Ink and Debt Free
A post over at The Transformed Wife entitled “Men Prefer Debt Free Virgins without Tattoos” has inspired quite the reaction on the internet. It has inspired discussion at Doctrine and Devotion, and thoughtful posts at The White Horse Inn and Christ Hold Fast. I want to add some thoughts.
The original post traces to a particular source: “Most of this debt comes from college.” I think that is true in our society much of the time. Just google “useless college degrees,” and you will find articles outlining some of the more ridiculously outlandish degrees on can get. There is also a line of thought that one would be better off going to trade school that getting one of those degrees. The Medium argues this, and I find the argument difficult to contradict. We simply need more tradesmen and women than we do college graduates with degrees. So maybe choosing to be debt free because you did not pursue a college degree that will not benefit you financially would be a wise thing. We also need mothers.
As NPR outlines, recent studies indicate that birth rates in the USA are not outpacing the death rates. There are more people dying than being born. This is true among Western Cultures in general. Population is a requirement for economic growth. We also need young people to care for the old. In addition, most importantly, the Bible calls children a good thing:
Sex before marriage, and any sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman are widely condemned by The Bible. I don’t see how a Christian could possibly side with the world and say it is beneficial or makes one more attractive to not be a virgin on their wedding night. At least one study has even pointed to the possibility that sex before marriage leads to less sexual fulfillment within marriage, presumably leading to less sex and therefore fewer pregnancies. Sexually transmitted disease has also been targeted as a biological factor in infertility. Postponing marriage until older age also reduces fertility rates. Following the Bible’s commands is always wise, and it may be that we are giving the original post to much grief. (I will leave you to google those studies for yourself. I recommend Google Scholar.)
There is a dangerous undercurrent, however. The idea that submission to a husband means only listening to his teaching on The Bible is presented, and most husbands, myself included, can use all the help they can get instructing their families. Books, CDs, blogs, podcasts, sermons at church, Sunday Schools, etc. are a great help to anyone seeking to grow spiritually, and these methods should never be downplayed, even just by implication.
There is also an implicit undervaluing of the high calling of singleness within the church. It would have been good to mention in this post that Paul did say “…it is good for them to remain single, as I am.” And he pointed out that “…those who marry will have worldly troubles.” He had some other pointed words about the superiority of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 in addition to these.
As to tattoos, I do not ‘have a dog in that fight.’ I think it is a matter between a person and God that should follow the guidelines of Romans 14. Yet, on that topic, the original article is right to quote 1 Peter 3:4, “…let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”
I do want to point out that all of our ideals are subject to the authority of Scripture, and all of our ideals fall short at one point or another. I also want to point out that, as Christians, we never live up to our ideals. That is why Christ died for us (Romans 3). Those of us who have sinned confessed that sin, repented of that sin, and trusted Christ have no reason for shame (Romans 8:1).
May the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts be pure in the sight of Christ our Savior. Amen.
The original post traces to a particular source: “Most of this debt comes from college.” I think that is true in our society much of the time. Just google “useless college degrees,” and you will find articles outlining some of the more ridiculously outlandish degrees on can get. There is also a line of thought that one would be better off going to trade school that getting one of those degrees. The Medium argues this, and I find the argument difficult to contradict. We simply need more tradesmen and women than we do college graduates with degrees. So maybe choosing to be debt free because you did not pursue a college degree that will not benefit you financially would be a wise thing. We also need mothers.
As NPR outlines, recent studies indicate that birth rates in the USA are not outpacing the death rates. There are more people dying than being born. This is true among Western Cultures in general. Population is a requirement for economic growth. We also need young people to care for the old. In addition, most importantly, the Bible calls children a good thing:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,So, maybe avoiding college, getting married, and having children is a noble calling for many women even though it is not socially acceptable in our culture.
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)
Sex before marriage, and any sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman are widely condemned by The Bible. I don’t see how a Christian could possibly side with the world and say it is beneficial or makes one more attractive to not be a virgin on their wedding night. At least one study has even pointed to the possibility that sex before marriage leads to less sexual fulfillment within marriage, presumably leading to less sex and therefore fewer pregnancies. Sexually transmitted disease has also been targeted as a biological factor in infertility. Postponing marriage until older age also reduces fertility rates. Following the Bible’s commands is always wise, and it may be that we are giving the original post to much grief. (I will leave you to google those studies for yourself. I recommend Google Scholar.)
There is a dangerous undercurrent, however. The idea that submission to a husband means only listening to his teaching on The Bible is presented, and most husbands, myself included, can use all the help they can get instructing their families. Books, CDs, blogs, podcasts, sermons at church, Sunday Schools, etc. are a great help to anyone seeking to grow spiritually, and these methods should never be downplayed, even just by implication.
There is also an implicit undervaluing of the high calling of singleness within the church. It would have been good to mention in this post that Paul did say “…it is good for them to remain single, as I am.” And he pointed out that “…those who marry will have worldly troubles.” He had some other pointed words about the superiority of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 in addition to these.
As to tattoos, I do not ‘have a dog in that fight.’ I think it is a matter between a person and God that should follow the guidelines of Romans 14. Yet, on that topic, the original article is right to quote 1 Peter 3:4, “…let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”
I do want to point out that all of our ideals are subject to the authority of Scripture, and all of our ideals fall short at one point or another. I also want to point out that, as Christians, we never live up to our ideals. That is why Christ died for us (Romans 3). Those of us who have sinned confessed that sin, repented of that sin, and trusted Christ have no reason for shame (Romans 8:1).
May the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts be pure in the sight of Christ our Savior. Amen.
Comments
"As to tattoos, I do not ‘have a dog in that fight.’ I think it is a matter between a person and God...."
Are you Gay? You don't have a dog in that fight either. LOL, there is more scripture disapproving about tattoos than there are about homosexuality but you're totes OK about it?
Romans Chapter 1, Mathew Chapter 19, and 1 Corinthians Chapter 6 contain clear New Testament prohibitions for homosexual relations. That means these are things I am called to address.
Regardless how how you interpret various contradictory verses of the bible. You were willing (? while deliberately using a phrase indicating your disapproval) that to leave the subject of tattoos up to a person and god. But Hey since the NT is all about casting aside all the old rules and confirming and setting up new ones. I guess the institution of Slavery is confirmed as just and good according to the bible. So yay for that?
Basically, certain OT laws are called "moral," and are still binding. The moral law is summarized in The Ten Commandments.
Certain other OT laws are called "ceremonial," and are fulfilled in Christ. The law against getting a tattoo is probably included in this category.
Another category of OT law is called "judicial," and these laws expired with the nation of Israel's collapse. The laws concerning the regulation of slavery are in this category. I do not believe chattel slavery is endorsed by the OT, but certain other types of slavery that are entered into voluntarily are regulated. 1 Timothy 1:10 makes the type of slavery once practiced in the USA immoral, and that verse has been widely regarded as one of the primary motivations of the abolitionist movement.
It's all consistent if you just study it a bit. I encourage you to take th time.