Re: Time to introduce myself
Submitted by Ben on November 25 1999 at 21:54:01
In reply to Time to introduce myself Submitted by Jules on November 25 1999 at 18:07:34
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Welcome to CBLF Jules. It's great to have you here and I look forward to the knowledge that you, as a theology student, can contribute to this forum. Faith, by definition, involves overcoming doubt when we do not have a concrete reason to believe otherwise. By it's very nature, it causes us to conclude what cannot necessarily be proven, and it is that very nature that makes our faith in God so special. God wants us to love him because we believe and because we will deny earthly arguments (or temptations) even when they are far more compelling. The relationship between David and Jonathan has been cited many times as a biblical model for BL relationships. My own take on the message (and I openly profess that this is only MY view) is that the relationship between David and Jonathan is an example of relationships that brothers (spiritual or biological) brothers should have for each other. This includes relationships between men and boys (though not below the age of about 12 or so). I do not believe that we can infer whether there was a sexual component to David and Jonathan's relationship. I strongly believe that the bible does NOT give us any indication about this aspect of their relationship. Therefore, the ONLY message that I take from their relationship is the need for men to have deep & caring relationships with each other. As BLs I believe that we have an extra compulsion to have such relationships with boys and young teens and can use Jonanthan and David as our example. You are not alone. Ben |