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From Magic City Morning Star R.P. BenDedek
I have read both Charles Cutter's article Mar 3, 2005, The Godless Commandments and J. Grant Swank's reply to it, Mar 3, 2005, and have decided to enter the fray. Now I don't always see things the same way as the Reverend Swank, but I certainly do like to read his articles and think about them. But it seems to me, that the Rev. Swank's reply to Mr Cutter was on the mark, and certainly made more sense than some of what mister Cutter wrote. For Instance: "A recent poll showed that seventy-six percent of Americans support this religious display ... the minority has to be tolerant of the majority's view ... Frightening words from the land's highest court." Now Mr. Cutter did then turn attention to constitutional issues; however, the point in any society is that the majority ought to have its way, and not be ruled by the sectarian interests of the few. Living in China as I do, I would equate that with Communism! He continues his discussion by saying: "Imagine, for instance, that a majority of Americans favored ... placing, on government buildings, large and explicit photos of an unclothed couple engaged in sexual intercourse. From the majority viewpoint, it could easily be argued that nudity was the natural state of humanity; that sexual coupling was the means of our very existence. Both nudity and sex, of course, preceded the existence of the Holy Bible." But isn't this exactly what HAS HAPPENED in society because of the majority's willingness for it, even if it was initially introduced by sectarian interests (advertising agencies, movie makers etc)? What is allowed in society, is either what the majority WANT or fail to stop. He then goes on to investigate some biblical issues pertinent to law and punishment. 1. If a woman has lied to her husband about her virginity, "... they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die'" (Deuteronomy 22:13-21.) Well going on primary text reading, the issue is one of lying and deception, but nevertheless, promiscuity leads to massive government handouts for single mothers, health care for same, and of course the DEMONSTRABLY proven statistics from psychology that say reasonably normal DUAL parents raise reasonably (emotionally and psychologically) normal kids, leading to less social disorder (and government funding for same) 2. Adultery's another clear capital case: "... the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife' the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." (Leviticus 20:10). Well, it would sure save a lot on community property splits, divorce lawyers, and the ever increasing desire for litigation. 3. If a man rapes a virgin woman who is neither married nor engaged, "... the man' shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife'" (Deuteronomy 22:28-29) A woman forced, by law, to marry her rapist? Let's throw that one up on the statehouse wall. But of course 'rapist' here does not carry the same meaning as used in the Bible, for Mr. Cutter's 'rapist' would have been killed. But yes, technically a rapist. He is made to make an honest woman of her. Oh that young men today had such .. er ...er ... what's that spanish term? Kahones? The penalty of course in this case is too lenient. Stone the S.O.B. I say. 4. The list, of course, goes on: "'whoever doeth work [on the Sabbath day] shall be put to death." (Exodus 35:2). Definitely a tough penalty, but then again it might also be written to say, 'Anyone who doesn't spend one day a week in quality time with his family ought to be shot!' Hear, Hear! How much does society pay for people who bring kids into the world without ever paying them any attention. 5. "And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death." (Exodus 21:17). Well, I don't know what is happening in America at the moment, but from what I have read in the News from Australia, we could certainly reduce general crime rates if we re-introduced this law and penalty. 6. "If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son' all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die'" (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). DITTO. Mr. Cutter is entitled to his opinions about separation of Church and state matters, and his own opinions on God, the Bible, the Church and the religious, but I have got to say that this next quote is definitely lacking:
If being unenlightened means insisting on a society of DECENT PEOPLE, then let's get unenlightened as quick as we can.
Eh! Sounds just like the type of society that we call modern today; antiquated (no longer useful), violent (without doubt) sexist (is cutter a man? I'm sick of being discriminated against), and morally reprehensible (Open your eyes and look around!). And now the best for last: "Don't covet your neighbor's ox. Does that truly sound like an issue worthy of an omnipotent deity, seeking to address the most vital moral issues human beings might face? Or does it sound like something that would be written by a class of property-owners seeking to protect their goods - and invoking common superstitious beliefs to buttress their decree?" Have you ever lived in a third world country Mr. Cutter? The OX (cow, horse, donkey) is the most valuable asset a man has. Without it he cannot plow (unless he is rich enough to pay PEOPLE), he cannot plant his crop, he cannot make a living and his family goes hungry. To rob from the poor is something that is too unworthy for the Creator to involve himself with? To care for the spouse and children of an adulterer? To care for the good name of a young woman? To care that children grow up respectful and obedient? To care about spouses spending quality time with each other and the kids? You think these things are antiquated? It is precisely because we don't cherish these things that western society is such a mess. Every time I hear someone say, 'I can't wait to get stoned!', I think to myself, 'Yep! I'll be in that! Glad to oblige!'
R.P.Bendedek
"The King's Calendar" is a chronological study of the historical books of the Bible (Kings and Chronicles), Josephus, Seder Olam Rabbah, and the (Essene) Damascus Document of The Dead Sea Scrolls. © Copyright 2002-2011 by Magic City Morning Star |
