Posted by WingZ on September 14, 2004 at 18:26 [159.91.114.121]
In Reply to: Re: Hey weirdo... posted by Victoriah Nichole Little on September 14, 2004 at 18:03
1.) 'Hebrew' often refers to a group of people, whereas Jew is used most often in conjunction with the religion. The people mentioned in the Old Testament were Hebrews. People who later converted to or embraced Judaism were Jews, but not Hebrews. Hebrews today are descendents of Abraham. Jews today include Madonna.
2.) Aside from the ultra-Orthodox, most Jews don't follow Old Testament law as it was written in the Torah. Most Jews either opt for a looser interpretation that follows the Torah in spirit while not in literal practice or instead follow subsequent rabbinical interpretations or teachings, such as the Talmud. The reason for this is the realization that the laws listed in the Old Testament were meant for Hebrews at the time in which they were living in the land of Israel.
3.) The Bible says what it says. I'm not debating that or your right to believe in it. However, I've heard it been argued that the New Testament provision against homosexuality was, in the context of the times, designed to reduce the spread of disease-spreading male prostitution and not meant as a ban on all homosexual acts. The legislation of practical social and health concerns via scripture is hardly without precedent : its also been argued that the provision in the Old Testament against the consumption of pork was done for health reasons. After all, who nowadays is hurt by eating pork (aside from the pig, who will be consumed by 'heathens' anyway)? Likewise, who is hurt by someone being gay?
Alas, I digress. Believe what you want and do so freely....knowing, of course, that plenty of people will disagree with you every bit as freely.
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