Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

NFS,

Here are some things for you to chew on:

http://books.google.com/books?id=rX3...age&q=&f=false

Is Yahweh a Moral Monster?: The New Atheists and Old Testament Ethics

http://www.epsociety.org/library/articles.asp?pid=45
and,

Yahweh Wars and the Canaanites: Divinely-Mandated Genocide or Corporate Capital Punishment?

http://epsociety.org/library/articles.asp?pid=63&ap=1

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

IMHO, the answer to this is an emphatic, YES!

But keep in mind, this doesn't make God any smaller, nor the Bible obsolete. My perspective of God has only changed for the better by approaching the Bible as a Book written by man, and with flaw. To know God understands me, is beyond relief. In the Apostolic Movement, we have hidden behind the Mask that we are the RIGHT ONES. This brings a spirit of doom upon us, because the fault of bringing God into our corner (He revolves around us), leads to the tragic end of FEAR and never being good enough. We also become so afraid to lose what we have, we produce MORE fear to keep it.

I'm a Pastor and understand this dynamic in how it manipulates the best of heart. When leadership is steeped in Tradition, surrounded by others of the same, FEAR to talk about our questions, concerns, and deepest worry is abated. Another day of misery is at hand, and the longer this goes on, the worse it gets. Our FEAR bleeds into the preaching, then into the Saints. We preach, praying and hoping we are right, while our insecurities grow, and fear chokes the life out of us. God forbid we would tell the conservative Pastor down the road about our questions! He would think less of me! Not understand me! He might TELL OTHERS I'm BACKSLID!! Then question the Bible...You may as well get the Cross out!

Inside we are dying, and I believe God is crying.................

To deny this, reveals only our fear to accept the Truth that error is in our midst, and that our Traditions supersede the FACTS. I'm attacked all the time on this forum by Pastors/Ministry, and fear is at the door, trying to win my heart. I've learned life beyond its talons, and now see people in a totally different light.

Others who are honest about being set free from the bondage of Traditional thought, find out, God doesn't revolve around the Earth (We/Religion/Mans Idea are the focus), but that the Earth revolves around God (He is the focus).

The more He becomes the Focus, the better our Planet will become, and we will reach into the heart of those who suffer, are broken, and confused by a million Faiths with answers that make sense.

I don't know completely why we have such a hard time with this. Even the Scripture revealed Jesus coming after Religion with intense rebuke, calling those who were the most well versed with the Torah, Whited Seplecurs, full of dead mans bones, blind guides, unmerciful, ect.

Yet, our modern age Religion takes us right back into this...Go figure. We swallow a camel and strain at a gnat.

My friend, God is SIMPLE!

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

What difference does it make? Killing is killing. This age old argument is an insult to God. Murder is murder. Adultery is adultery. Life is life. Genocide is genocide. A baby is a baby. A human being is a human being.

Your theory is the typical one. Out of sight, out of mind. As long as you didn't have to do it and not a part of your life, it's OK.

Bring Amalek to now and watch the outrage!!

Thou shalt not KILL..........

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

You avoided my response with clearly stated facts and questions....

Another Out of Sight, Out of Mind candidate.

Yes or no, would you KILL children, pregnant women, eldlerly people, if a prophet today told you to do so?

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

Consider this:
Amalek was a son of Esau.

When the nation of Isreal was coming out of Egypt, Amalek attacked them.
Balaam even prophesied the destruction of Amalek.

God gave them many years (450+) from the attack until Saul is made King, to repent and turn to Him.

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

NFS has a great point. No one believes God would command anyone today to do similar things as the ancient isrealites were commanded to do. What has changed about God that he no longer would command anyone to do these things?

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

Warfare has switched from physical to spiritual.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

lol, i love it when people try to give an answer off the top of their head about everything that's questionable...

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

This is typical slant with shallow theology. Please validate with experience. Use your current life to expound on your feelings about this issue, not history to conclude your deepest feelings.

You are placing the guilt of bloodshed upon those of the past, not willing to accept responsibility for this atrocious act.

Would you kill innocent children, pregnant women, or a helpless elderly person at the command of a prophet who claims he has heard from God, by the edge of the sword?

Re: Thou shalt murder?
 

:thumbsup I'm underwhelmed at your great wisdom. :ursofunny