The Scarlett Letter
Even in this age of sexual revolution, it still appears that women are the ones left to carry the unplanned, and unwanted pregnancy all by herself. Even though she did not get this way by herself, bulging out in front of her is the evidence of her mistake, her error, and in some circles, her sin. But the man’s sin is hidden. Often abandoned to bear the burden alone, the woman wears the scarlett letter of her unplanned pregnancy for all to see.
Why does our society think it is okay to have premarital sex, but we all scorn those that get caught at it with unplanned, out of wedlock pregnancy? I once conducted my own survey on the subject. I asked the women in my bible study to see if there were any who waited until marriage to have sex. No one ever said yes, they waited.
Nowhere in God’s word do I find any language where children are a sin. Not even close. In fact it is the opposite – they are always a blessing. But I do find verse after verse about fornication being the sin, not the resulting seed from the sin, the children.
The Webster Dictionary’s Definition of Fornication is “consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other or any other.” (Married individuals having sex outside of their marriage is adultery.)
God’s view of fornication is:
Galations 5:19 (KJVA) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJVA) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication
Colossians 3:5 (NKJV) Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Interestingly, you cannot find the word fornication in the more modern Bible translations. I wonder why? Maybe because it would be too convicting since our modern age has made this behavior the norm? Maybe we need to start reviving some “ancient” vocabulary words so they don’t feel so foreign to us. Maybe we need to refocus on where the real sin is.
KH