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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

345.0. "Prostitution" by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE (Passionate Peace) Sat Nov 16 1991 00:03

Why is prostitution considered a sin?

Oh, I'm aware of the potential hazards of sexually transmitted diseases.

And I'm aware of the pagan fertility rites practiced in ancient times by
temple prostitutes.  The cultures that incorporated the practice of temple
prostitution into their religion were at odds with the ancient Yahwehists.
The practice was clearly worshiping "other" gods.

I'm aware that prostitution may be regarded as infidelity within a covenantal
relationship.  In other words, some may consider prostitution a form of
adultery.  But, what if such a relationship commitment hasn't been entered
into?

Peace,
Richard
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345.1CVG::THOMPSONRadical CentralistSat Nov 16 1991 00:365
>But, what if such a relationship commitment hasn't been entered into?
    
    	Wouldn't that be fornication?
    
    			Alfred
345.2DPDMAI::DAWSONLooking for realitySat Nov 16 1991 10:0917
    RE: .0 & .1
    
                  What an interesting question.  In the Old Testament, we 
    read that David had 10 concubines.  God allowed this and did not count
    it "sin" against David.  Why not?   When Absalom (Davids son) chased
    his father, David, out of Jerusalem, he ,as part of his "take over"
    went "in unto" the concubines to solidify and represent that he had
    taken "all" that was Davids....and God didn't count this sin. Why?
    
    *BTW...this story is in II Samuel 15,16 & 17, if you want to read about it.
    
                  Is it possible that God does not have a problem with sex but
    that it is *OUR* attitude toward sex that causes us problems?   
    
    
    
    Dave
345.3It's a matter of being carnal minded that is sinful.SWAM1::DOTHARD_STPLAYTOESat Nov 16 1991 19:4216
    Re: 3
    
    Prostitution, "playing the harlot", Rehab the whore....Rehab was saved
    because she "believed in God" and hid the two men of God.  
    
    However, the sin of immoral sex practices (ie immoral as defined by the
    Word of God), is the "fulfilling of the lust of the flesh", seeking
    after the flesh, and living in the flesh, being carnal minded...as
    opposed to being in the spirit of God.
    
    The account of Rehab's story, clearly indicates to us that if we
    "believe" in God, the deeds of the body are mortified...this is what
    Paul is speaking of in Romans 4, regarding what "Abraham our father, as
    pertaining to the flesh, hath found".
    
    Playtoe, In the Spirit of Truth
345.4Someone said, "We're *all* prostitutes!"CSC32::J_CHRISTIEPassionate PeaceMon Nov 18 1991 17:146
I overheard an armchair philosopher the other day say, "We're *all*
prostitutes."  This person was doubtlessly speaking metaphorically.
We don't all sell sexual favors, of course.

Peace,
Richard
345.5Why a greater sin?CSC32::J_CHRISTIEPassionate PeaceMon Nov 18 1991 17:4411
What makes prostitution (or fornication, if you prefer) a greater sin to
Christians than, say, eating pork or walking farther than a prescribed
distance on the Sabbath?

Let's consider this question from the point of view that the prostitute
and the customer are both adults and neither are not involved in a
relationship that might violate a commitment of sexual fidelity with
other partners.

Peace,
Richard
345.6WILLEE::FRETTSif u want to heal u have to *feel*Mon Nov 18 1991 18:307
    
    RE: Dave
    
    How were the 'concubines' viewed?  Were women allowed to have
    many men?
    
    Carole
345.7BootyCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPassionate PeaceTue Nov 19 1991 23:3514
Re: .6

Carole,

Well, I'm not Dave, but allow me to share the following.

A concubine is generally a woman who lives with a man while not officially
married to him and (this part is verbatim from the dictionary) "has a
recognized position within his household."  Feel free speculate all you
like on what position that might be.  The way I understand it, a concubine
was accepted as sort of a live-in mistress and a possession of the man.

Peace,
Richard
345.8WILLEE::FRETTSif u want to heal u have to *feel*Wed Nov 20 1991 11:0712
    
    RE: .7
    
    Hi Richard,
    
    When I read the bible reference Dave entered some warning flags
    went up.  If it were to be used by literalists, it would make it
    ok for the man but the woman would still be viewed as 'less than'.
    It is things like this that I get so uncomfortable about when the
    bible is taken literally.
    
    Carole
345.9Is it any wonder you're uncomfortable?CSC32::J_CHRISTIEPassionate PeaceWed Nov 20 1991 21:5023
Re: .8

Hi Carole!

Our culture is largely influenced by the patriarchal thinking you're
referring to.  Note that even today the terms applied to men carry
connotations usually less severe and more complimentary than comparable
terms applied to women.

	Women:			Men:

	Whore			Gigilo
	Slut			Stud
	Madam			Sir
	Mistress		Master
	Lady			Lord

Consider the connotation even when an identical term is applied to
women and men:

	She's a professional.	He's a professional.

Richard
345.10Daring suggestionLJOHUB::NSMITHrises up with eagle wingsTue Dec 10 1991 17:0612
    I've often wondered if it's because the woman is "in charge"
    and getting paid while the man is the "supplicant" trying to
    get his needs met.  I think it's more degrading to the man than
    to the woman so, naturally, we have to turn that on its head
    and despise the woman while protecting the anonynity of her 
    clientele...
    
    (I know it doesn't really work that way and that many women are
     not truly self-employed, but the demands of pimps and protectors
     are another way of men owning the business.)
    
    Boy, am I cyncial today, or what?
345.11CSC32::J_CHRISTIEOn loan from GodTue Dec 21 1993 16:5310