Monthly Archives: June 2012

Fun, General, Theology

Old Testament instructions (and how to apply them selectively)

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This is just for fun. Sort of.

I was sent this information by a friend of mine recently. It is laugh out loud funny – at least it was for me. Yet, the underlying issue (of how we interpret the Bible) is serious indeed. But read other entries on this blog for more cerebral engagements with the issue.

A few years ago, an American radio host ranted about homosexuality (and then later retracted her comments and took out full page newspaper adverts to apologise). Dr Laura Schlessinger (“Dr Laura”) broadcasts a 3 hour long, radio program each weekday on a network of over 500 radio stations in the U.S. and Canada and has an estimated audience of 20 million people. She holds a Ph.D. in physiology (not psychology).

In her radio show, Dr Laura had said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance (she said more too about her feelings about homosexuals). The following response was posted on the internet. Its source has been credited to many different people, and is best regarded as an essay clearly meant for a wider audience than just Dr Laura. It is a reminder that many belief systems pick and choose their way through Biblical teachings in determining what is “right” and “wrong”. Authorship remains unconfirmed.

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 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:

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Church, General, Social Justice, Theology

Celebrating judgement and damnation

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This past week I was alerted to a video of a child singing in church. This happens every week in churches all around the world, but this particular incident borders on child abuse and shows a horrible side of conservative Christianity.

A young boy sings a simple song about heaven:

I know the Bible’s right, somebody’s wrong
I know the Bible’s right, somebody’s wrong
Ain’t no homos going to make it to heaven

Now, regardless of your theology or personal beliefs on the issues of homosexuality, the response of the adults in this church must surely appall any Christian (or any human being for that matter). They jump up and wildly applaud and whoop their delight. They celebrate what they see as the eternal judgement and damnation of other people. They encourage demeaning and belittling approaches to those they see as sinners.

Is this how Jesus would have us behave?

Judge for yourself:

I know that I don’t hold what might be called a “majority opinion” on the issue of homosexuality. I do not think the Bible is as clear on this issue as most conservative Christians think it is. But our theology of sexuality is surely irrelevant here. This kind of attitude and action has NO place in our churches. It is un-Christlike, un-Christian and wrong. I am sure that there will be more homosexuals in heaven than people from this church.

How is it possible to even have a rational conversation about sexuality in a context where this type of behaviour persists? What would Jesus do?

Here’s something your church should stop preaching: hatred!

Book reviews, Fun, General

Great moments in history expressed as Facebook status updates

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Just for fun.

My middle daughter, Hannah, is a real history buff (she wants to be an archeologist when she grows up). It helps to have a near perfect memory, so all the dates and names places easily lodge in her mind. But it also helps to have history made fresh, fun and interesting. This started with the “Horrible Histories” series (see the books and videos at Amazon.co.uk) – a kind of Monty Python show of historical facts. It’s genius.

And now, I’ve found something else that looks astoundingly brilliant in concept. It’s the history of the world as told through Facebook status updates. This is so clever. I’ve ordered the book (you can do so too at Amazon.co.uk or Kalahari.net or your favourite bookstore), and have seen some excerpts online. It’s a pity, I think, that the author seems to have a penchant for foul language, but if you can look beyond that, there is some genius at work here.

My favourite so far is the interactions of the church with some key historical figures. Like these, for example:

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