In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.
The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It’s amusing as well as informative:
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 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 them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination … End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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 sleepwith their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I’m confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
8 comments:
I've heard that many liberal or non-religious Jews leave Jerusalem, because they feel bullied by the Orthodox.
It is seemingly everywhere at the moment, that the ultras want to power.
Nikki
Hi Nikki;
I am reminded of an aunt... she was married to my mother's brother ... but anyway, she became ultra religious. Fanatical, zealot. In the end, it cost not only her sanity, but the mental well-being of three of her children and the death of another who became convinced that by prayer she could discontinue her diabetes medication and be just fine - that God would heal her. The death was blamed on us who were not zealous enough, tainting the entire family with our "modern ways" and "unbelief".
I always thought that she was just so powerless to the problems she had, so small and insignificant in her own eyes, that she found something she could latch onto and claim superiority over and above others. And, because she so desperately needed to be superior, she ruined her life and those around her.
I can't help but to wonder if some of these other zealots aren't a bit like her? So afraid of their own mortality, so afraid to love others, that they must be superior and "more worthy"... only to suffer a similar conclusion.
The irony; Jesus would not have endorsed such behaviour.
Thank you for comine by. How was your holiday? Do You have wonderful plans for the New Year?
Be well;
randy.
Hello Jay
I first came across this open letter about 18 months ago, on another, now defunct, blog, and found it highly amusing at the time. On reflection, though, it's rather more serious, especially in the face of openly theocratic rhetoric from politicians and pundits on both sides of the Atlantic. When people are seriously espousing biblical law, and biblical punishments for those who don't fit into their narrow, bigoted view of the world, this kind of scriptural 'cherry-picking' could lead to a lot of pain for a lot of people, and should be resisted at all costs.
Love & best wishes
Sammy B
Hi Sammy;
The problem, of course, is that most of those espousing Biblical Law haven't read the darn thing, and fewer still understood what they were reading. Especially confounding are Christians, who believe we should follow Judaic Law. Have they not seen the very ironic duplicity in that?
I answer, nope. They forget that the very Bible they pound says that Christ came to fulfill the law, not to make more laws or continue them, as the laws were impossible to maintain. He instead left two commandments: Love God with all hope and strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. He left many examples of how to do this, but no where does he advocate judging or telling people that they will not go to heaven because of their very make up, their very essence. I'm so very tired of these people. It's hard to speak with patience.
hugs and happy New Year!!!!
randy
Hello Randy. I read with interest about your aunt. While I have heard of people harming themselves or their children by refusing medical assistance because of their religion, I have heard a great response. God gave the doctors and researchers the intelligence and the abilities so that they would be able to give health care for us.
I have also have had several PT's who were of advanced age decide against having advance procedures or treatments. They consider what they would gain against what the quality of life is going to be.
Hugs, Scottie
Hi Randy
I am planing to go on several trips with my "Wohnmobil / small RV", when the weather will be nicer in Spring and Summer.
To your theme:
There was an interesting case in Germany.
An orthodox family wanted to send their children not together with "unbelieving children and teachers" in the school. After they got no permission for home schooling (because the child's welfare), they emigrated to the USA.
Nikki
Hi Scottie;
Yeah, people who are rational and willing to hear you allow that response. Then there are those who regard that as "doubting" and "a lack of faith". As I said, some need so badly to believe that they require miracles. It is not rational.
My cousin was 22 when she died. A neighbor stopped by my uncle's place of work 2 days later to be sure he knew...it was the first he'd heard of it.
hugs;
randy.
Hi Nikki;
That sounds wonderful, to be able to travel and enjoy the summer.
I am unsure of the orthodox family. I think they made a mistake.
hugs;
randy.
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