Bible lessons

I don’t know which version of the Bible Russell Armitage has, but the King James version clearly states that the two adulterous lovers should be put to death, not just the woman as he claims – this is somewhere in Deuteronomy.

The New Testament does, in fact, condemn blasphemy. And while Jesus didn’t condemn homosexuality, it cannot be denied that St Paul did – or, to be explicit, homosexual sex. People who brush aside some of his other teachings, like women not speaking in church as being of the time, don’t seem to do it of this one. I must say that I think that what consenting adults do in private is their own business, but St Paul didn’t. The New Testament also says that visiting orphans and widows in their affliction is ‘‘pure religion’’, but many widows can testify that this, too, seems to be considered to be no longer relevant as the teaching on women not speaking in church is no longer relevant.

A J Read

Huntly

you so rightly point out.

Our original comments were specifically about the blasphemy laws. They are one of the Ten Commandments and they happen to be in the Old Testament.

Moving into the New Testament we find the words of Christ himself giving us the Lord’s prayer. His opening line to His father says ‘‘. . . Hallowed be Your name . . . ’’ Top priority.

This brings it right up to date. Jesus Christ did not blaspheme when using God’s name. He wanted it to be holy, sacred, blessed.

Given that Jesus himself wanted that, we do too.

Colin & Jean Whyte

Morrinsville

EDITOR’S NOTE: This subject is now closed.