Who Would Jesus Marry?
Posted on October 19th, 2006 by catalyst into the Uncategorized categoryDon’t let a lack of physical attraction deter you from getting married, says Scott Craft in his recent Boundless article Brother, You’re like a Six.
According to Craft, Christians need to use Biblical attraction in order to find a mate, not physical attraction. And to help, he offers the following definitions of Biblical Attraction:
- Is your potential spouse clearly a believer in Jesus?
- Does he/she exhibit the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
- Does he/she show clear regard and care for others?
- Women, is this a man you respect? Could you envision yourself submitting to and following him over the course of your lives together?
- Will he serve you above himself and encourage your spiritual growth, as he is called?
- Is he growing in the characteristics of biblical manhood?
- Is she growing in the characteristics of biblical womanhood and what the Bible calls "true beauty"?
Craft concludes:
As you seek someone with whom to serve God in marriage, build on something more than what might make for a few fun dates or an impressive "catch" in the world's eyes.
And you know, this is a pretty good list. (with the exception of the submission part, what is this, the 1950’s?) But it leaves out one very important element of the marriage union: SEX. If you've read Song of Solomon, you know sex is an important part of marriage. And you are not going to have sex with someone with whom you aren’t attracted, even if they meet the “Biblical Standard”.
What's important is whether they meet Your Standard. And hopefully, your standard includes love, patience and support, or else you're in for a long marriage.
I think my buddy Sean sums it up best with this quote:
You're not perfect sport, and let me save you the suspense, this girl you've met she's not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other.
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October 19th, 2006 at 8:26 am
I liked this part of Craft’s article:
As a gay man, I’m always amazed how straight men who make no effort to look good, demand great looking women. It seems Craft recognizes this hypocrisy too.
Yikes! Do conservative Christian women still believe in this? What about the Biblical doctrine that women should keep their heads covered and mouths shut when in church? The growing number of female church leaders seem to have found some way to work around this.
October 19th, 2006 at 8:39 am
You’re right, calling that guy a six, was a funny part of the article. And Craft gets props for telling the guy like it is.
And good points on the “mouths shut” scripture. When I was at a Christian High School, everyday one of us had to pick a scripture read it to the class, and then talk about it. My friend Jason picked 1 Corinthians 14:34:
“women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.”
Our teacher who was a female got angry and told him he was being sexist and that it was just a community standard, and didn’t apply anymore. I agreed with our teacher, but it was an awfully convenient interpretation of the scripture.
I hope as a gay guy, you interpret scripture that oppose homosexuality as merely a long ago community standard and something that no longer applies today. At least that’s how I interpret those scriptures.
October 19th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Is there a hint of Jonah pushing out here?
October 19th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Naw. It’s just funny that he only used certain verses to support his claim.
It’s a big Bible, but you wouldn’t know that by listening to most pastors.
October 19th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
Oooh, that’s a big Bible, such a big Bible. You’re a good Bible, aren’t you.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:59 am
If you've got a little free time. Check out this Grizzly Man video. http://www.travisandjonathan.com/GrizzlyBearMan.html
October 20th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
That was far more entertaining than Judah’s message. Thanks Justin!
Sam