Saturday, 04 July 2009
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The Holy Kiss and the Christian
The Holy Kiss
What is it?
This practice is a greeting that is spoken of in 5 different bible verses. Sometimes it is called the holy kiss and at other times it is refered to a kiss of love or a kiss of charity. This practice today is usually done only to believers of the same sex meaning brothers to brothers and sisters to sisters. The usual practice of the Holy kiss is usually referring to a kiss on the cheek of another believer.
Anabaptist(Mennonites, Brethren and Amish) will usually clasp hands in the way a handshake is given and then lean in and kiss the cheek of the other believer or an "air" kiss is given
What is the scriptures for the holy kiss?
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the Messiah's congregations send their greetings to you.
(Romans 16:16)
All the brothers send you their greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(1 Corinthians 16:20)
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(2 Corinthians 13:12)
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
(1 Thessalonians 5:26)
Greet each other with a kiss of love. "Shalom aleikhem!" to all who belong to the Messiah.
(1 Peter 5:14)
Reasons Against
Bible Time Custom
Not Sanitary. (Good way to spread diseases)
Thoughts of other people would think about it (That is a sensual kiss)
A Handshake is better
Reasons for.
A visual expression of brotherly love of other Christians
Bible says kiss and it means kiss
We are commanded to by the scriptures
It shows strong trust between other believers in your fellowship.
Links for more information on the Holy Kiss
Wikipedia Article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_peace
Charity Ministries Article
http://www.charityministries.org/theremnant/2006/March/theremnant-March2006-holy-kiss.a5w?A5W_Sess_ID=5e54ef62bea04ab6a6eedf6781d0f554
Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online Artilce
http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/K52578.html
Apostolic Christian Church Article
http://www.apostolicchristianchurch.org/Pages/Beliefs,%20The%20Holy%20Kiss.htm
Have you heard of the Holy Kiss and what are your thoughts of the practice?
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Comments (5)
It was fairly common among some of my friends who were more international. I think it's fine. Just no tongue...
i am for it - at least if people don't go beyond that/or take advantage of the idea. in south america especially, friends and relatives, even new acquaintances upon introduction are greeted with a kiss on each cheek, sometimes mouth. i must say that i loved that...instantly i felt like family. when you go through these motions and are close to people like that, it makes it easier to see them in a positive light. this is not unlike how blessing and praying for enemies or those who have hurt you, tends to increase your feelings of goodwill towards them regardless of whether their hearts change.
i think there's a balance...we're not meant to be too close to everyone that it's inappropriate, but not standoffish either where we are an island or being cold. neither are good for us or others.
I'm concerned about the literalism implied in your reasons for. "Scripture says kiss and means kiss" and "it is commanded" seem a bit too unequivocal for my understanding. Also found in the epistles are commands to "take a little wine for your belly," and to bring Paul the cloak he left with Carpus. You'd be taking a hard line if you insisted that every Christian must take some wine for their belly's sake and must bring Paul the cloak he left with Carpus. I think these are situations that call for some cultural sensitivity.
@JadedJanissary - I second that. One of my college roommates was from Romania (Russian Orthodox church) and practiced "the holy kiss." I think he liked how it made everyone uncomfortable for a second, till they figured out what he was going for.
Yeah. It's good to welcome brothers and sisters warmly. Though, I have to acknowledge this command make look differently in different cultures. A handshake and a hug could be the equivalent of a warm welcome for our culture. I have a friend who kisses me as a greeting. It's a bit off but it doesn't bother me. This topic is discussed in the early pages of a book I'm currently reading (Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals by William Webb).
I think today it is more based on customs than scripture.