Originally Posted by Lethargic

I hate it when people take religious quotes and distort them out of context. Thus leading me to join this conversation. The passage "An Eye For An Eye And A Tooth For A Tooth" was stated in a parabolic context. Referring to an unrepentant sinner's punishment in Hell. It has nothing to do with literal physical retribution. As for the Bible being filled with passages referring to punishment for murder and wars waged in the name of the Lord. You are correct and incorrect. Correct in the sense that there were passages about punishment for murder. However, they were not under the consent of God. These were actions decided upon and fulfilled by men. The only war "in the name of the Lord" is Sodom and Gamorrah. Guess what, no human was killed by a fellow man. Moses tried to save the cities by finding 1 God fearing person. When it was determined none could be found, GOD...not man, destroyed the cities. As for the Walls of Jericho...there was no bloodshed. All the Christians did was march and sound their trumpets...the walls collapsed and the enemies inside surrendered. When pharoah chased Moses and the caravan of people...not one Roman was slain by the hand of man. The only wars waged in the name of the Lord that resulted in bloodshed by the Hands of men were the Crusaders and many other Catholic wars(other religions involved also). None of which are listed in the Bible...yet somehow get drawn into religious conversations. The only reference that might make your comment remotely feesible. Is the instance with David and Goliath. As for Christians pushing the death penalty etc. It's our sinful human nature. I for one am against it. However, there are many that back it. This also is out of religious context. You say a theological standpoint nullifies itself...however, you're incorrect. The theological standpoint has nothing to do with modern Christians actions. As for your comments about God destroying cities, towns, etc. Yes, he did. His commandments were placed for us as humans. He is the creator, Alpha and Omega, Almighty Lord, and thus the ultimate judge. Never once did he not say he would not judge humans and their actions. He decreed never should a human take the judgement into his own hands for it is not our place as a sinful being. Now....if you'd like to throw up a counter point, I'd be more than obliged to continue your argument. I could debate this all day long.

Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Religious Theology Major
Environment And Man, Old Testament Minor