The Holy Kiss

Yep, I guess the argument could be made....

16 Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you. Ro 16

20 All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss. 1 Cor 16

12 Salute one another with a holy kiss. 2 Cor 13

26 Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1 Thess 5

I believe it was entirely acceptable in that culture for men to salute one another with a kiss!

I'll probably never know...

 

Wonder if he drank wine?... it’s biblical
Kissing would creep me out, not much into hugging either.

If I had to translate it into moderneese I’d say to greet one another with a holy nod.

Rob

 

Well, here in KY we still give hardy handshakes....

 

Oh yea! Right! we DO hug! Brothers AND Sisters even! Not only handshakes….dumb me....

 

My wife’s family are huggers.
I’ve been forced into accepting the habit.
I’m the ackward passive recipient of many a family hug.
Quite happy with a nod or fist bump.

Rob

 

I grew up Presbyterian, think of me as an adopted brother.

This is true.... one of our regular greeters is autistic and welcomes us each week with a fist bump.

Rob

 

What's wrong with a high five ?!?

 

It's the same around here, but with my hand still mending, I just about wish that the Holy Kiss was more en vogue. I've mostly avooided the handshakes once my cast came off, but sometimes you see a hand coming at you, and old habits kick in. I've gotten crunched a few times.

 

You see it today that when men of the middle eastern region meet, their culture dictates a bow and a peck on the check, but they do not go for kiss on lips...
Thinks its based upon custom and culture, so we would give each other handshakes and maybe a hug...

 

The mouth is a hole... does kissing with it count as a "holy kiss" or does it need to be a "Holy kiss?"

 

Agree. It is a cultural thing. Here, it all depends on the ethnicity and how well you know them. Here, we have a large Latin and Caribbean population. Usually a hug and kiss/kiss for the women (on the cheek or air) and a "bro-hug" or handshake for men.

 

Take it for what it is...i suppose this is mostly my opinion, but Intimate, skin to skin contact (that is appropriate) promotes unity and reconciliation. You ever hug someone that was irritating you? It was terribly awkward until the embrace, then it seemed as though the reconciliation and peace could be felt between the two of you.

I think Paul was exhorting them/us to intimately embrace one another, as it is healthy for our relationships.

Here in America, we are overrun with individualized, cold demeanors that reject warm, intimate fellowship.