Thinking About the Bible (Re: Man and God)
Submitted by the happy prince on August 19 1999 at 02:34:57
In reply to Man and God Submitted by Night Wolf on August 16 1999 at 10:09:36
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Thanx, Night Wolf, Rue and others, for your recent remarks about the value and relevance of the Bible for us here and now. (And I think Chris's response to my contribution a few days ago also has a bearing on the topic.) I sense the angst and anguish of contributors whipped by the tongues of homophobic moralisers (quoting the Leviticus condemnation and/or other passages). I also wish to acknowledge the commitment and sincerity of all who are striving to harmonise their lives with the Mosaic Law -- especially the Ten Commandments. Although I am well-versed in the Holy Scriptures, I'd rather avoid the depths of the details for the present, and offer a few thoughts about WHY this general topic might be so important in the context of the Christian Boylove Forum. For me, it's not vital to establish whether the Bible should be taken literally or regarded as metaphor and myth. There are more important issues at stake. The prime focus of the teachings of Jesus is not any pharisaical observance of the Old Testament Law, but its fulfilment in the spirit of love: "Love God, and love those around you." It is worth remembering that -- according to the Bible -- the Ten Commandments were not something which God thrust upon the children of Israel. Rather, it was the the Israelites who insisted that Moses go and ask God to give them a set of rules they could live by. But, if you know your OT stories, you'll remember that when he came back down the holy mountain with the commandments, Moses was confronted by a shocking sight -- the children of Israel were having a grand orgy . . . and worshipping a golden calf! I don't see any value in trying to either establish or discredit the concept of Divine inspiration -- especially if my motivation for doing so is to decide whether or not I should take the Leviticus condemnation to heart. Is there any reason at all why I should feel guilty about my thoughts or feelings? Or my actions, for that matter? And now, to those who are angry about the hypocrisy and injustice of our society's morality-based penal code . . . There is only one location where the law of love reigns supreme -- the realm (kingdom) of God. And that realm, Jesus tells us, is close at hand . . . within! And the realm of God is where we all now reside! |