2 Responses to “Difference between infidelity and adultery?”
Gabriel Duarte
2014-03-16 22:45:02
A life of sin can be cleansed and changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Hi brother@. In my mind, adultery is a form of infidelity. Adultery is when a married person intentionally cultivates an intimate physical relationship with someone other than their spouse. Infidelity includes other forms of betrayal. For example, purposely flirting with others, using pornography, engaging in emotional affairs, etc.
On the other hand, Jesus taught: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). Spiritually speaking, then, the distinction between infidelity and adultery is not so important.
I hope this answer helps.
Pamela Bonta
2014-04-28 07:03:04
Chastity: What are the limits?
Sometimes the two words can be used interchangeably, and often are. However, infidelity means being unfaithful to one's partner (spouse, fiancee, boyfriend/girlfriend) without actual sexual intercourse, and can include *emotional* infidelity, such as, for example, sharing personal thoughts with someone without sharing them with your partner. Adultery, however, always includes intercourse. This does not mean that infidelity is better than adultery, though. We are taught that man and woman are to become one - this means physically and emotionally. Christ himself said that "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart." Both infidelity and adultery can be equally devastating to a relationship.
On the other hand, Jesus taught: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). Spiritually speaking, then, the distinction between infidelity and adultery is not so important.
I hope this answer helps.