St. Paul On Marriage

[LSK]

I need some help here. My cousin - who I adore, btw, sent me an email where he stated that St. Paul wrote that people should get married only if they cannot control their lust. Now, we were having a kind of tongue-in-cheek joking exchange so he did not cite chapter or verse or letter ect… I did reply to him that I have a funny feeling he is taking something out of context but I followed the advice of John Martignoni, told him I did not know and that I would get back to him.

Anyone have any ideas what he is refering to?

Thanks!

 

[Seeks_God]

From 1 Corinthians Chapter 7

Now in regard to the matters about which you wrote: “It is a good thing for a man not to touch a woman,”
2 but because of cases of immorality every man should have his own wife, and every woman her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his duty toward his wife, and likewise the wife toward her husband. 4 A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control. 6 This I say by way of concession, 4 however, not as a command. Notice it’s not a commandment, but a recommendation…

SG

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Leslie,

1 Cor. 7: 7-9

7 Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am, but each has a particular gift from God, 5 one of one kind and one of another. 8 Now to the unmarried and to widows, I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they are, as I do, 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control they should marry, for it is better to marry than to be on fire.

That help a bit?
VC

 

[LSK]

Yes it does but as I read these words what I see is that Paul is recommending that a husband and wife have full prayer life but also a full physical union so they won’t be tempted to stray.

I also like the fact that Paul wrote ‘a suggestion’ or recomendation.

Am I on the right track?

thank you all!

 

[Reid]

Yes you are on the right track.

This to me also shows how the Church is right on Natural Family Planning, meaning the bible teaches that at certain times it is good not to touch your wife,and at that time pray and reflect together in your marriage. This will trully strengthenyour marriage. Anytime we give something up whether sex in a marriage for the time a woman goes through her natural process or even fasting, when done with prayer it trully strengthens us.

I also see this as the beauty of our Priesthood and others who live a celebant life.

A protestant friend asked me what was so “Holy” about Pope John Paul II, was he any Holier than Billy Grahm?

I told him that your preacher or even the rev Billy Grahm because they were married and have children they are concerned on how to provide for their family, and a Priest or even a Pope who leads a celebate life is concerned only about his flock, or all of us and lives his daily life in pursuing the truth and praying for all of us that we come closer to His Church and be in God’s Grace for eternity.

 

[LSK]

I can see that also, Reid! When one reads the entire section it is possible to get a feel for Paul the man. I am probably alone on this but I sometimes am intimidated by our saints. This passage shows his heart and mind, his belief that everyone has a value within the arms of the Church and, though he may think his calling is the best he recognizes that not all of us are called to the same life.

Thanks, everyone.