Good Questions

I didn't write this. I read it and like it and reposted it. That is my only commentary. Also, sorry Mom and Dad, I know you may not agree.

On her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

 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 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 them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination .... End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may 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?
2. 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?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. 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?
5. 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, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. 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? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. 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?
8. 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?
9. 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?
10. 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 and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging. Your adoring fan, James M Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia (It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian).

Literature

I love books, hence tacking on a second major in English with a literature focus just so I could take more lit classes in college. I am a nerd, and I embrace it whole-heartedly. One of my favorite Hemingway quotes is, "All good books have one thing in common - they are truer than if they had really happened."

My Favorite Books (in no particular order) plus a few favorite quotes:

• The Awakening by Kate Chopin (I also love all her short stories)

"The past was nothing to her; offered no lesson which she was willing to heed. The future was a mystery which she never attempted to penetrate. The present alone was significant."

• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

• My Antonia by Willa Cather

• The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

"However Simon thought of the beast, there rose before his inward sight the picture of a human, at once heroic and sick."

• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (also his short stories)

"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." just a Hemingway quote, not from a novel.

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

"'It isn't Narnia, you know,' sobbed Lucy. 'It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?' 

'But you shall meet me, dear one,' said Aslan... 'But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing my here for a little, you may know me better there.'"

• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

• The Screwtape Letters also by C.S. Lewis (yeah, I'm a fan :)

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Ahh, Mr. Darcy, swoon :)

• Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams

I am certain there are more, but that is all I can think of for now and I'd like to finish this post!
Lava!