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The Holy Kiss

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Tom Butler, Dec 26, 2011.

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  1. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    How should we apply the following scripture in our church life or in our fellowship with other believers?

    Romans 16:16
    I Peter 5:14
    You can imagine the questions that arise.
    Is this the norm for the culture of that era?
    Who kisses whom? That is, who initiates the kiss?
    Male-female kissing?
    What do you kiss? Lips, cheek, forehead, hand?

    I am aware that there's a lot of kissing in European cultures, even today.

    Our church folks do a lot of hugging, with no problems. Is the holy hug a safe alternative to the holy kiss?

    I'm sitting here chuckling as I think of the possible responses.

    New rule: A man may kiss a woman on the cheek only, if he's 50 years younger than the woman--and vice versa.
     
    #1 Tom Butler, Dec 26, 2011
  2. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    That is dealing with a custom that still goes on today in the East. Today in this culture we would offer a hand shake. If we were there it would be a kiss on the cheek or both cheeks. As to hugs while I certainly enjoy them I also find many time them improper. Many women and especially younger women and girls have not been taught how to hug a male as in a greeting so I think it needs to be done with caution.
     
    #2 freeatlast, Dec 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2011
  3. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    I agree, discretion is called for. And that's part of the reason I raised the question. As for me, there are few occasions that I can think of to kiss anyone except my wife. Very close female relatives, maybe.

    But other fellow believers? Uh-uh, I'm just not comfortable with that.
     
    #3 Tom Butler, Dec 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2011
  4. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    I have the opinion that Paul would never greet a woman with a kiss or a hug - 1 Corinthians 7:1

    I also have the opinion that in our modern culture the chance of false accusations and/or misplaced intentions has placed unnatural limits on the interaction of family members and assemblies.

    I had a coach who would slap the butt of the players, and it was considered a great encouragement. But in our present times ... doubt parents and kids would look at it in the same light.

    The problem with all this is that exuberance sometimes overrules judgment on both sides of the issue.

    I would agree with Paul, but add it applies to the male unit also.

    I don't know how the other male members feel, but I have a bit of a problem with a male who shakes hands with my bride and hangs on while talking.

    I am not even certain that a man should ever touch another man's wife much less give a Holy kiss.
     
    #4 agedman, Dec 26, 2011
  5. Benjamin

    Benjamin Well-Known Member
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    If by some freak chance we were ever to meet Tom, please keep yer lips off me!


    ;)
     
    #5 Benjamin, Dec 26, 2011
  6. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    Would a holy hug be okay?

    Or would you prefer just a holy handshake?
     
    #6 Tom Butler, Dec 26, 2011
  7. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Could we do with a Holy high 5? :smilewinkgrin:
     
    #7 Salty, Dec 26, 2011
  8. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    JB Phillips says its a "hearty-handshake" in his paraphrastic translation from the 1950s.

    I think that FAL is right here. (write it down!) it is an eastern custom. I go over to visit with some of our missions work in the Mid-East and they always greet with a handshake, hug, and quick kisses to both cheeks.

    In our western customs it seems a hug (side-hug for me with women) and/or handshake is appropriate for most occasions. :)
     
    #8 preachinjesus, Dec 26, 2011
  9. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    Has everyone missed what Paul said?

    It is good for a man NOT to touch a woman?
     
    #9 agedman, Dec 26, 2011
  10. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Is he? The Bible tells us in the Epistles we should greet with a holy kiss - it does not say anything about customs.

    So do we believe and practice Scripture or not?
     
    #10 Salty, Dec 26, 2011
  11. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Do we only interpret Scripture divorced from understanding it's socio-rhetorical influences or do we apply a consistent hermeneutic?

    So how many women in your church wear head coverings?
     
    #11 preachinjesus, Dec 26, 2011
  12. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    Now you're talkin'!!!

    I've got this image in my mind of swapping a high-five with this 90-plus year old woman in my church.
     
    #12 Tom Butler, Dec 26, 2011
  13. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    All my life, the holy kiss in greeting has been translated as a handshake. I will leave it at that.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #13 Jim1999, Dec 26, 2011
  14. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    I always try to give the piano player at church a big sloppy smooch right on the lips. :love2:

    Salty. I'd let you greet me with a holy kiss. Once. Bring an ice pack for your soon-to-be black eye. :laugh:
     
    #14 padredurand, Dec 26, 2011
  15. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    We have people in my church who greet each other in a variety of ways - the kiss on the cheek, the hugs, the handshakes, the friendly nod, the arm around each other, the shoulder/back pat, others who only greet with smiles and words, and those who act like grouchy old warthogs.

    To me, this verse has always been about the "greet" and not the mode of the greet.

    When assembling together face to face, we ought to act like we are glad to see each other because we SHOULD be glad to see each other.

    Kiss or don't. But greet with brotherly and sisterly affection - in whatever manner is comfortable for you.
     
    #15 Scarlett O., Dec 26, 2011
  16. jbh28

    jbh28 Active Member

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    Biblical truth vs the application of that truth. As you said, there are still cultures today that greet with a kiss. In Russia, its on the lips. The biblical truth is that we are to greet one another, be kind. The application of that truth with Paul and Peter was a holy kiss. Today, the application is the "holy" handshake.
     
    #16 jbh28, Dec 26, 2011
  17. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Why do I need a ice pack -
    I heard in your church, you demand other pastors to give your feet a holy kiss? :saint:
     
    #17 Salty, Dec 26, 2011
  18. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    Does Kissing....

    ....the ring of the Pope count?
     
    #18 righteousdude2, Dec 26, 2011
  19. convicted1

    convicted1 Guest

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    What if that someone only has three fingers? :laugh: an high eight?
     
    #19 convicted1, Dec 28, 2011
  20. convicted1

    convicted1 Guest

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    As long as he doesn't carry it in his back pocket. Ewwwww!!! :laugh:
     
    #20 convicted1, Dec 28, 2011
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