20 Questions for Theists

[Drich]

I prefer these questions....far more practical than the philosophical bullshit in the O.P.
Questions for Dr. Laura
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to
people who call in to her radio show. Recently she said that
homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22,
and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The
following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident, which
was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative.

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.

While this does end the debate for the OT Jew, it might leave questions (like the following questions you posted) for anyone not looking to worship as or convert to Old Testament Judaism. That is why in my arguements against Homosexuality I simply break it down to it core sin. That being Sex out side the santified pretext of a biblical marriage. As there is not a santified pretext in which homosexual people can marry biblically, any homosexual sex is considered sin, a sin like any other. Which means ALL Sin is an abomination to God not just the sin of Choice of the Homosexual man or woman. Thus forcing one to seek attonement, if that person can be honest with themselves.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other
specific laws and how to follow them.

I'm not Dr. Laura, but these questions look like fun and I will take a stab at them from an OT Jew POV living in modern times.

1. 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?

(In a Yiddish accent) Vhat are they vegetarian? Who doesn't like the smell of a Korsher BBQ?

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 a fair price for
her?

It depends if she is pretty, and her age will be a factor. (Market value)

3. 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 offence.

The woman was to regulate her time away from the camp while (unclean) and return once she was considered 'clean.' Meaning if she was in camp she was clean.

4. 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?

Scripturally speaking you can own canadians. Ask your friend why he thinks Canadians are off limits... On second thought maybe it is because Canada enforced it's anti slavery laws.. In mexico slavery is frown upon and only out right condemned in the public eye.

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?

No that is a judgement to be made by the sanhedrian. Your job is only to report the crime.

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?

It is a lessor offence as it is not a sin punishable by death.

7. 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?

20/20.. Plus you have to be of the tribe of Levi, and you must be selected by your fellow preists as no ordanary levite could approach the altar willy nilly.

8. 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?

Another matter for the sandhedrian, your task is to let them decide.

9. 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?

Footballs are made of leather now-a-days so your good.

10. 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)

Is your uncle also wanting to be or is an OT jew?

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 other option in worshiping the God of the Bible, is New Testament Christianity. In New Testament Christianity Christ takes the burden of all of this sin, and attones for it on the cross. Meaning that Righteousness before God is no longer obtained by up holding the Social or cermonial laws that the OT Jews were bound to.
Which only leaves the Moral law. Not as a way to obtain righteousness but as a testament to wanting to be in the expressed will of God.