"the year of living biblically"

[pearl]

i just got this book out of the library, and have read a couple chapters. it is very good. very funny, and interesting, insightful. about a man who for a year tried all he could to take the bible literally and live by it.
well he didn't stone adulterers or stone his disobedient sons; just trying as near as possible, including diet and not mixing fibers.
worth reading if you like.
"he that sits in the heavens shall laugh."

[CoyoteQueen]

thats cool, makes me think of this letter!!!


Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, 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 to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

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.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

[NicoleMarcelle]

my brother read that book and loved it he also read another book from the same author that came out not too long ago... maybe i'll read it

[Marilyn]

Just one thought, Jesus nailed the old law to the cross when he died. Not literally, but His law supercedes the old law. The New Testament of Jesus Christ replaced the Old Law of Moses. Therefore, many of the laws intended to be kept by the children of Israel are not binding on us today.

Hope this information is useful. We all need to read for ourselves and search out our own understanding.

[NicoleMarcelle]

right... the book is not intended to be binding or anything, it's supposed to be for entertainment more than anything, it's a humorous book...

[pearl]

marilyn, he does talk about that. what he is wanting to do is experience the whole bible, so he is doing the year as the bible is arranged. the first part according to the old testament, the second part according to the new testament. as background he was raised jewish then became agnostic. he's opeing himself to whatever the bible says.
right now he's visiting a creationist museum. he said the museum portrays noah's arkk as having dinosaurs on it. he asked what about a brontosaurus on the ark? well noah took them on as youngsters. i still wonder about a baby t-rex eating the chickens.
it is so fascinating. i can't wait to see what comes next.

[Marilyn]

Sounds interesting!!!