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What I have noticed in recent times is that fewer Christians seem to be using the Leviticus texts with which to condemn homosexuality and rather prefer to use the two or three male/male sex prohibitions from the New Testament's Paul to condemn homosexuality. Perhaps they are now beginning to realize that the commands of the barbaric God of the Old Testament don't hold too much appeal - i.e., death by stoning! - for most Christians nowadays. We DO seem to be progressing in SOME areas at least.
That's because of people that have twisted the meaning of it to tell them it doesn't say what it actually says. I suppose once the false teachers come up with a way to twist the NT passages, then a lot of folks will abandon them, as well.
I certainly have not been spewing any venom. But I refuse to be attacked without defending myself.
So we should ignore what the Bible says on a religious message board?
Please be ready to give that same consideration to those you disagree with.
1. Venom seems to be in the eye of the beholder.
2. "We should ignore what the Bible says..." Those of us who are not bible-believers should certainly not adhere to any beliefs in that fairy tale book. Now, of course, people like you should adhere to every passage in the bible...whether you believe that particular passage or not (unless you're confessing that you pick and choose ala carte style).
Yes, venom is in the eye of the beholder. You spew quite a bit of it, then you complain about others who post things that offend you.
Quote:
2. "We should ignore what the Bible says..." Those of us who are not bible-believers should certainly not adhere to any beliefs in that fairy tale book. Now, of course, people like you should adhere to every passage in the bible...whether you believe that particular passage or not (unless you're confessing that you pick and choose ala carte style).
That's quite an accusation. Please demonstrate that I have not.
Until the countless evangelical pastors who have been caught in adultery have plucked out their eyes and chopped off their hands (as Jesus said to, according to Matthew), then I won't take them or their fundamentalist followers seriously.
That passage does not invalidate the standards for a pastor or elder.
There is zero evidence that Phoebe or any woman held the office of deacon or elder. No matter how you translate the word "servant"
He literally used the word Deacon in the oldest extant versions of the text. The use of 'servant' is an erroneous translation and, quite frankly, dishonest. Everything else is just mental gymnastics on your part.
He literally used the word Deacon in the oldest extant versions of the text. The use of 'servant' is an erroneous translation and, quite frankly, dishonest. Everything else is just mental gymnastics on your part.
In the context, it was not speaking of "a deacon", meaning the office of. It was speaking of her being a servant. That said, so what? You want to believe a woman can be a deaconness? Ok.
But let's look at the facts of what 1 Timothy establishes. Deacons are not elders. They are not intended to be teachers and spiritual leaders. That's an elder's job.
Until the countless evangelical pastors who have been caught in adultery have plucked out their eyes and chopped off their hands (as Jesus said to, according to Matthew), then I won't take them or their fundamentalist followers seriously.
A pastor or elder who commits adultery is unqualified to serve in the role. That is an established fact. But there is nothing in the Bible that tells us that we should cut hands off or gouge eyes out for it.
Even in this thread others have posted that you pick and choose.
I'm ok with those that can't understand the idea of context suggesting that.
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