The bible does not say anywhere specifically that oral sex is bad.
The bible says that we are not to deny our spouses.
So whenever our spouse wants sex, even if we can't have intercourse (menstruating, ill, recovering from childbirth, surgery, actual place for intercourse not available etc.) a wife not only can but MUST give them satisfaction.
I have some problems with that. First of all, I find it fascinating when sola scriptura Christians (a doctrine not in the bible) demand that something has to be specifically mentioned in the bible! I found this link from Christian Answers (submitted in the comment boxes) to be very simplistic and also contained some false dilemma logical fallacies.
So for the sake of completeness and to represent the Catholic thought on the issue, I present the following links for educational and informational purposes.
Theology of the Body
I have a question - Catholic Answers Forums
Catholic Writings
Notre Dame Seminary
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8 comments:
First of all, I find it fascinating when sola scriptura Christians (a doctrine not in the bible) demand that something has to be specifically mentioned in the bible!
There's nothing about smoking in the Bible, yet most fundamentalists are convinced that is a sin. There is so much that is *not in the Bible* that they have to create their own sets of rules and devise their own doctrines, and in a sense become their own popes - although they never realize it and continue to call themselves "Bible only." I thank God for giving us His Church to guide us.
Thank you for this post. I'm a Protestant who really appreciates your blog and your "CandyWatch". :)
I find that most people are asking the wrong questions about sex. The questions tend to be along the lines of "What is permissible?" or "What can I get away with?"
This leads to a moveable line that can be different for every person.
If the question became "What is most glorifying to God?" or "What is God's best plan for me?", then the focus comes away from us and becomes about the glory of God. A magnificent focus.
Ladybug,
What a great way to look at it. I've never really thought of it in those terms myself. Thanks.
First of all, I find it fascinating when sola scriptura Christians (a doctrine not in the bible) demand that something has to be specifically mentioned in the bible!
Sola scriptura Christians do not believe that everything has to be specifically mentioned in the Bible. Because one sola scriptura Christian says it, does not make it the case for most. In response to my earlier comment, one catholic said the church can be wrong, one said it cannot. One Christian doesn't represent the entire body of believers, just as one catholic doesn't represent the catholic church.
In defense of sola scriptura Christianity. Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, birthed by a virgin, 100% God, 100% human walked on this earth with us and led a sinless life for a brief time. "It is written" was Jesus mantra when he was tempted by satan. Over and over again, we see Jesus quote and rebuke with the scriptures. Further, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" Matthew 15:9. Moses (as well as Proverbs, and Revelation) tells us not to add or subtract from the law. We also know that God cannot lie (Tit 1:2, Num 23:19) Therefore, God would not set up an institution that adds to scripture, subtracts from scripture, or contradicts scripture.
I asked earlier if a Christian could be saved apart from the catholic church. According to your catechism, the answer is in most cases it's a resounding "No". Romans 10:9 says "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." No mention of church. Why would God leave out this (or any) vastly important revelation from the holy scriptures? In addition, Jesus (God with us) said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6 He is the only way.
Is there a place for church traditions? Yes, but they must be weighed against the teaching of the Bible. We know that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 2:23. Peter was rebuked by Paul for his sin. The teachings of men are dangerous if left unchecked against God's book. Purgatory is a perfect example of the church adding to and contradicting God's Word. The New Catholic Encyclopedia states that purgatory cannot be found in the Bible. Yet, the teaching essentially says that Christ has not finished the work of salvation on the cross. We must personally suffer. However, while he is hanging on that cruel cross, where he received God's wrath for all of humanities sin, he professes that it is finished. It's either finished, or we need to go to purgatory. It can't be both. I put my faith in the words of my Lord and Savior, not it the teaching of fallen men.
Intereting tidbit, some of Jesus last words were "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is being interpreted My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:34b Jesus is quoting scripture, Psalm 22, which if you read it, will give you goosebumps. The Bible is unlike any other book in the way prophesy is fulfilled. It is God's Word to us.
