Monday, June 14, 2010

Purity Codes

An excerpt from Garry Wills, What Jesus Meant (New York: Penguin, 2006), 34-35 has been well publicized in recent years.  I loved it the first time I heard it, and last night came across it again:

(On discussing the Hebrews practices and rules given in the often times confusing "purity codes" found through out Leviticus and other books of the Bible)

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Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law.  I have learned a great deal from you, 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 Mexican 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 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. 15:19-42).  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 to 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 degree's of abomination?

7.  Leviticus 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?

8.  Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27.  How should they die?

9.  I know from Leviticus 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 Leviticus 19:19 by planting two different crops in  the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of threat (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 (Leviticus 20:14)?

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.  Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.



2 comments:

  1. Hey Laura, If I were to use the OT it would be to show that it does not contradict the New and vice versa. I do not know your opinion about same-sex marriage but according to Paul in the New Testament it is a sin, along with many other things in Romans 1:18 and on. I do not quote OT law to any one because it does not apply to me any way, I am not a Jew. Christ also has much to say about the issue and He was the full embodiment of God the Father.
    I am only throwing my hat in the ring because it is an issue of importance to me because our Lord thought it worthy to be in Holy Writ.
    We will have to have you guys over for sure, I love discussion and know that you have well thought out ideas.
    Hope this post only encourages more thoughtful discussion.
    J

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