In their chapter on "Covenant & Inclusion" Field and Colon identify the problem of exaggerating the marriage metaphor in evangelical churches. They refer the readers to Stanley Grenz's observation that while the Old Testament uses marriage as a metaphor for Yahweh's relationship to his people, the New Testament shifts to "Christ's union with the church."
They believe that "relying solely" on one metaphor diminishes the richness of God's character. "We have all probably heard sermons that refer to the metaphor of marriage as an important image of God's love, but how many of us have ever heard a sermon discussing what celibacy may reveal about God and the truths of our Christian faith?" Field and Colon point to a new intimacy in the New Testament. It is not the glorification of individual marriages but of the great communion between God and his people: "This new intimacy not only takes the place of marriage here on earth but also allows singles to participate joyfully even if they never received a spouse." They note both the metaphors of marriage and singleness "are necessary to help reveal the complexities of God's love for us."
I found this chapter to be a helpful, positive, theology for singleness or celibacy.
Comments