AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
I have never understood the viginity cloth of the Old Testament,
From what I know, it was like a bedsheet that was used during the consumation of a marriage that contained blood from the bride.
But this makes no sense, because to be a virgin did not mean that the person had never used pleasure toys while yet single.
And, anyone could stain a sheet with blood from their finger to use as proof.
I have never been able to figure this whole thing out from;
Deuteronomy 22:17
Now he has slandered her and said, 'I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.' But here is the proof of my daughter's virginity." Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town,
Could you please help me,
Thanks,
AL
Answer Dear Al,
Wow!! What a question! I have to confess that this is something to which I have never given any thought before, so thank you for bringing it to my attention.
There are, I suspect, a couple of ways in which we might examine the situation as outlined in Deut.22. First of all, we should not assume that the practice of using "pleasure toys" (to use your own euphemism!) was a part of early Hebrew life and practice. I am not suggesting that other ancient cultures did not use specific artefacts to produce personal sexual gratification, but the high moral code of the Children of Israel, as given by YHWH on Mt Sinai would have made such activity as unthinkable as the team at the top of a sports league, playing the team at the bottom, deliberately allowing the bottom team to win the game. It is perfectly possible - but it just isn't going to happen!
Secondly, we must remember that, in the contemporary culture (as is still the case in certain cultures today), a girl was considered ready for marriage as soon as she reached puberty and experienced her first period. As this could be as early as twelve years of age, this would also argue against any pre-sexual intercourse breaking of the hymen (maidenhead) by whatever means.
The situation today, certainly in my own Scottish culture, is obviously different. The fact that girls are not even allowed, by law, to be married until they are sixteen years of age, and the use of tampons during the intervening years since puberty, means that there is no physical evidence of a girl's virginity by the time she is married. However, the teaching of the Word of God is for all time, and for every culture. I would suggest, therefore, that the modern implication of the relevant section of Deut.22 is that parents still have a responsibility, by teaching, by example, and by careful, loving discipline, to ensure that their daughters (and, indeed, their sons!)come to the marriage bed with their virginity - in reality, if not always physically evidenced - intact.
I trust that this will at least help you to understand this particular passage, and that God the Holy Spirit will grant you any further enlightenment that you may need. In your case, I really would appreciate a response, so that I might know whether, or not, I have been of any help.
Blessings.
C.Brian Ross (Rev)
