The "Cultural Context" Excuse

[Esquilax]

Isn't the bible supposed to be The Lord's Word; his inerrant instructions on how to live correctly?  The most perfect, yet unattainable moral standard?  If yes, why would the Jews be living in a patriarchy in first place?  Why should they have ever NEEDED such a cruel and torturous legal punishment as stoning a 13 year old to death, regardless of whether or not it was only in place as a deterrent?

It's simple: that's not what god values.

Any comprehensive reading of the bible suggests that god wants people scared and stratified and fighting each other, with both the upper and under classes both forced on bended knee to be beneath him. It's why the Tower of Babel story is one of god striking down an unprecedented display of cooperation and human ingenuity, and magicking them so that not only could they never do it again, but they have one more difference to cause conflict between tribes. It's why even the smallest spark of curiosity from Lot's wife was met with immediate, lethal retribution. It's why Jesus "came to bring a sword": god wants small, bloody, up close and personal conflict between distrustful bands of dead-eyed, righteously angry barbarians, not equitable communities striving together toward prosperity.

I mean, do you think it's a coincidence that the antichrist is often presented as a figure bringing unity and peace, but that his teachings will be counter to god's will?