The singleness "issue"

Lydia Brownback's remarks are typical of those who do not realize that teachings to Christian singles are current undergoing reform.

Look at the progress that has taken place in the past year: both The Message and The New Living Translation are reviewing the use of the term "gift of singleness" in 1 Cor 7:7, a recent Boundless blog post by Ted Slater criticizing the "GoS" garnered over 200 mostly supportive responses in less than two weeks, Candice Watters' outspoken articles on that same blog spell out exactly what went wrong and what needs to change in our teachings to singles.

I hope that Lydia will take a second look at the issue, perhaps by checking out the Candice Watters link handily provided by you. She will see that there is a serious discussion taking place, one that can no longer be dismissed by saying "you're making marriage into an idol".

This is an important issue, yet its a tricky debate. Its tricky because many people have biases towards one answer or another, and are often very emotionally involved. This also requires certain sensitivity in how to present ideas well to people in their various situations. There are people who wish to justify singleness, people who desire to marry or see others married and who want to justify marriage and end or reduce the real negative consequences of the situation. Then there is poor teaching which people accept or react against. Sometimes I feel that people aren't so much arguing for a position, but rather arguing against a poor position that supposedly has only their view as an alternative. Words and phrases like gift of singleness, gift of celibacy, contentment are variously and sometimes poorly defined. Then combine with these things a subtlety to the issue that can easily be overlooked. Eg. I do believe that a good desire for marriage can be tainted by sinful emotions such as a degree of idolatry and a lack of faith. Also I think to view it as the Gift of Celibacy position versus the Gift of Singleness position oversimplifies the debate.

Finally there has been a lack of exegetical discussion. There's assertion aplenty on both sides, people like Candice, Piper, Mohler, but I have found very little discussion of what is the correct biblical interpretation on this issue, even from the few theologians who are involved, or as far as I know from the historic Christians that get referenced. I'll keep prodding on that front; Alex maybe you could explain why you interpret 1 Cor 7 etc. as you do.

Overall, I find Lydia Brownback's remarks balanced and insightful. I especially appreciate the concluding paragraph of her third post. Ted Slater, Candice Watters and company would do well to consider Ms. Brownback's conclusions and reevaluate their views on the subject.

Speaking of Candice Watters, I'm frankly surprised she gave Dawn Eden's book such a favorable review. While Ms. Eden has a high view of marriage, she does not condemn protracted singleness as Mrs. Watters has done.

Mr. Chediak,
It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife today, and of course, Karis. Thank you for your thoughts on singleness and other topics. I enjoy reading.
In Him,
Merea Price

Merea,

Nice to meet you and your family!

singleman -- If you're "frankly surprised," then maybe your assumptions about Candice (and Boundless) need to be revised. We're more "balanced" than a lot of bloggers make us out to be. I think you'd see that if you gave us the charitable benefit of the doubt.

I'll second that, Ted. I think you guys are doing an EXCELLENT job at Boundless, presenting many different perspectives on "rethinking the 'gift' of singleness". Keep the faith!