I'd like to explore the slavery issue further so I am starting a new post. First though to wrap up (for me) thoughts on "the frightful institution" line. I understand Bobby's argument that the personal interpretation line of thinking is ethically difficult to defense and Mike's assertion that my personal interpretation is not a trump card over other interpretations. However, I don't regard Bobby as the arbiter of such things (sorry Bob...) and my personal wrestlings with Jesus and what His word means are relevant to me. Right or wrong my relationship will trump in my relationship. I may explain it to others but I am not usually prone to trying to convince anyone of anything other than I have a point of view and here it is. I suspect if we sat down over breakfast again sometime we would all say something similar. I realize that this opens me up to a certain amount of criticism where I may hold views that are not defensible other than by my personal beliefs. I can only attempt to examine these beliefs one at a time as to why I believe or don't believe certain lines of thinking.
Abortion: It was brought up that abortion is not addressed in the bible - therefore there is some doubt perhaps on whether the bible is for or against perhaps? I didn't look into it although I can't recall anything offhand except perhaps "thou shall not murder". Not being sarcastic, just thinking. Anyway, my interest in it for the purposes of this post have to do with the discussion on Onan. I see Onan as having been killed by God for the greater good. That thought process becomes problematic, first in the matter of free will - I won't tell you what to do but if you don't do what I want you have to die. Secondly, what it underlines for me is the difference between God's value on life and our own. If God can kill Onan for the greater good - why can't a 15 year old have an abortion? Because it removes consequences? Because it sets us up as God? Isn't it possible that in some cases it might be better for everyone and God might be ok with it? I don't really know but I find I tend to believe that in some cases it might be best for everyone including the unborn baby - although I guess that's where the rub comes in. Who am I to say that? I'm glad my mother didn't abort me is all I can muster. My point here is that the value we place on life and the value God places on life are different - right? Wrong? How does that apply to the argument against abortion? Slavery: I did take the time to look up some verses and commentaries regarding. The argument that Christianity opposes slavery bases its defense on the form of slavery. In other words biblical slaves were more like indentured servants or something to that effect. They became slaves to pay debts, they wanted to be slaves so they would be taken care of. This argument doesn't hold water when examined so don't even jump on me Bobby! There are differentiations between bondservants and slaves in the bible for one reason, but there are others. Although it is true that the American form of slavery (which probably colors all our views) was somewhat unique in its totality. Additionally, the defense states that the bible doesn't speak out against the practice of enslaving specifically but it does imply it doesn't care for it in some places. Probably the biggest implication is the enslavement of the Hebrews by the Egyptians. There are other specific verses where it talks about one Hebrew shouldn't own another (but its ok to own a Hittite... ). Weak, but they do refute those who would state the bible never opposes slavery in any way. The third defense is the one I've subscribed to but am now uncertain about. And that is the greater overarcing messages of love, forgiveness, compassion, etc. have changed society from the inside out and eventually caused the collapse of slavery. This is hard to reconcile though with the South using the bible to defend slavery in the 19th century and with Jesus and Paul giving guidance on the proper slave / master relationship. I've always kind of read those as knowing your role in life and doing it for God but I feel a little naive now to have ignored other implications. Additionally, there are other OT directives on slavery which are frankly not very nice - i.e. they do a lot to protect the slave owner but are not so great for the slave. All of this causes a serious dilemma in my line of thinking that the bible can be looked to as the moral standard. I spent some time in prayer about it this morning and as of right now I'll have to add it to my list of questions I have for Jesus when I see him. As well as spending some more time thinking about it (I'm a slow thinker). I love Jesus and I could go on for hours on the things He has done for me, but this troubles me. How do you guys reconcile it? Have you thought about it? Unfortunately, I'm going to have to focus on my Sociology class for the next few days (last class!! hooray!!) but I'll be reading if there's any comments. Rob --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Crosspointe Discuss" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/crosspointe-discuss?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
