Quote:
Originally Posted by Diligent
A little more on this:
Genesis 10, the word Nations is used four times: Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
Genesis 10:20 These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.
Genesis 10:31 These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
Genesis 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Note that the word nations refers to the families of the sons of Noah. Applying the distinction of nations (to hold to "bounds of habitation" via Acts 17:26) to just the three (Ham, Japheth, and Shem) is completely arbitrary and insufficient, if you are serious about the non-intermarriage between nations stuff. The Bible goes a lot further than just the top three in defining the nations, so my objection and question about Germans marrying French is in point of fact quite germane. |
Aloha Brandon,
I agree with all that you have said regarding this issue. There is a point in this "discussion" that, as far as I know, has not been brought up, but I think is very appropriate to the issue. And that is the "
culture" in which each of us (who have commented on the issue) has been raised (or "trained").
I have said it before, but I will say it again: Generally speaking - "CULTURE" will "TRUMP"
religion almost all of the time! That is one of the reason's for God giving us His Holy word so that: . . . "ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
[John 8:32] And that includes being "free" from
ALL "cultural" BIASES and PREJUDICES!
It would be interesting to know what the "cultural"
background is of those people who hold to the belief that "mixed" marriages are
not Biblical. I would venture to say that these "
personal beliefs" stem from the "
culture" that these people were brought up in and
not from the Bible.
Several of us have pointed out (from the Scriptures) that there is
no Biblical
prohibition (for Christians) to marry outside of their "race" or "culture". In those past "Threads" on this issue, we repeatedly asked for Scriptural PROOF of such a "
prohibition", for Christians, and were never given any - other than the prohibitions given to the Israelites (which we are NOT).
And now, in dealing with the issue in this Thread (Love & Race) we have again asked for Scripture prohibiting Christians marrying outside of their "race and "culture", and all we have gotten (so far) is someone's "
personal opinion" as to WHY they don't believe that "mixed" marriages are "right".
When we Christians place "regional customs" or "cultural
traditions" above or before clear Biblical teaching, we are in effect "making the word of God of none effect" (in our lives -
Mark 7:13).
If someone on this Forum believes that it is Scripturally "
wrong" for a Christian (man or woman) to marry outside of their "race" or "culture", I ask them to "show me" (from the Scriptures) -
WHY it is "
wrong"? And if they cannot demonstrate (from the Scriptures)
WHY it is "wrong", I would ask them to examine their hearts and ask themselves
WHY do I believe this, IF I CANNOT "prove" (from Scripture) WHAT I believe?
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.