SINGLE BLESSEDNESS & NEW EVANGELIZATION (1 Cor. 7,25-40)

Abstract

This is the most difficult and the most controversial passage in 1 Corinthians and it has exercised the ingenuity of scholars. There are many different interpretations and none of them is immune to objections.2 The obscurity is because we do not have the clear picture of what the Corinthian position was. It is as if we are now reduced to conjecture. In spite of the high degree of uncertainty, it is imperative to develop a hypothesis presenting the Corinthian position otherwise Paul’s response will remain unintelligible. The passage is a direct answer to an inquiry concerning spiritual marriage and single blessedness. This passage can be used to show that those who are called to single blessedness have the right to be included into pastoral plan of the Church. Although they are part and parcel of the people of God, they are often neglected in our various parishes. The paper will examine the above pericope in order to draw out the message of Paul and relate it to new evangelization.