MatthewGS wrote:If you read my post carefully, you'll see that I am in absolute condemnation of killing anyone. As it happens, I am even against the death penalty. The title of my post is not meant to be taken seriously, and the content of my post shows the title is intended as irony.
I fully aware that when the Bible was written, the death penalty was applied for even relatively minor offences.
My point is that the Bible is claimed to be the authoritative Word of God, and yet it contains innumerable passages condoning rape, pillage and murder. The words are often attributed to God Himself. Would not God have tried to implore the people of the day to behave humanely and considerately toward one another, rather than regularly commanding them to murder, rape and pillage? You can interpret it however you wish, but you can't take away the words that are actually written on the page.
Note also that Jesus is frequently quoted in the New Testament as commanding people to obey the laws of the Old Testament.
I certainly wouldn't claim to be any sort of moral paragon, but how can I seriously turn to material such as this for moral guidance?
The authority to judge people was given over to secular authorities in the Bible.
Matthew 22:21-22
"Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." NAS
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. 5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. NAS
Jesus told the Jews to obey God's law; Jesus did not tell gentiles to keep the laws given to the sons of Israel.
Jesus also taught the Jews that thoughts are equal to actions when He equated lust with adultery and anger with murder. Even the Jews understood they were not permitted to execute anyone.
John 18:31
31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death," NAS
Why can't you use God's word for moral guidance? God will judge mankind. Therefore if you do not want to stand before the Supreme Judge it behooves you to obey Him.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. NAS
Christians should love, not hate and persecute the gay community since to do otherwise is to violate what Jesus taught:
Matthew 22:37-40
37 And He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." NAS
Governments not individuals have God's authority to execute people and homosexuality is not a death penalty crime in our society. All you are doing with this thread is causing dissention between Christians and non-Christians.
Romans 12:19-21
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NAS