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[Last Update: 17.05.2002]

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Ökumenische Arbeitsgruppe Homosexuelle und Kirche (HuK) e.V.

Taking Each Sentence of the Bible Literally - Questions to Laura Schlesinger

For some time, the following text (German translation also available) has circulated in the Internet, in discussion groups and web sites. (The source for this version is the Online Newsletter OC Weekly but there are certainly other sources as well). The radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger is well known in the USA. She said that her opposition to homosexuality is firmly grounded in biblical law, namely Leviticus 18:22.

Even though the following humorous text is no replacement for a serious theological approach to the bible, it does make a point in showing the dilemma of fundamentalistic interpretations of biblical texts: If some passages of the bible are accepted as literally true, why not all? And if a selection is made, how about the danger of letting one's prejudices guiding the selection?

At a church in the USA I saw a banner, announcing the congregation's weekly bible study meeting: ”Taking the bible seriously but not literally”. RW

A letter of a US-citizen to Dr. Laura

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from you, and I 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 him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it is an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other biblical laws and how to best follow them.

  1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Leviticus 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this?
  2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests 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 (Leviticus 15:19-24). The problem is: How do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
  4. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
  5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. I've called the police, but they are unable to help. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
  6. My boss invited me to a lunch meeting where alcohol will be served, but Leviticus 10:9 says I'll die if I go. Will I die even if I don't actually drink?
  7. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Leviticus 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.