The reference to Created to be His Helpmeet in the "Recharge" thread reminded me of an article that gets brought up on occasion as some women I fellowship with on-line discuss modesty. I would be interested in hearing your take on this article.
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/s/Sh...n-Of-Bathsheba
Kimberly
Kimberly,Originally Posted by Kimberly Merrill
Just skimming the article I had read enough, I can't think of much that is redemptive in it. As for the "sin of Bathsheba" goes I have heard other people use this concept much in the same way of the article. the problem with it is that the theme isn't part of the narrative of the story at all. The idea that Bathsheba sinned by bathing outside is pure conjecture at best and takes no consideration of the cultural of the time. Scripture in no way indicts Bathsheba. In fact I think the sin for David is greater at this point than even a simple affair (we haven't even gotten to the murder yet) because I doubt that Bathsheba would have been in a position where she felt she could say no to the king.
When it comes to modesty, I am all for it- but not in this over sexed paranoia I hear from some corners of the church. Modesty is about not thinking of yourself higher than you should- it can apply to our sexuality when it comes to losing perspective on its importance, but unfortunately modesty in the church too often is talked about as somehow being a sexual issue. ironically, some of the most immodest behavior I have ever seen comes from self righteous religious people as they demonstrate zero humility as they condemn others for the way they dress. Modesty that is obsessed with the way one dresses, even if it is super conservative, is no modesty at all.
1 Samuel is fairly clear...David wasn't supposed to be there. Every time the bible says "In the Spring, when Kings go to war, David was..." he screws up and something bad happens. The first time he calls for a census, the second time he has an affair with Bethsheba. The bible is really clear here, David is mucking about, there shouldn't have been anybody around to look at her.
People do this all the time. "it's the woman's fault I looked at her, she's got all of those squishy sexy bits, and I just can't help myself!"
To which the only logical response is "Every man is a rapist. After all, they all have the equipment."
Sin is initiated in the mind of the beholder. Be like Joseph and run away, not like David.
I think most NazNetters can guess my opinion of an article that states that if I wear a sleeveless top or slacks then I am inflaming the passions of men around me. LOL Seems to me the writer would be happy if women formless sacks which covered them from neck to toe to protect all the poor men from sinning.
Doesn't have the courage to put his name to it I notice.
Last edited by Barbara Moulton; 8th February 2010 at 08:37 PM (20:37).
Why stop there? I do love a pair of beautiful eyes... shouldn't we also cover those? And Angelina Jolie's lips are often described as attractive, I assume there are other women for whom this is also the case. And hair... hair is beautiful. Guess we'll just have to have a bunch of sacks with noses running around... unless someone's attracted to those?
You only have the absolute truth to the extent that the Absolute Truth has you
-Hans Deventer
I agree, Bathsheba did no wrong. The text seems to indicate that she had an expectation of privacy, David was on the roof of the palace looking down!
That said, modesty can certainly be a big help.
I imagine that Bathsheba ws in a court yard bathing as was the common practice of the time. David was taking a stroll on the roof top of his house.... again a common practice. The problem was that when he saw Bathsheba naked the first time, he should have turned away but he didn't.
He chose to stay.... looked some more and lusted after her.
The sin was entirely his.
Hence, Shea, the burqa !
Sounds like that's what you might be describing here.
I was listening to something where they were talking to a Muslim who said that women shouldn't even be out in public places, as it incited them to want to tear the burqa off and do things to the woman.
If it's in your mind, it doesn't matter what she's wearing.
Also why tearing out your eye, or cutting off your hand, isn't going to keep you from sinning.
Ya'll are far more polite and generous than I'm feeling. That article was a load of tripe.
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