God's unchanging law

(stolen, without any shame whatsoever, from here.

The validity of this letter having actually been sent to Dr. Laura is unknown, but it still makes some great points about people who quote scripture to excuse their bigotry against homosexuals.

Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

a) 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?

b) 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?

c) 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.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed 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?

e) 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?

f) 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?

g) 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?

h) 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?

i) 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?

j) 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)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.





In other news, I have a headache. My ratties offered to nibble me cutely, but it didn't help.

Do you know what love is?

It seems many Christians can't even get along with each other, much less show tolerance and love for others. Whatever happened to loving your enemies?

Above all else, these two factions seem to be getting into a fight in Bethlehem because their religions celebrate Jesus's birthday on different days. Do these people really think that when they get to Heaven, God will turn some of them away because they used the wrong date to let Jesus blow out his 2000-some-odd candles?

This sort of thing frustrates me, and just goes to further the stereotype of Christians as being hateful, malicious people who are incapable of any semblance of tolerance above forcing others to be exactly like them.

Christian or not, one thing holds true: If you only love those that are like yourself, then you do not know love, because you only love yourself.

Africans and Christmas and Christianity

Have a happy Christmas/Frostfell/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Saturnalia/Winter Solstice/Winter Veil/Yuletide.

Something I have been thinking. Some African-Americans honor their heritage by observing Kwanzaa, but if they really wanted to honor their heritage wouldn't they leave the religion that was forced upon them by their oppressors (Christianity or Muslim depending on who took over their particular region) and instead go with one of the many good ancient religions of Africa?