When we only read the letter of a sacred text instead of reading the spirit of the text, we fall into incomprehension. My explanations, between these: [].
= Years ago a famous radio speaker from the United States noticed that, according to a verse in the Bible, homosexuality is a perversion.
" The Bible, Leviticus, chapter 18, verse 22: " You won't lie down with a man as one lies down with a woman: it would be an abomination ".
"That is clear, no? The Bible says it. That is it", she said.
[Starting with the principle that the child symbolizes a materialistic idea - as in Abraham's case when God asks him he kills his son (a son represents a human and materialistic idea), a man is [a son] an idea that grew. Thus, you won't lie down with a man means that you won't fornicate with materialistic ideas. Said otherwise, you will use your intuition (woman) rather than your mental. ]
... A few days later, a man wrote an letter that said:
Thank you to put as much devotion to educate people to God's Law. I learn a lot listening to your program and I try to have everybody benefit from it. But I would need advice about these other biblical laws:
For example, I would wish to sell my girl as maid, as that is indicated in the book of Exodus, chapter 21, verse 7. In your opinion what would the best price be?
"Leviticus" also, in chapter 25, verse 14, teach that I can possess slaves, men or women, provided that they are bought in the neighboring nations. A friend affirms that it is applicable to the Mexican, but not to the Canadian. Could you enlighten me one this point? Why can't I possess some Canadian slaves?
[To sell his girl or anybody else comes from human cupidity. Same as possessing slaves. These practices have existed for a long time in all countries of the time, practices that are perpetuated in other cultures and passed on in traditions. But that do not make them just and honourable laws.
The strong always wanted to submit the weak. It just confirms the abject mistake of men who want to submit others to their will, whereas it is their own earth that they should have submitted. Ref.: Genesis. " You will submit the earth…, the earth being the human body.
The described Laws reflect the customs of the time. Human beings of the time, as today, were ignorant and unaware of the spiritual values. The Laws have been inspired of God, but, in practice, several succumb to tradition. It is to prevent too big abuses that Moses gave these " laws ", that are as laws of our governments and justice systems.]
I know that I am not allowed to touch no woman during her menstrual period, as orders him the Third Book, chapter 18, verse 19. How can I know if they are or not? I tried to ask them, but numerous women are reserved or feel offended.
[Respect their choices. This is the only solution. Respect the other.]
I have a neighbor who wants to work the Saturday. The Exodus, chapter 35, verse 2, clearly said that he must be condemned to death. Am I obliged to kill him myself? Could you help me of this troublesome question in an any manner?
[Civil or religious law? God took a rest the seventh day. Why would we not do the same? In fact, according to a scientific article I read several years ago, the brain and body human need to rest every 7 days for 24 hours.]
Something else: The Leviticus, chapter 21, verse 18, said that one cannot approach God's altar if one has problems of view. I need glasses to read. Does my visual acuteness have to be 100%? Would it be possible to review this requirement?
[The described blemishes are not physical, but mental/spiritual. You cannot approach - know - God if you don't (know) see the light - divine, spiritual. This is what to be blind means. As for the other described blemishes they also address the way we approach the divine. Become holy and you will see God. Remain human and you won't be able to approach God. In other words, spiritualise your human nature.]
A last advice. My uncle doesn't respect what is said in the Leviticus, chapter 19, verse 19, when planting two different culture types in the same field, as well as his wife who carries clothes made of different cloths, cotton and polyester. Besides, he spends his days slandering and blaspheming. Is it necessary to go all the way of the embarrassing procedure of uniting all inhabitants of the village to stone my uncle and my aunt, as the prescribed in the book, chapter 24, verse 10 to 16? One could be able, instead, to burn them during a private party, like when it is done with those who sleep with the near parents, as it is indicated in the sacred book, chapter 20, verse 14?
[The culture field symbolizes our own earth. Will you plant, in you, two types of thoughts? A material one and a spiritual?
Clothes: what are we woven from? The garment represents a life - our skin, our body. Are we going to show ourselves to people as spiritual or materialistic beings?
To slander, to blaspheme. What does the law says? You shall not pronounce God's name in vain. Take the responsibility of your acts instead of accusing the other (God) of your misfortune.
What is to stone someone? It is a punishment that brings death. However, to die means to change. Symbolically, change the hurtful speech, ask for forgiveness, correct oneself, do better.
As for burning people for their mistakes it is about, in fact, to make so that they correct themselves. The proverb says: " One beats iron when it is hot ". It is by hard work (fire) that we will be able to change ourselves.]
Pierre