I actually commented on singleness briefly

in a discussion of some of Ivan’s comments about homosexuality being against the created order in that it was a rejection of the procreation mandate (http://www.opensourcetheology.net/node/563#comment-1317 — links don’t seem to be working in this new editor!). Every argument I’ve heard regarding heterosexual idealism and the creation order would have equally potent ramifications against singleness. Yet Paul recommended the one and rejected — at least in some form — the other. It is unfortunate that Paul’s reasons for recommending celibacy in 1 Corinthians are obscure, his thought process may be very relevant to the present discussion.

I’m not sure what to do with this except to say that if anyone’s arguments contra-homosexual monogamy would ALSO argue against celibacy, then I think those arguments have to be thrown out.

Somewhere in this discussion we will have to explore the great value ancient Hebrew culture placed on producing heirs, both economically and eschatologically, and the (ir)relevance of such a value system in our present cultural and eschatological circumstances.