Hi Steve. I would like to come back and, after reading this once more in depth (i) would like to debate as I think you raise good questions. .. many of which I have not sat down and faced or even bothered to fathom. One point I'd like to make before coming back to this thread is in regard to your mentioning slavery quoted the bible... I think the time this was written should be taken into consideration because not only were slaves taught how to behave around their Masters but the Bible also taught Masters how to "properly" treat their slaves. Also... Was Jesus Jewish? There's a lot of tradition and just, different ways of living that should be taken into consideration when translating the Bible as it was written from a completely different era then what we're accustomed to today.
This is precisely why i do not see how the Bible can be used as a guide to social living anymore. Although perhaps one could use it fot personal living if one chooses. Otherwise It could be the cause of war and social repression. Which no doubt it has. As for instance civilizations using it to justify slavery and how women should behave, or how to treat animals and whether one should eat them.
The Bible may have been applicable to a different time and may not have. Yet much of of it is not applicable to today. Who is to decide what to apply to today and what not to? Ah there is the rub. Yet there are groups today that have not only made their decision as what to use in the Bible for social change but try to enforce it on others as well on the grounds that the Bible is infallible.
Jitendra
