Why My Generation Thought Porneia Was Non-DF'able.

by Englishman 8 Replies latest jw friends

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  Englishman

  In Jan 1962, the WT published a Questions from Readers about what was and wasn't acceptable in the sack for married couples.

  The article contained a paragraph, that to us teenagers, seemed to say that prayer for forgiveness for non-marrieds was sufficient if you hadn't gone "All the way" and just engaged in sexual activity that stopped a whisker short of actual intercourse.

  Here's the paragraph:

  >>>>If a dedicated couple commit some act that is morally wrong, but is not adultery or fornication, and which is, therefore, between themselves alone, so that it is strictly a private matter of which no one in the congregation or of the world could possibly get knowledge unless the individuals involved chose to reveal it, then what should they do? It is a matter to be taken to God in prayer. If God sees that they realize the impropriety of what they have done between themselves and that they are heartsick and grief-stricken over the matter and seek never to repeat the act, then their confession to him and prayer for forgiveness through Christ Jesus is sufficient<<<<<

  Now we youngsters read that as to mean dedicated courting couples. This belief was re-inforced by the WT's use of the word "Fornication". Married people can't commit fornication, they can only commit adultery, so we assumed that the paragraph was referring to non-marrieds. Therfore, providing we were grief stricken and sought not to repeat it, prayer for forgiveness was sufficient, there was no need to inform the elders.

  What do you think?

  Englishman.
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  Atilla

  I guess you were doing a lot of prayer back then....
• 

  Scully

  Englishman:

  Interesting excerpt!

  If a dedicated couple commit some act that is morally wrong, but is not adultery or fornication, and which is, therefore, between themselves alone, so that it is strictly a private matter of which no one in the congregation or of the world could possibly get knowledge unless the individuals involved chose to reveal it

  So what they've said is that adultery or fornication is morally wrong, but at the far end of the wrongness spectrum, yet they fail to define the term "morally wrong" other than that they are referring to "moral wrongs" committed between two dedicated persons who are a couple. Does sneaking money out of the lady's change-purse count as a moral wrong that is a "strictly private matter"? Is moral wrongness or conversely acceptability something that is a matter of local custom? Is holding hands, if it results in tingly feelings below the belt, "morally wrong"? What about dancing? What about kissing? Depending on who you talk to, you can get a wide variety of responses, including between members of couples.

  then what should they do? It is a matter to be taken to God in prayer. If God sees that they realize the impropriety of what they have done between themselves and that they are heartsick and grief-stricken over the matter and seek never to repeat the act, then their confession to him and prayer for forgiveness through Christ Jesus is sufficient

  Also, don't forget that this was 'back in the day' when homosexuality and bestiality were not considered "porneia" either. How does one determine if their livestock is "heartsick" or "grief-stricken" so that one would need to pray on their behalf???
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  dh

  If God sees that they realize the impropriety of what they have done between themselves and that they are heartsick and grief-stricken

  heartsick and grief-stricken, they make out as if someone died, who in their right mind would be heartsick or grif stricken.
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  Bonnie_Clyde

  I can't believe I am actually able to log on. Haven't been able to for over two months and finally gave up. Just thought I would try.

  I was a teenager back at that time, and I remember clearly that it wasn't reportable unless there actually was intercourse. Anything less could be considered "loose conduct" but it was between you and Jehovah. There weren't nearly so many committee meetings back then.
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  Bonnie_Clyde

  Forgot to ask - what publication did your quote come from?
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  stillajwexelder

  IMHO -the best way the society could get themselves out of the mess they have created for themselves is to make almost all matters both sexual and non-sexual (and that Includes the BLOOD issue) abolutely everything in fact, A MATTER OF PERSONAL CONSCIENCE BETWEEN THEMSEVES AND GOD - but I do like your post e-man thankyou.
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  JeffT

  Wow! Something that looks like real Christianity in a WT publication. If they would extend that thought to EVERYTHING they'd have it right. It is all between us and God.
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  qwerty

  Yep JeffT

  You can see how their writings have changed over the years.

  Qwerty