fascinating
HUMAN SEXUALITY
in the
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Faith and Life Press
Newton, Kansas
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
I'm only part way through this document, but thus far I'm impressed that this was written in the early '80s.
"The entire passage of Leviticus 18--20 is in the context of instructions for becoming ritually clean {109} for the sacrifices of the Day of Atonement. The purpose of the passage is to list who needs to perform a washing ritual so that they could participate in worship. Note that not only sexual irregularities but also food eaten three days after it was made was said to be an abomination (Lev. 19:7).
Why is this word with its strong emotional content used in connection with food? Originally, the English word abomination was applied to any thing considered religiously unclean. However, modern usage applies this word to anything that excites disgust, hatred, or loathing. Have we as modern readers taken this passage to mean that God hates and loathes all the activity listed in these chapters and therefore we are to hate and loathe also? Have the strong emotional overtones of abomination distracted us from considering how Jesus treated people considered ritually unclean?
The Leviticus reference to homosexuality needs, at least, to be considered in light of the whole passage, the historical situation in Israel, and in light of Jesus' teachings and example of God's acceptance or rejection of unclean human beings."
posted by dm at 3:53 PM
2 Comments:
Not any mention as to the morality of premarital sex, but an interesting read.
A key quote from the preface speaks to that concept of morality: "In the Anabaptist model, authority is found in the process of dialogue and discussion of all members of the church rather than in a few leaders legislating morality."
I think this document is aiming to present pertinant information and ask questions to make you think, it isn't, as it says, legislating anything.
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