Is it a sin for a man to touch a women to whom he is not married?

[4His_glory]

It is not only in America that some people engage in seemingly innocent cultural behavior but have ulterior motives.

So now you can judge peoples motives?

Are you suggesting that what is commonly practiced here is not innocent? You have no idea what goes on here.

 

[Steven2006]

While it might be wise for someone to be in the habit of hugging someone of the opposite gender, I can't think of scripture that calls it a sin. Now of course doing so could more easily lead to (lust) sin, so that is why I say it is wisest to not be in the habit of doing so. I don't think however you can automatically judge someone that is more of a hugger. I am not so much so, but there are a few close friends that we have that we don't see very often, and when we do, we usually all will hug modestly when we greet each other during a visit.

 

[4His_glory]

Sadly you are quite correct. Far too many people in the US confuse their culture and Christianity and believe that if anyone does something culturally different then they are wrong ... and sinful.

I agree. I feel that many American Christians are first American and then Christian.

 

[Jim1999]

When I was a young single pastor, all the young single ladies in the church started to sit in the front pews. Formerly they all sat in the very back row. DO you have any suggestion why that was?...Oh yes, they wanted to hear the preachng better.

Would it have been wise of me to start hugging these young ladies and giving them an "holy" kiss?

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Revmitchell]

So now you can judge peoples motives?

Are you suggesting that what is commonly practiced here is not innocent? You have no idea what goes on here.

No, can't figure out for the life of me how you came to that conclusion. It was pointed out that this beloved "touching" thing is used by those with ulterior motives "creeps" as a means to get a personal thrill. It is part of humanity and should not be dismissed regardless of "culture" or country.

 

[Revmitchell]

I agree. I feel that many American Christians are first American and then Christian.

And there we have it. A denigrating of American Christians, and the revealing of the motive of this thread.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Let's be careful with this subject,

 

[Marcia]

I would agree that in the US and other parts of the world it would translate to something like shaking hands. However, There are many places in the world where kissing in the normal means of greeting and their is nothing sensual about it. As I stated, here in Argentina the norm is to kiss on the cheek. It is like shaking hands. So should we not practice it?

I ask that because It seems to me that a lot of people like to superimpose American cultural practices on other cultures to make them more "biblical" when indeed there is nothing unbiblical about what they were doing in the first place.

I've lived and traveled overseas and I think I could adjust to something like that if it was in the culture. But here, that is not the norm.

 

[donnA]

Regardless if it is cultural or not, the Bible is the final authority. Sadly, some Christians follow the cultural customs instead of doing what God would have us to do.

I do agree, but would add, that culture is ok as long as it does not violate scripture, somepeople tend to think anything cultural is wrong, yet they follow culture all the time. Most people owning a computer is cultural in this country, but in many other countries, air conditioning, samething. I am sure one could think of many thngs in our lives that are cultural, and do not violate scripture.

 

[Jon-Marc]

The only thing that is forbidden between two people who are not married to one another is sexual contact. A hug or a kiss (depending on the kiss) are usually not sexual. It also depends on what part of the body is "touched".

 

[4His_glory]

And there we have it. A denigrating of American Christians, and the revealing of the motive of this thread.

Not at all. Once again you are judging motive. By the way I include myself in the above accusation. Too often I approach the Scriptures with my modern American mindset. We all do its hard to avoid.

I was simply commenting on Crabtown's comment.

 

[4His_glory]

I've lived and traveled overseas and I think I could adjust to something like that if it was in the culture. But here, that is not the norm.

Good. And I know its not the norm. I am an American. I have to admit it did take some getting used to.

 

[4His_glory]

No, can't figure out for the life of me how you came to that conclusion. It was pointed out that this beloved "touching" thing is used by those with ulterior motives "creeps" as a means to get a personal thrill. It is part of humanity and should not be dismissed regardless of "culture" or country.

Because you seemed to hint that those who practice close physical greetings do so with ulterior motives. I apologize if I misunderstood you. I agree that a creep could use such for his own personal thrill, but based on my experience, I have never seen that.

 

[rbell]

There are two questions that can be asked here:

"Is it sinful?"

"Is it wise?"

It is possible for something to not be sinful in and of itself, yet not be wise.

We should be wise in our affectionate displays. If there's a lady in the church who is very clingy and flirty, a hug from me might not be wise. Years ago, I served in a church where there had been a moral failure on the part of a staff member. At that time, it was not wise to engage in much physical contact...so as not to cause questions or speculation on the part of a leery congregation.

Maybe this makes sense...maybe not. Short version: I see no right or wrong addressed with most greetings. I do think that some are at the least unwise (such as the "full" hug, versus the "A-frame" hug that I (and many others) employ when we are hugged by someone).

 

[tinytim]

I have to tell you all something funny that happened in SS a couple weeks ago.

I teach the Senior adults class, and the subject of the "holy kiss" came up..

One older gentleman speculated that the reason we don't greet each other with a holy kiss today is because some started using their tongues..

Another older lady, well into her 70s.. (she is very quiet and reserved) spoke up and said... "Yep, that should only be done on Valentines day!"



Talk about my face turning red!!!

 

[Aaron]

In a discussion in the BV forum. The statement was made that unmarried people should never embrace or kiss in anyway.

I pointed out that in some cultures kissing on the cheek and even embracing are the acceptable and cultural and expected means of greeting.

I was told that this is still wrong. What say ye?

I know that it is good for a man not to touch a woman. I don't know that I would accuse one of sin for touching one, but I couldn't say he is doing good.

 

[saturneptune]

At church, I usually handshake everyone. If there is an occasion for a hug that seems appropriate, my wife is the vast majority of time standing right by me.

The title of the op is wrong. The physical act of touching is not a sin. It is what is in the heart, as those with lustful drives and constant impure thought patterns are just as guilty as those going out and cheating on their spouses in the eyes of God.

 

[EdSutton]

I do think that some are at the least unwise (such as the "full" hug, versus the "A-frame" hug that I (and many others) employ when we are hugged by someone).

An '"A-frame" hug' from a wide stance that 'missed' could have disastrous consequences, or at the very least, be very embarrassing, I'd offer.

Ed

 

[Thinkingstuff]

No touching in church!!!

 

[CoJoJax]

I think I'm going to start using the "fist-bump" that Obama has made famous again ...

Shaking hands is a little too intimate for me at church. :laugh: