There's something that's been on my mind for a while. I haven't said anything about it because I don't want this blog to come across as too negative about the Boundless website.
But I keep seeing their writers reference a particular Bible verse in a way I find questionable. Here's the passage in context:
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
-1st Thessalonians 4:3-7 (emphasis mine)
This is obviously a passage about sexual purity (I use it all the time when speaking to young people). But the writers at Boundless keep saying "defrauding" (vs. 6) can also refer to leading someone on or dating someone you have no intention of marrying.
Let me first make something clear: leading someone on is not Christ-like behavior. I've been the victim of this myself and I know how painful it can be.
I'll even take things a step further: I agree with the Boundless writers' assertion that you should make some kind of decision within a year of dating/courtship (either get married or break up).
But I'm troubled by their repeated use of "defrauding" (and referencing this passage) for anything other than sexual immorality. I don't see how Paul can be referring to anything else.
Why don't they just use the "golden rule" to make their point?
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. -Matthew 7:12Why am I bothered about this "defrauding" term when I agree with the end conclusion of the Boundless writers/editors? Well, I believe one of the most important ways to show reverence for God's word is to interpret it properly. We should not add things to the text that just aren't there, even when we have the best intentions.
4 comments:
Thank you for saying this. I always had an issue for the way this was presented, and I think I know why: Because of a lack of clear communication and saving face to begin with in terms of opposite sex relating in the Christian community, there has been a quick, knee-jerk pat answer response to the issues and problems that arise.
Men and women shouldn't be leading each other on; and if they discover that their inconsistent behavior/mixed messages are doing that, they should nip it in the bud and be respectfully honest. Doesn't mean that you should avoid not saying anything because of how it painful it might be, but painful clarity is much better than twisted emotions wrapped in ambivalent, ambigous communication.
I agree with you Kevin.
There are many a blogs that I have stopped following, just for the simple fact, it's either are you a Christian blog or not.
Many scriptures just taken out of contexts, not only that, but just confusing.
Meanwhile, I just took the "down with Boundless" route. I believe they ought to be taken down a peg or two.
This verse specifically talks about a different kind of defrauding in other translations and that is sleeping with another man's wife. It doesn't say anything about defrauding the wife or defrauding each other.
My guess is that Boundless is trying to help young people avoid hurt in relationships. This is, quite frankly, impossible.
Fascinating - I had heard about this so many times but took it at face value without looking it up. It is so important to look these things up!!
http://savvysinglechristian.blogspot.com/2012/01/hey-boundless-stop-defrauding-us.html
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