Just because the catholic church teaches something, doesn't mean it is wrong (I agree with you on perverted forms of sexual expression in marriage. The Bible speaks very clearly of what the union is to be - procreative.) I do believe that we should be like the Bereans who were called noble because they searched the scriptures daily to see if what Paul was teaching was so (Acts 17:11).
Also, smoking is not a fundamental of Christianity, but the Bible teaches that our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16). Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealty lifestyle, etc. are all hurting the temple of God. No book (the bible, catechism, quaran, watchtower magazine) can cover every single situation that you're faced with - that's where the Holy Spirit convicts us.
Elena, as well as other bloggers, have been very gracious in taking the time to answer my questions - I know how hard that is with all the blessed responsibilities of keeping the home...er...homemaking :) I am thankful for the dialogue and prayerfully submit this post in hopes that it stands for the teachings of Christ Jesus, my Lord.
Let me close with this... God's gift of salvation is a free one but it does require trusting in Christ, and Christ alone.
In Christ,
Ashley
"Because one sola scriptura Christian says it, does not make it the case for most. In response to my earlier comment, one catholic said the church can be wrong, one said it cannot."
Not exactly Ashley. I said that people in the church have been wrong and even sinful. I believe that is what the other commenter was referring to so on that we agreed. I believe the other commenter would also agree that when the Pope and Magesterium speak on matters of faith and morals that they cannot err.
"One Christian doesn't represent the entire body of believers, just as one catholic doesn't represent the catholic church."
For that matter, one Protestant denomination does not represent one branch of Protestant Christianity does it Ashley. Indeed that branch of the tree is pretty splintered. Nonetheless, as I was referring to Candy's particular comment, and Candy DOES hold a literal view, my comment was appropriate.
"In defense of sola scriptura Christianity. Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, birthed by a virgin, 100% God, 100% human walked on this earth with us and led a sinless life for a brief time. "It is written" was Jesus mantra when he was tempted by satan. Over and over again, we see Jesus quote and rebuke with the scriptures. Further, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" Matthew 15:9. Moses (as well as Proverbs, and Revelation) tells us not to add or subtract from the law. We also know that God cannot lie (Tit 1:2, Num 23:19) Therefore, God would not set up an institution that adds to scripture, subtracts from scripture, or contradicts scripture."
We've done sola scriptura previously. It doesn't hold water for a number of reasons.
http://mdcalexatestblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/catholic-questions-apologetics-backward.html
By the way, the bible with all of the books was in place for over 1500 years, when Martin Luther tore books out. That is the bible current Protestant Christians hold too, and it's only 500 years or so old.
"I asked earlier if a Christian could be saved apart from the catholic church. According to your catechism, the answer is in most cases it's a resounding "No"."
Are you reading this stuff or just glancing through it? The answer was a resounding YES.
" Romans 10:9 says "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." No mention of church. Why would God leave out this (or any) vastly important revelation from the holy scriptures? In addition, Jesus (God with us) said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6 He is the only way."
Yes, and the Catholic Church teaches all that as well. Go back, reread what I provided or better yet, you can read the Catechism of the Catholic Church on line for free Ashley.
The rest of the post, I'm moving to another post when I can get time to answer it. This particular post was supposed to be about Sexuality in Marriage. Please review our commenting guidelines in the side bar.
Nice links, Elena.
We can also point out that we're not supposed to deliberately separate the two ends of marital sexuality: reproduction and unity.
Split either one of those off and it's down the slippery slope to in vitro fertilization and cloning or 'union' with anyone/thing.
Elena,
Thanks for your response. There are problems with the response, but I will wait until you decide to post about it. Sola scriptura Christianity was misrepresented in this post (and the comments section), but I will keep with the main idea from here on out as that is what you desire Elena. I respectfully ask that you require that of all commenters, not just me. Thanks Miss Elena.
P.S. absolutely beautiful baby - I can almost smell that newborn smell...God is good!
We do try to keep it on topic Ashley. It's just too hard to find stuff when comments are off topic!
Thanks for your response and I will post the rest of your comments on a post of their own so that you and others can comment.
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