Dark Friendships

[tabibito]

While yoking would imply a somewhat closer relationship than friendship, it would be hard to argue that a friendship with an unbeliever can exist beyond an elementary level. Not that it is wrong, just that it is impossible.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

The reason for not being unequally yoked is stated. The inherent incompatibility will just as surely prevent the bonds of friendship from being cemented. ... This is not a prohibition, it is merely inescapable.

[Obsidian]

That seems like an oxymoron. Why would an unbeliever be involved in a ministry? Can you see someone like Tassman working for a church lol?

Acts 20:29
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

[Jedidiah]

Wow, you really need to stop. I think a warning from the mods is in order. Create division? Phoney questions? Create argument? My friend, this is a online forum for Christian's to discuss things - this is exactly what we are doing. The only one causing problems here is you.

If I am incorrect in my assessment, I apologize. I will watch and see if that is the case.

[Jedidiah]

Scrawly, I would like to take back the tentative nature of my apology. My impression that these were not really serious questions is not adequate to justify my comments. I am sorry.

[robrecht]

Wouldn't yoke simply mean "join together"? The passage in 2Cor. might not be strictly about friendship, but it does strike me as warning against being in "close relations" with unbelievers.

That's interesting, but why do you think the translation teams, comprised of Greek scholars from a variety of denominational backgrounds, all seemingly translate those verses with the believer/unbeliever contrast?

A fair number of scholars don't even think this passage was originally written by Paul or, if by Paul, not originally part of this context so I won't try to offer a definitive translation or exegesis of the passage without having studied it in more depth, but I am trying to understand it in context, and that is always done best in the original language. In the meantime, I like to keep my options open. If someone offers a better interpretation, I can easily change my mind.

[tabibito]

Amos 3:3 might help, Robrecht:
From the LXX
3:3 εἰ πορεύσονται δύο ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ καθόλου ἐὰν μὴ γνωρίσωσιν ἑαυτούς

[apostoli]

Thanks for sharing your experience Apostoli. You seem to be putting into practice the admonishment of Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."

It isn't always easy...

________________________-

While yoking would imply a somewhat closer relationship than friendship, it would be hard to argue that a friendship with an unbeliever can exist beyond an elementary level. Not that it is wrong, just that it is impossible.

...of being yoked together. Here in Oz, in the old days, mass transport was largely conducted via bullock teams. So the term has meaning to me. The pairing of bullocks was extremely important. So in my interpretation the "yoking" would imply equality...

[tabibito]

Indeed - friendship doesn't require a match to the same degree as does marriage -
but pairing a quarter horse in harness with a clydesdale doesn't make for easy ploughing.

2 Corinthians 6:12 στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν provides a more immediate context for the verse in question.

[robrecht]

Amos 3:3 might help, Robrecht:
From the LXX
3:3 εἰ πορεύσονται δύο ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ καθόλου ἐὰν μὴ γνωρίσωσιν ἑαυτούς

I don't see how this helps to elucidate Paul's letters to the Corinthians in their original context.

[tabibito]

It has bearing on the same topic, so the broader context is addressed, for all that it is not part of the immediate context. I'm fairly sure that Christ made a comment that touches on the issue, but can't just now think of when with any precision - just something tucked away in the back of memory.

[KingsGambit]

It has bearing on the same topic, so the broader context is addressed, for all that it is not part of the immediate context. I'm fairly sure that Christ made a comment that touches on the issue, but can't just now think of when with any precision - just something tucked away in the back of memory.

Perhaps the comment on making use of mammon to make friends for oneself?

[Truthseeker]

I did. On our first date, I asked my wife-to-be about her faith, and she accepted Christ.

Nowadays, the first question I ask a stranger woman is, are you Christian? So far, I have not any date after asking that But I'll keep on asking that. What do you think?

[Cow Poke]

Nowadays, the first question I ask a stranger woman is, are you Christian? So far, I have not any date after asking that But I'll keep on asking that. What do you think?

I think "Are you a Christian" can be.... some people think they're "a Christian" as opposed to a pagan or whatever. And what if she had been THINKING about becoming a Christian? My wife was not a Christian when I met her, but she sure was ready!

[Cow Poke]

Nowadays, the first question I ask a stranger woman...

~~~~ Stranger in the Night, she's weird in daytime but she's stranger in the night ~~~~~

[Truthseeker]

I think "Are you a Christian" can be.... some people think they're "a Christian" as opposed to a pagan or whatever. And what if she had been THINKING about becoming a Christian? My wife was not a Christian when I met her, but she sure was ready!

I don't think I understand.