Wednesday, August 01, 2007

is singleness a result of the fall?

8 comments:

byron smith said...

No - though being truly alone is.

-bw said...

It is a question that keeps cropping up.
I came across it again today in women's chaplaincy group when it was implied.

I struggle with the tension if I was to say that singleness is a result of the fall then how does that hold in light of the New Testament teachings that it is a good thing?

So I feel the tension and don't think that I want to say that it is a result of the fall. But then how to respond to the comment that singleness is not a good state to be in because of the doctrine of creation?

so many thoughts....

Mandy said...

Yes in the same way that imperfect marriage is.

Anonymous said...

Or what aspects of singleness is a result of the fall? (similar with Marriage - what aspects of marriage is a result of the fall?)

Mike

-bw said...

there are some aspects of singleness that are a result of the fall, like being widowed or divorced.

but the reason for me asking the question I am asking is that I wonder how Paul can write that he wishes the people were single like him if his being single is a result of the fall. If being single is inherently bad, ie something that is only present because we are in a fallen and sinful world, then I can't grapple with the fact that the Bible would teach that people should seek to be in that state.

JT said...

Hey Bec, Hope youre surviving ok with College and life. Maybe we could share a bottle of wine one day?...

Anonymous said...

Can singleness be a result of the fall but not inherently bad?

Just off the top of my head - clothing. A result of the fall. But not a bad thing. We are pretty much urged to wear clothing.

-bw said...

JT - given the topic of this post, that could almost be taken as an invitation of a date!! ;)

Mike - fair point, another thing for me to think about....
that's right, no answers just questions from me