It's not about how easy something is, it is the fact that you replace something with dedication to God

https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-5.htm

1 Corinthians 7:8-9

**1 Corinthians 7:8-9 - English Standard Version (ESV)**

```Dust


<8> To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. <9> But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. ```

This isn't about whether or not clergy should be married, but about what is the higher thing

That implies that nobody should marry if they are single or they lack self-control. God created and ordained marriage between two perfect people. God gives the reasons why in Genesis 2:18

**Genesis 2:18 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)**

```Dust


<18> Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." ```

My wife and I didnt marry because we lacked self-control and were having sex out of wedlock (like Paul was addressing the Corinthians throughout the letter not to engage in sexual immorality) but because we loved one another.

We did it to raise a Godly family. Why are we presented as the Bride of Christ if it would be a lesser union?

That just implies that celibacy for God is a higher calling, as the Church has always taught

Your family is not evil, but virginity for God is better

It is lesser, has always been and will always be, because other people renounce to it in favor of full dedication to God, out of love towards God.

I intend to marry, but I understand that those who are celibate for god follow a higher calling, because of their sacrifice and love towards God.

Idk if it was ever meant to be a higher calling, simply different. Otherwise, were we all saints we would die off utterly. The first commandment God gave to man was to be fruitful and multiply, it is our purpose to get married and have children. That some are not called to have children is ok but it doesn't put then in a superior position, it just saddles them with a different set of responsibilities to the church.

Also, in the verse you mentioned from Corinthians- it mentions widows. I would defer from this that they are not virgins, but instead may remain celebate (not engaging in extramarital sexual relationships - repeating myself, but the entire book of 1 Corinthians is pleading with them to stop immoral sexual relationships). There are times and callings for celibacy. But I dont see how the thoughts of God and His reasoning in Genesis nor in giving Mary an earthy husband (Joseph) if it would be implied she remained a virgin

I wish marriage for anyone mature enough for it. I have learned so much about the Christ and His love for His Bride (Church) by being in one. Even more about grace, love and mercy from having children.

@Mozalbete ⳩ If you would like to give a final response, I am fine moving onto another subject or issue if you like. I dont see much fruit coming of this conversation

@Deleted User i was raised a prot, and im still a non denom
tbh im not entirely sure what i want to gain from buying a study bible, i just thought it would be nice to have side notes to go along with when im reading
i also want to spend my first salary

@SUPER MALE VITALITY™ It is different, and superior, what Christ did, what Paul mentions as better, and what gives more to God. This is said by pretty much all Church fathers I have seen. @Deleted User

My final answer: It is also superior for widows to not to remarry. They are not being told to stop immoral sexual relationships, which is why Paul tells them it is better to be like him. Everything regarding Mary's virginity is outlined mercilessly by Jerome, and to a lesser extent Augustine. I would say that the ones that learn more about Christ are those who imitate him and do not marry. Because they aren't parents in the flesh, but in the spirit. Both are good, but one is better.

@oceanman If your non-denom, the ESV Study Bible is pretty excellent as a general reference. Its packed with tons of theology, archeology, soteriology, Christology in the end section. If you like hardback versions, its on sale right now.

https://www.christianbook.com/esv-study-bible-hardcover/9781433502415/pd/502415?event=Promotion|1002950

My general recommendation is as follows for Scriptural study materials. I am saying this as you are new to the faith, so excuse any unintentionally diminutive points. Fun fact: All of these can be found for free online if money is tight.

I would also recommend starting with just reading the New Testament. If you are from a Jewish Background -Matthew. If you are action oriented - Mark. If you enjoy long thoughtful talks - Luke. If you want to hear the majesty of Christ - John. I prefer John and Mark. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic Gospels and tell the same story through different perspectives. John is distinct and should be read by everyone starting out.

From most to least important imho.

1. A Bible (A good readable version so you will actually read it. God will speak to you through His word. You can also listen to it during commutes if its hard to find a quiet time in your home. Youtube or the Bible app. The app with a brown Bible and red tag is very good and you can download an audio version for offline listening) This can be anywhere from NIV to ESV while maintaining readability and accuracy.

I, too, use A for study

ESV is good

2. A Study Bible - Still a readable version (see what certain phrases meant to the audience or add background to a Book, Verse, or Word)

2. An interlinear Bible (See the actual Hebrew and Greek texts along side a literal translation. This is not for reading, but seeing the Scripture as originally written to see where we received our translations.)

3. A NASB Strong's Concordance (See the usage of words in other contexts throughout Scripture)

4. If you feel your study Bible isn't providing enough context or outline, I really like John MacArthur's Bible Handbook.

5. The Complete Illustrated Children's Bible (Not joking. Sometimes when I am reading to my children from it, it can become obvious you miss the forest through the trees.)

6. Systematic or histological theology books. (This lays out why we believe certain things - to reference above, why is is important Mary received an immaculate conception as a virgin, or what is the Trinity. Or if you get a histological theology, how did we come to the faith we have today from the Gospels through the history of the Church.

7. Your interests from there. Apologetics are usually good, but so are Christian poetry and writings from those throughout history who truly feared and loved God .

These are just my quick thoughts.

@Mozalbete ⳩ you caught me

haha

Seems good to me., although I would add the councils, early Christianity prayers etc. The later are useful to check what the arliest Christians said about some topics, discarding stupid theories about some doctrines being added X centuries afterwards

https://www.christianbook.com/apps/easyfind?Nf=bp_10%7CGT+0&N=5401+1029249+4294777866&Ne=1000000&Nso=1&Nu=product.endeca_rollup&category=Bibles&Ns=product.number_sold&event=Promotion|1002950

https://books.google.com/books/about/Systematic_Theology.html?id=2DUPWk9ng3wC&source=kp_book_description

Touchy-feely as the description comes off, this is actually a really solid resource for understanding a wide breadth of Christian traditions. It's no primary doctrinal resource by any means, but it's really helpful for getting an understanding of what other christians you may encounter believe.

Looks like there is a sale going on for Study Bibles as well. So you picked a great time to look.

@SUPER MALE VITALITY™ and @Mozalbete ⳩ agreed.

By the way, I expanded my list of topics, currently containing around 12. They could be a good motivation for future conversations, especially considering I may need material to talk about

I will wait a couples of days to share the lsit, in case I make some modification

What would everyone think of building a guideline of the New Testament? Like picking a personality type and saying you would enjoy A, B, and C books.

As a way to encourage people to get in the Word?

Perhaps give a spark-notes of each Book and Chapter for an easier reference?

That sounds pretty cool

I usually try to recommend people gospels much like you did above

Same. But even within that, the Gospels are written for a different audiences and effects. We could start with Matthew and work our way to John. See if this is something worth continuing after a compass check a few books in.

Maybe something someone with a graphic design background could make visually appealing as well to capture attention.

Could even make something like a choose your own adventure type setup