[NYer]

Errr...seems that the Apostle Paul was very clear on this subject.

Err .. 1 Cor 7. St. Paul clearly identifies the state of virginity or celibacy as a state that is better than the state of marriage.

[MeOnTheBeach]

Err .. 1 Cor 7. St. Paul clearly identifies the state of virginity or celibacy as a state that is better than the state of marriage.

No he doesn't, not even close. Nearly all of chapter 7 is dedicated to defining the relationship between husband and wife.

But to be inclusive he includes words to the unmarried and the widow.

Paul's words must be taken in the context of all the instruction given by Jesus and the other Apostles on the subject of marriage. They have to fit together. And saying that Paul is teaching that not being married is better than being married contradicts pretty much the whole Bible.

I think it's wiser to view Paul's words to be meant for people based on their individual circumstance are not married at that time versus an institutional doctrine of forbidding a class of people to not be married at all.

[CynicalBear]

>>Err .. 1 Cor 7. St. Paul clearly identifies the state of virginity or celibacy as a state that is better than the state of marriage.<<

When did that become “forbidding”?