In which I no doubt am preaching to the converted

[conuly]

I'm not a Biblical scholar. I don't even know that much about Christianity. I do, however, have a vague idea that somewhere in the New Testament Jesus says "the most important rule is that you love each other". I can think of several quotes which follow that theme of loving one another. Unfortunately, I can't cite chapter and verse.

I *can*, however, tell you where the most commonly quoted verse in the Bible comes from. And it's not the New Testament. Yes, it's that one that may or may not mean that God Hates Gays (thank you, crazy person!), and it's right by the verses that say God Hates Shrimp and God Hates Mixed Fabrics. Nobody worries about those, I guess.

Now, here's a problem. Either God is a hypocrite, or somebody is mistaken about what God really cares about. Or maybe God changed his mind. That's possible, isn't it? Well, if God can change his mind, wouldn't it be more reasonable to follow his more recent (not to mention explicit) commandments instead of the older, vaguer ones?

Comments

[georgiapeachy.livejournal.com]

I always answer things wrong, but here's what I know

Acts 10:9-18
9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

To me this means the laws of the Old Testament are nullified since Peter is being encouraged by God to consume animals that are by the laws of the Old Testament completely unclean. Other people take this verse to mean that the gentiles could now be saved and in context this makes sense, but that would also be counter to Old Testament law as well. So basically the Leviticus gays are unclean is not even valid in my view.

The love command is John 31

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

A lot of Christians think this means only to love other Christians though, which is a shame since Matthew says 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" and Christians who insist on hating those they disagree with are not really presenting themselves favorably.

[conuly]

Thanks, I'm way too lazy to break out the Bible all the time.