Reply #8: hmmm ok .. why not.. but just this once [View All]

[Mick Knox]

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

They are quite the unruley lot.. and the second some hockey game came on.. forget it.. they wouldnt get anything done.

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21: 7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

Obey the current law of the land.

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

I dont know.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1: 9. The problem is, my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

No. Dont smite your neighbors.

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

you are not morally obligated to do it yourself.

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

I dont know and no I cannot settle it.

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

It it not talking about sight in the literal sence.

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

Preferable.. at old age by natural causes.. by the way the church I attended as a youth did not allow women to cut their hair.... interesting huh?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

I would think so.

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

No, it is illegal in this country.

Thank you for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
(yeah, I stole these from an old Dr. Laura letter . . . but they're accurate and demonstrate just how selective Bible literalists are . . . if it suits their prejudices, it must be followed . . . otherwise, it's okay to ignore it . . . kinda the definition of hypocrisy, don'tcha think? . . .)


It raises interesting points for sure. I wonder if homosexuality as a sin is along the same lines? Could be... I hope so. I'm still not gonna be gay though. Anyone else who wants to is welcome too.