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Now obviously we are not supposed to completely cut ourselves off from non-believers, so the question is to what extent does this command carry?2 Corinthians 6:14 which says "14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?(ESV)."
Comments
Could someone answer this question?
'Unequally yoked with unbelievers' is not an exhortation to live a cult-like life associating only with fellow Christians (or, given the number of Christian denominations, only those in one's own Church!).
It has traditionally been read as advising against marriage to someone outside the Faith, and some would still see that as its primary meaning; the teaching of the Church on these matters is in line with that - although in its pastoral wisdom, the Church sees that some good may come of mixed marriages if it helps bring the partner to the Faith. As ever, the Church helps guide us to a fuller meaning than we would come to by the small light of our own illumination.
It is also good advice in terms of the people one is closest to; it is easier to live the Christian life with those who share the same vision; harder so to do when one is surrounded by those who do not. But it is not prescribing a kind of Coptic isolation zone. Or so it seems to me!
In Christ,
Anglian
I agree with John. I have always taken this verse to be a recommendation against marriage outside of the Church. While it is possible for the one in the Church to bring their spouse to the Church, it is equally likely (if not more likely) that the opposite will occur. Thus, there is a great risk associated with this sort of marriage; one that Paul does not consider worth taking.
[coptic]+ Iryny nem `hmot>[/coptic]
I agree with John. I have always taken this verse to be a recommendation against marriage outside of the Church. While it is possible for the one in the Church to bring their spouse to the Church, it is equally likely (if not more likely) that the opposite will occur. Thus, there is a great risk associated with this sort of marriage; one that Paul does not consider worth taking.
So, its only for marriage?
I totally agree anyway. There's no point in marrying someone who doesnt share your values. You'll end up arguing.
But this is ONLY for marriage? i honestly had the impression it was for anything.
It can (and is often) applied to marriage. Does it apply ONLY to marriage? Of course not. There are certain friendships which can be detrimental to a person's spiritual life, and thus should also be avoided. Don't be so absolute in your interpretations. It is a dangerous thing to use words such as 'only' and 'always', particularly when it comes to interpreting Scripture. Remember, read the Scripture in Spirit and Truth and not literally.
[coptic]+ Iryny nem `hmot>[/coptic]
It can (and is often) applied to marriage. Does it apply ONLY to marriage? Of course not. There are certain friendships which can be detrimental to a person's spiritual life, and thus should also be avoided. Don't be so absolute in your interpretations. It is a dangerous thing to use words such as 'only' and 'always', particularly when it comes to interpreting Scripture. Remember, read the Scripture in Spirit and Truth and not literally.
Haha... how can we not read scripture literally? We are meant to read it metaphorically??
Not all unbelievers are lawless; but i know many believers who are lawless - so should I stay away from them?
I know a priest who lied once. I couldnt believe it. I went to another priest and complained, and he said "NO! you should never say that". I then met, by accident, another priest, and he said "Yes, u are correct, he's a liar". HAHHAA
Who does Saint Paul wish me to stay away from!??
Κηφᾶς's advice is surely something with which we can all concur; there are some friendships and relationships we are better off not having or cultivating. We are, naturally, shocked if a fellow Christian falls short - especially a priest. But we are all sinners, so we should not be too shocked - but should seek to forgive them as we wish to be forgiven.
In Christ,
Anglian
John, you have hit the proverbial nail on the head. We often read the Scriptures and attempt to glean some sort of deeper meaning or inherent message which is sometimes just not there. That is why we must rely on those who have preceded us in explaining certain passages in the Bible. There is also a danger inherent in using absolutes as well. Using words such as 'only' and 'always' should rarely, if ever, be applied when attempting to explain the meaning of a particular verse or passage.
We are, as so often, at one here.
Moreover, what is being said here has an obvious application elsewhere on this site. There have been many interesting questions being posed on the basis of how we read scripture, and what they all helpfully show is how feeble the light of our own illumination is. We try so hard, but if we rely on ourselves alone then we shall assuredly fail, for only in Him and His Church is there true enlightenment.
Pope Shenouda's series of books on Many Years with the Questions of People are a brilliant example of how a truly illuminated mind brings light to us all, and I would recommend them to everyone who has any questions. I find them a never-ending source of comfort and enlightenment. His ability to bring together the fruits of his own ascetic life and his understanding of the scriptures and of human nature mark him out as one of the great Christian teachers of our, or any other age. Many years, many years!
In Christ,
Anglian