I think you did come up w/ the greatest example! That’s perfect!

Most all rational people on earth today, collectively agree that the right to vote (whether they actually cast the ballot or not) is an essential part of a free society. No one would not want the right to vote. And as you laid out, it’s not found in the Bible w/ regards to the Israelites. The only exception maybe the choosing of Matthias to replace Judas which went a little Vegas-style.

I think it’s safe to say that dating, like voting, is very important–even though it’s not directly found in the Bible.

If anyone else reading this has got another example, let me know.

Thanks for your imput Hobie1.

Ben

It’s hard to think of a good example of something done today in our culture(s) that was not done in the Bible and that does not involve changes in technology. Cori pointed out to me that dating is an act of personal importance like virtually none other, and it is hard to think of other current cultural practices that could match its importance to an individual and yet not be found in the Bible.

The best that I could come up with is the “vote.” Dating is essentially one means for a society or culture to choose to navigate the transition from getting people from being single to married, and eventually to child-rearing, in order to perpetuate and contribute to the society. There are probably at least a few other choices that exist for accomplishing this purpose, such as arranged marriages by the parents and probably some others I don’t know about.

Similarly, voting is a cultural/societal process through which an individual participates in the selection of his or her political leaders. It, as well, is not really found in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it seems as if political/religious leaders were chosen mainly by Divine fiat. Either that, or the leaders ascended to the throne based upon being related to the king, or they took the leadership position by force. In the New Testament, the people of Israel were a conquered and oppressed people who had been subjugated by the Roman Empire and were in no position to choose a political leader; the leaders were appointed by Rome.

Are we then to refuse to participate in the modern, democratic political process simply because it is not found in the Bible, though it is found in our culture(s)? I don’t think so. This may not be the greatest example, but its the only one I could think of that came close to dating in involving the personal choice of an individual vs. the choices of others around the individual.

So, I guess I should have come up w/ a better example for legitimate cultural difference in idea. I’ll try and come up w/ one.

However, back to the point you made, can you think of another thing we do or don’t do in today’s culture (for good reason) that is not found in the Bible?

A lot of good thoughts here! I like your thinking! I think we should be friends ;)

By the way, I love the blog!!! It’s what we have all been waiting for!!!