Should I Smite them?

I'm reading through Jesus for President and stumbled upon this:

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Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from you, 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. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's law and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may posses slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not to Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

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?

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 offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor to the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

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, or should I ask the police to do it?

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? Are their degrees of abomination?

7. Leviticus 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?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Leviticus 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Leviticus 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 and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Garry Wills, What Jesus Really Meant (New York: Penguine, 2006). 34-35.

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May this be a reminder that we are limited in our understanding (as well as our epistemology) and should approach scripture with humility, gentleness, and love.

stories of the Story

Here is a good article from Christianity today reflecting on how different versions or faces of the gospel not only represent different salvation experiences but also represent Jesus' approach to spreading the Good News; rarely saying the same thing twice and using a world of metaphors and explanations to communicate the reality of the Kingdom of God.

I think my next pick up is going to be The Hauerwas Reader. I've been reading a little Hauerwas lately and I think I need some more. He is blunt and humble and those are two very difficult things to balance. Here is a quote of Hauerwas that I've been milling over for the past few days:

“I don’t have any faith in myself of living a virtuous life; but if I am surrounded by other people who are also formed by the same commitments, then we’ve got a better chance. We need one another to live up to the wonderful invitation we’ve been given to be other than we are.”

I've been thinking of a few commitments that I would like to make this next year as I plow through the ridiculous task of youth ministry.

1. Find ways to be invested in. I've been horrible at this so far. My church doesn't offer a young adult ministry and I have no idea where to go to learn and worship without having to lead something. I hope to spend the next few months praying about a mentor because I've never had one.
2. Communicate. I've fallen short here for two reasons: one, I am unorganized and two, I didn't know I wasn't doing it well until recently. I have a lot to learn in ministry but I think this would help me and those whom I work with in significant ways.

I'm not one for New Years Resolutions or anything like that so I thought I would make this list short and achievable. I just hope it is the latter.

Peace and good things to you all.....

New Life....

So I've never tried to garden before. I know nothing about it but I thought I would give it a shot. It is something I've been interested in for a little over a year. I bought a book to help me in my new endeavor.


I've read about 60 or so pages so far and it gives me confidence that I can do it. I only have enough room for about one row of vegetables so I've been mulling over what I might like to grow. So far I think I'll try cucumbers, brocolli, beans of some sort, and maybe some spinach. I might do some potted herbs as well.

I look forward to learning about the fruits of the earth first hand; To be more connected to the fruits that God has given us; Natural, lovely, fruits - little bits of mercy.

Also, I took this picture tonight that I liked so I thought I would share.


Peace to you!