... according to religious moralism,
which as Ray Franz said about legalism, also seems to lead to a "morass of inconsistencies".
Ray seemingly even went as far as describing "legalism" (or by extension moralism) as apostasy or "a denial of Christian faith" (g79 6/8 pp. 27-28).
An amusing look at the Levitical Law.
(from Bible House of Grace )
Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. One of her callers phoned in with a question regarding homosexuality after listening to the callers question, she told them that according to (Leviticus 18:22) homosexuality is an abomination and cannot be condoned under any circumstances.
The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident:
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 I 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 him or her that (Lev 18:22) clearly states it to be an
abomination. End of debate, however I do need some further advice from you
regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them.
(a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for
the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not
pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
(b) 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?
(c) 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.
(d) (Lev. 25:44) states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they
are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies
to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
(e) I have a neighbour who insists on working on Sunday (the Sabbath). In the book of
Exodus verse 35:2 it clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally
obligated to kill him myself?
(f) A friend of mine feels even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it
is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't know. Can you settle this?
(g) (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 wriggle room here?
(h) 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?
(i) 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?
(j) 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).
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, and
we should do what the Bible says. Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.