This was to ensure evolution. Women, on the other hand, can only procreate once every nine months. So women have a different genetic objective in procreation. While cavewomen were gestating, cavemen were out procreating all over the place. Well, we survived, didn't we?
I don't consider myself to be liberated--maybe just enlightened. As a young girl, I was afraid of the stigma of having sex, afraid I would be shamed at school, and worst of all, afraid of disappointing my parents (who would have killed me anyway). As a mother, I understood the perils of sex that my daughters, and son, would face as teenagers, and certainly tried to counsel them wisely. As a woman alone, I too faced sexual challenges and consequences. And as a grandmother, I face the same fears I had with my daughters--that they would make healthy and safe decisions regarding their bodies. Now the stigma of premarital sex has faded. In my day, my parents would have disowned me. I my daughters' day, I would have been more understanding. Now in the day of my grandchildren, I am more accepting. I guess it all comes with maturity.
In any event, sexual relations will go on until such time as the human being no longer requires procreation. Sex is a God-given need. When it is done in love and compassion for oneself and the other person (whatever their genders may be), then it is good and healthy, and it builds the spirit of God in one's temple.
By the way, have you ever read the Songs of Solomon? Some of that poetry was sexually stimulating. I'm sure even in Biblical days, those folks partook of sexual delights and weren't struck down for it! If it's God-given, it can't be bad. So lighten up all you prudes out there--learn to love yourselves and share your bodies with your loving partner!