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Date Posted: 08:37:21 01/22/08 Tue
Author: Michael
Subject: Re: Living Biblically
In reply to: Reverential Roger 's message, "Living Biblically" on 16:27:41 01/21/08 Mon

>I've recently finished reading a book called, 'The
>Year of Living Biblically' by A.J. Jacobs. It is a
>very interesting and detailed account of an attempt by
>a New York Jewish Agnostic to live an entire year as
>closely to the Biblical rules as possible.
>
>He takes the task seriously, and comes up with some
>interesting insights into religious belief and life
>that rang true for me, and assisted my own search into
>Christianity.
>
>One of these insights was into the phrase "Thou shalt
>not make unto thee a graven image...for I am a jealous
>God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
>children, upon the third and upon the fourth
>generation of htem that hate me." As with Jacobs, I
>was always troubled by this passage, as it seemed most
>unfair to blame the children for the sins of the
>fathers. The Jewish analysis of this is, and they've
>been doing it longer than we Christians have, that
>children tend to imitate their parents in belief and
>attitude. As long as children of those who hate God
>continue in that attitude, God will reward them
>accordingly. However, a new generation that does not
>hate God will be restored to God. That's a fairly
>pragmatic take on the words of the Law, and one that
>makes sense to me.
>
>Another is the problem of how to avoid coveting. The
>suggestion from the Jewish point of view is to decide
>that the thing coveted is simply not available to you.
>For example, if you covet your neighbour's wife, she
>is as out of your league as a Royal princess. You can
>talk to her, but anything else is out of the question.
>I might find that one harder.
>
>I think I am going to have to spend a little more time
>with Jewish thought. I have long admired some aspects
>of Jewish theology, and I am sure that there is a lot
>to learn there.
>
>Is anyone in contact with our Jewish friend from PM?

Interesting how we have to resort to interpreting in order to make sense of some parts of scripture.

Is that because we just need to compromise it down to our level, or becasue the scripture is too dogmatic?

coveting...it isnt a good thing, and yet its a natural thing. Its something we should discourage in ourselves, but to me, since it is also natural, Im not going to label it a 'sin' etc and beat myself up over it.

Its just 'work in progress'. As I go along the spiritual path these things take slightly less influence on my mind and behaviour. Of course, that might be just old age.

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