Selective Bible Reading

[the9file]

Thousands of people who claim to be Christians are very vocal about their opposition to issues such as homosexuality and abortion, citing the bible as the source and explanation of their antagonism to them. Despite the loyalty to the bible these people claim to have, there are several other clearly stated rules in its text that go completely ignored in mainstream Christianity. Some argue that Christians who support homosexuality are not true Christians because they are ignoring the word of God, but one can find that almost all alleged Christians, or subscribers to any such religion, for that matter, ignore several other just as significant passages in their biblical text consistently and in their everyday lives.

Leviticus 18:22, among a few other verses, is used as an argument against homosexuality, and it reads, “And you must not lie down with a male the same as you lie down with a woman. It is a detestable thing.”

Psalms 22:9-10 are used against abortion, and they read, “For you were the One drawing me forth from the belly, The one making me trust while upon the breasts of my mother./Upon you I have been thrown from the womb; from the belly of my mother you have been my God.”

What makes these verses more significant than others that condemn practices that are not viewed as controversial in contemporary society?

Leviticus 11:10-10 states that it is loathsome to eat sea creatures without scales or fins. Has anyone here ever had oysters or calamari here? The preceding and proceeding verses go on to say that rabbits, pigs, camels, ostriches, gulls, and eagles are loathsome to eat. But it adds that it’s okay to eat locusts.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 says, “In case a man finds a girl, a virgin who has not been engaged, and he actually seizes her and lies down with her, and they have been found out, the man who lay down with her must also give the girl’s father fifty shekels, and she will become his wife due to the fact that he humiliated her. He will not be allowed to divorce her all his days.”

The list extends far past this. I can produce more bible quotes that aren’t conventionally recognized if asked, but my point is that the bible is used selectively as a social and political weapon. If the public is presented with an issue regarding a topic which they feel uncomfortable with, they won’t hesitate to reach for their bible, but only when the bible aligns with their beliefs do they use it to make a case against others.

[the9file]

Sorry I'm articulating myself so badly. It's getting late for me.

[jackketch]

And the point of this thread is?!

I don't think anyone here doubts that christians misuse the bible to their own ends.

Even the 'true believers' among us are happy enough to accuse christians of different denominations of abusing God's Word.

[Drox]

The Bible was written by people, like you and me, and some of the things they mention are reflective of their time. The thing about not eating certain sea creatures was some kinda rule/tradition they had back then for whatever reason. And as times change, I would imagine rules like that change too.

*Christian dies and meets God*

God: Well, you have followed the Ten Commendments for all of your life, you've shown compassion to your fellow man, and you've had faith in Jesus, but you ate a fish without scales! Go to hell bitch!

[Toddler Fondler]

Jesus did away with a bunch of rules when he came about. He was a reformer and set that precadent. No doubt "Christians" protesting gay funerals or beating up gay people for their sexuality are sinning, however. You're supposed to pray for sinners, not judge or threaten them.

[VD+MA]

Originally Posted by Toddler Fondler

Jesus did away with a bunch of rules when he came about. He was a reformer and set that precadent. No doubt "Christians" protesting gay funerals or beating up gay people for their sexuality are sinning, however. You're supposed to pray for sinners, not judge or threaten them.

That is very true. Yet, even though it was written by people of different time periods it was not meant to be changed. As for the eating ... Peter clearly declares all food to be a gift of the Lord and so does Paul. It does not mean that the rules of changed but that many convenants have been fulfilled. There is also the explanation that many foods back then were unhealthy and as such, were prohibited. I would like to hear some more verses that you find a problem with so that I might give you some responses. Be slow though, I can only handle so much at one time.

[bill89ca]

Originally Posted by Toddler Fondler

Jesus did away with a bunch of rules when he came about. He was a reformer and set that precadent. No doubt "Christians" protesting gay funerals or beating up gay people for their sexuality are sinning, however. You're supposed to pray for sinners, not judge or threaten them.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 5:17-19)

Jesus says that the Old Testament laws are binding on everyone forever.

[VD+MA]

Originally Posted by bill89ca

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 5:17-19)

Jesus says that the Old Testament laws are binding on everyone forever.

Christ was the fulfillment being spoken of, therefore the new convenant in his blood mentioned, I think, in every gospel on the night before he was betrayed. These Old Testament laws are not binding on everyone forever, read leviticus and then read acts and the epistles, this fulfillment is shown.

[cyfer]

Originally Posted by Drox

The Bible was written by people, like you and me, and some of the things they mention are reflective of their time. The thing about not eating certain sea creatures was some kinda rule/tradition they had back then for whatever reason. And as times change, I would imagine rules like that change too.

*Christian dies and meets God*

God: Well, you have followed the Ten Commendments for all of your life, you've shown compassion to your fellow man, and you've had faith in Jesus, but you ate a fish without scales! Go to hell bitch!

Amen. The new testament is much more relevant, although it still might need an update

[MasterPython]

Originally Posted by Toddler Fondler

You're supposed to pray for sinners, not judge or threaten them.

You're not suposed to pray for thing either. Just say the Lord's Prayer in the closet.