Saturday, April 7
Is Homosexuality Wrong But Slavery Okay?
It's interesting how the Bible is often quoted to justify what is right and wrong. Homosexuality, for example, is said to be 'wrong' because of what is written in Leviticus 18:22. To quote: "Thou shall not lay with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination."
The problem with quotes from the Bible is that, those who quote, usually cherry pick what fits their argument and conveniently overlook other aspects of what is also written.
The following is something that was sent to me which I hadn't seen this before - but maybe that's because I'm in England and the cutting is from the USA. Whatever - here we go:
"When US radio personality Laura Schlessinger said, to an Orthodox Jew, that homosexuality is an abomination, according to Leviticus 18:22, and couldn't be condoned in any circumstance she received this letter:
"Dear Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I've learnt a great deal from you and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, I remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination.
But I need some advice regarding some other laws. When I burn a bull on the alter as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord (Lev. 1:9) but my neighbours claim it's not so pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I'd like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. What would a fair price be for her?
I know I'm allowed no contact with a woman while she's in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24) but how do I tell? I've tried asking but most women take offence.
Lev.25:44 says I may possess slaves, male and female, provided they're purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend claims this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
A friend feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it's a lesser abomination than homosexuality. Do you agree? I'm sure you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging."
There are also so many other diverse laws in the Bible that we couldn't possibly follow, but religious teachers somehow forget these. They seem to often preach what suits.
Personally I believe we should all respect each other regardless of race, colour, sexual preference, religion, age and so on ... and live as one.
Further Reading:
The Failed Predictions Of The Jehovah Witness - 2
Was Jesus A Vegan
Hitler And Princess Diana Baptised As Mormons
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Laura Schlessinger is a right wing nut. The whole argument about gays is so specious. What difference does it make? Our neighbor believes the same silliness. Live as one is the only sane way to live.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know who Schlessinger was, prior to this.
DeleteRe:
ReplyDelete" There are also so many other diverse laws in the Bible that we couldn't possibly follow, but religious teachers somehow forget these. They seem to often preach what suits."
I agree Mike and I love that letter above,it hits home how easy it is to back up an augment with a quote from the Bible without taking the whole document into account.I sat down in my 20's and read the whole thing from cover to cover,and could not believe the outright contradictions in it that make it virtually impossible to apply in real life.
It certainly cured me from religion and set me on the road to find true spirituality instead.
I challenge anyone to read the bible from cover and apply everything in it as God's word,and still remain sane.
Another title for the Bible could be
"Mission Impossible".-)
And the same goes for Orthodox Judaism,I'm a secular Jew and have tried following that path,more from a cultural / traditional perspective than a religious one (for instance I still don't eat pork out of respect for my fellow religious Jews [and Muslim friends] who choose not to...and I don't condemn those who do[my wife and kids,for example],but I do eat shellfish and many un-kosher foods [oh,the shame] as I find the kosher laws almost impossible to follow anyway,especially when you live outside of a Jewish community like I do.
And as hard as it may be to do,I agree with you Mike when you say,
"Personally I believe we should all respect each other regardless of race, colour, sexual preference, religion, age and so on ... and [try to]live as one".
"Try" is the word I should have included. I suppose at times we all have a few inbuilt prejudices that on occasions may come to the fore.
DeleteI've read many of the other diverse laws, but generally they aren't mentioned by the 'religious' - accidently on purpose.
Agree 100%, why don't we live as one? Most likely because it's not always so easy but there are always excuses. Agree about how preachers 'cherry pick' what they need to win an argument.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzie, it's not always easy and Darren, above, is right to have included the world 'try'.
DeleteIf you really believe, "Personally I believe we should all respect each other regardless of race, colour, sexual preference, religion, age and so on ... and live as one."
ReplyDeleteThen you should be ok with anyone who believes that homosexuality is wrong. Otherwise, you are shoving your opinion about homosexuality down their throat.
Concerning the letter written above, the truth was twisted. Anyone who is truly in search of the truth will do their research and use discernment, not believe a letter that has been around as an email hoax for quite some time now.