Comments
by Java Mann
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In The Biblical
Sense
I have done something today
that many have talked about, yet few have actually done. I have read the
book of Leviticus. I found it rather dry. It reads pretty much like an
instruction manual, which I guess, it is. My goal was to understand the
frequently quoted Chapter 18, verse 22: |
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"Do not lie with a man as you
do with a woman; that is detestable". This, as we all know, is the foundation
of the Religious Right’s war against homosexuality.
Having read the book however,
I find it ironic that other passages that could just as easily be applied
to contemporary life are oft ignored. Haircuts are forbidden; as are blended
fabrics, and a widow/widower or divorcee could not remarry. Tearing ones
clothing is frowned upon (but hey, that’s just common sense), and eating
lobster, crab or oysters is a big no-no.
A woman is "Unclean" during
her menstrual cycle and must be sequestered, and if a man sleeps with her
at that time, both must be expulsed from the community. If a man has sex
with an animal, he "defiles" himself, but if a woman has sex with an animal
it is "perversion". The double standard doesn’t end there. Chapter 27 actually
set a price on human life, 50 shekels for a man, 30 for a woman. Slavery
is permitted. Discrimination against the physically handicapped is encouraged.
Tattoos are taboo.
The truth is, Leviticus was
written when the Israelites had fled Egypt, and were founding a new community.
Most of the ideas expressed in the book are common sense in that context.
Avoiding foods that could contain parasites was wise as it prevented illness.
Segregating the sick from the community prevented additional chances of
contamination. Promoting sexual practices that would lead to procreation
was wise, as the community needed to grow to survive. Other rules encouraged
a strong sense of community founded on a shared religious belief, bringing
the people closer together, also increasing the chance of survival.
In this context, these rules
made sense. However, in the contemporary world, many no longer apply. Trichinosis
is no longer a big problem. Feminine hygiene products fill the shelves
of every grocery, drug and/or convenience store across the country. The
human race aided by advances in medical science and the lack of a natural
enemy (other than itself), flourishes.
I don’t want to disrespect
anyone’s religious beliefs. This is a free country and all may worship
as they choose, but I do take offense at hypocrisy. If the Religious
Right want to preach Levitical code, they better start practicing it first.
The next time some poly-cotton wearing, seven dollar haircut sporting,
bible thumper with Lobster Newberg on his breath calls me a sinner, I’ll
be more than ready to call him a sinner right back.
JM
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