In the reading this week, we come across Ephesians
5:22-33. This is the passage that says a
woman must completely submit to her husband. I am not sure this is to be taken as word for
word law, but rather the spirit of the law holds true. This really points to an even bigger question:
do you take the bible by its literal interpretation. I am not sure and struggle with many issues. The bible talks about slaves respecting their
masters, I do not believe the Lord is telling us slavery is OK, but rather this
was written in a time when slavery was OK. The same is true with the role of the woman in the household. It was a different time back then. However, back then sexual immorality (sex
before marriage, homosexuality, divorce, infidelity, etc…) occurred and the
bible addressed that. The same things
occur today, but society has changed and become more accepting of it. Is that the same? Not sure. It is an issue that continues to be at the forefront of our churches
today. In California, the Supreme Court recently ruled
that gay couple can be legally married and many initiatives are being run to take
action in the November election. It is a
really hard issue and one that I don’t think we will know the absolute answer
on until Jesus returns to set the record strait. I personally believe in a forgiving God, one
who says to love your neighbors and your enemies. I struggle with this issue
daily.
In searching through the internet looking for articles on the literal interpretation of the bible, I found this open letter to Dr. Laura. I am neither defending Dr. Laura’s remarks that being homosexual is a genetic error, nor am I trying to say the bible should be ignored on homosexuality. However, this is a rather humorous response….in the end, I still find myself struggling with this issue.
Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, 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.
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. How should I deal with this?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
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.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
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?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 20:20 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 prescription glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
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.
-Author unknown (there are rumors, but no one knows for sure)
Yes, this letter shows that the Levitical laws obviously do not apply in today's society if taken literally. However, the spirit of the law still hold true, and I will always believe that God's word is eternal and unchanging. I am sure many of you also struggle with these issues....all you can do is read your bible and pray for guidance.
