A libertarian view of gay marriage

[jafs]

That's my point - if you don't take Leviticus seriously and follow it, then picking one passage to take seriously is a bit silly.

If you do, then you would indeed be an Orthodox Jew.

Well, Paul did a lot to change Jesus' message, from my reading.

[WildAboutHarry]

[quote=jafs]The issue's been decided by the SC, so it's not an open question any more.[/quote]

So was Dred Scott, et al.

[Maddy]

That's my point - if you don't take Leviticus seriously and follow it, then picking one passage to take seriously is a bit silly.
If you do, then you would indeed be an Orthodox Jew.

For those who haven't seen it, this letter to Dr. Laura (who, strangely, converted to orthodox Judaism) is classic:

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 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.

a) 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?

b) 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?

c) 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.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed 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?

e) 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?

f) 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?

g) 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?

h) 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?

i) 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?

j) 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 sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

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.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/drlaura.asp
 

[Cortopassi]

Maddy, +1!

[Libertarian666]

Maddy, +1!

Make that +1 million internet points!

[Xan]

Taking quips out of context and assuming they're all to be treated the same way is not the way to read anything, Scripture included.

The ancient Jewish law contains both ceremonial law, which is in place for particular places and times, and moral law, which is the same always.

[Mountaineer]

Taking quips out of context and assuming they're all to be treated the same way is not the way to read anything, Scripture included.

The ancient Jewish law contains both ceremonial law, which is in place for particular places and times, and moral law, which is the same always.

Very important points many choose to ignore - context is everything. 

Given the topic of this discussion, one could always try to understand what New Testament texts, such as 1 Corinthians Chapters 5 and 6, have to say about sexual immorality.  From a practical non-religious point of view, one could also attempt to explain the general absence of STDs in life-long monogamous one man/one woman marriages and the abundance of STDs in sodomy or multiple partner practitioners.

... M

[jafs]

Lesbians have very few STD's, probably fewer than straight people as well as gay men.