Quote:
Dan,

You are correct that Hebrew Scripture does not condemn IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS premarital relations. But does that matter?

As a believer in the Oral Law I accept what the Talmud teaches that when Scripture says "there shall not be a ZONAH among the children of Israel" it is referring to premarital relations. I am not concerned if some English Bible translates differently.

Second, even among evangelicals who do not believe in the Oral Law, they themselves believe the behavior is sinful and preach that way. It is then fair to ask why they are less successful in promoting PRACTICAL compliance.


I think it is clear that in that scripture, it is in the context of temple prostitution. I guess the fact that we differ on the oral law would bring us to a standstill on this matter. There are some verses that would make me ponder my belief on pre-marital sex, but the one you quoted is definitely not one of them.

The fact that evangelicals also preach against premarital sex is of little persuasion either. Every religion across the board has some personal denial among it's devoted followers, as personal restraint and sacrifice makes one feel more holy.

Also, most evangelicals believe in eternal torment, which isn't scriptural either, so I dont' agree with everything they say. The fact is, that similar to Judaism, most followers of Christianity can get lost in Church traditions that deviate from scripture. And it is easier for society for young ones not to have sex, so there would be motivation for church leaders to push it as well. Any father with a teenage daughter would want that taught in church whether it's true or not.

--Dan