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AbdicatedReign wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
Also, and perhaps the most important point, is that no one is perfect, and anyone who lives with a spiritual faith at the core of their being acknowledges and respects that. Being a devout Christian and having a child out of wedlock aren't mutually exclusive. This says nothing either way about the man's faith. New life is a gift, simple as that.
Liqourish wrote:There is no Christian sect that looks at premarital sex as anything but a sin. Respecting the sinner is another matter all together. I'm not one to condemn anyones actions, but to claim what he did, as a christian, was not a sin, is a falsehood through and through.
AbdicatedReign wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
No, your statement is incorrect. There are, in fact, Christian denominations that actually respect an individual's relationship with their faith and their ability to critically approach Scripture to make an informed decision. Granted, most cling tightly to the traditional norms and make the situation black and white, but not all. This is an excerpt from the American Baptist Policy Statement on Family Life:
"We affirm that for Christian disciples choices about singleness, marriage, parenthood, and living in covenantal, intentional family arrangements are to be made soberly, with prayer, and as integral parts of the Christian's response to God's call in Jesus Christ. We affirm the competence of the individual soul to determine God's will in such matters through the reading and interpreting of Scripture, through dialogue with God, by considering the teaching and counsel of the Christian community, and by seeking and testing the wisdom of sisters and brothers in Christ."
The point is, despite what the current Christian traditions (informed more by society than Scripture) would have one believe, when and with who one has sex with is a personal choice to be made after much reflection and prayer, not one mandated in clear and incorruptible commands.
AbdicatedReign wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
You're painting with rather broad brush strokes. There are many Christian denominations that don't specifically state premarital sex as a sin, but rather leave it up to the individual in their personal faith to make the decision after consulting with various sources. And speaking from a biblical standpoint, there is very little to nothing in the text that actually condemns premarital sex. Adultery, lust and promiscuity are all specifically addressed, but premarital sex is only warned against, with suggestions that there are better ways.
Also, and perhaps the most important point, is that no one is perfect, and anyone who lives with a spiritual faith at the core of their being acknowledges and respects that. Being a devout Christian and having a child out of wedlock aren't mutually exclusive. This says nothing either way about the man's faith. New life is a gift, simple as that.
"She's doing great," Juanita Reed said Friday. "Royce and Dwight are very happy. They are very good friends. How close they are, well, you'd have to talk to them. I'm just the grandma. It was not something that was planned. It was a beautiful surprise, though."
