What IS good, and how do we determine it?

[robvalue]

Thanks for your reply

The thing is, you are assuming that the messages in the bible must be consistent. They do not have to be, and they are not. This is pretty clear from the schisms and the difference of opinion even within each denomination. Following Jesus to the letter is impossible; you have to choose one or the other when he contradicts himself in different places, or when he contradicts the Old Testament.

The obvious explanation for this is that he didn't actually say those things, or if he did, the account is no longer accurate. This is not surprising given the accounts were written decades after his death by people who are generally considered to have never even met him.

By talking about slavery and not saying one tiny thing against it, in the only opportunity he would ever have it seems, Jesus is at least saying it is "Ok" in my opinion. The bible is very quick to tell you what to do and what not to do on other matters. His refusal to do so here is easy to understand when you consider that slavery was simply not seen as immoral back then.