JustExpressing.com : Express Yourself!

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Sheol [Mar 10 2009 at 10:26:11 AM]	If you mean taking into account the context of the book when reading, then yes! If you are talking about translations taking into the account of the context, then there is really no telling unless you can read the original translation... I personally think the new international version of the Bible overlooks certain contexts in the old testament. But on that same note, my beliefs are closer to Judaism so I would think that. One should always take into account the context of the time period and everything, whether it is a religious document you are reading or just a piece of literature.
Daniella [Mar 10 2009 at 08:09:38 AM]	That's an interesting point, but if you take this to other religions and books, like the Torah, does the same reasoning still stand?
Black Jade [Jul 23 2008 at 07:16:13 AM]	Sheol brings up another very good point. One has to look at the context and also what the time period was like when considering what the verse means. I use the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. The writers took the oldest documents, scrolls, and other texts and looked at those words and contexts to see what the scriptures really MEANT and said. My family also has a King James Version at home as well and while the wording may be different, we find the two to be in perfect harmony when it comes to context and meaning. Also at Romans 1:26, 27, it says there: That is why God gave them up to disgraceful sexual appetites, for both their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature; and LIKEWISE even the males left the natural use of the female and became violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their error. Now I don't think you can get much clearer then that now can you? Look it up in the King James Version and you'll find that it says the same exact thing. Thank you for bringing that out Sheol.
Sheol [Jul 22 2008 at 07:37:06 PM]	And I quote, "Text, without context, is just pretext." If you look at the context of the whole sentence instead of just individual words, then it is clear the sentence is refering to homosexuality. Also, if you take the time to read the whole chapter that the sentence is derived from, it is even clearer that the quote refers to homosexuality. the sentence says "If man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination." The context of the sentence clearly states that it is refering to homosexuality, since the word mankind is followed by the phrase 'as he lieth with a woman.' I read the KJV of the bible, so my version actually states the phrase 'as he lieth with womankind' making it even more clearer as to its intended meaning. Also, the old english version of the bible (as in the King James Version, which is the version I read) uses both the word mankind and womankind separately, so mankind refers to men and womankind refers to women. Reading the Bible in context also means reading it with the time period it was written in mind. The world was sexist back then... the word mankind only referred to men back then, not to women as well. The Bible is only difficult to understand cause of the vast difference between our society and the society in which the Bible was written. Few people can read the Old Testament and know what the Feast of Tabernacles is in reference to. Women weren't even allowed to read the Bible back then really. You have to look at the Bible in its historical context as well to understand it. The sentence does refer to homosexuality cause the word 'mankind' back then exclusively refered to males in that time period... and to be more specific, it refered to the homosexual fertility rituals of the locals in that area in which they'd have sex with men in order to please their fertility God (they'd sometimes even have sex with everyone in that house, including their relatives). If you read the whole context of the chapter and keep in mind the historical setting,... that is very clear.
Kylie R. [Jul 22 2008 at 06:37:50 PM]	think about it, when you think of mankind you think of the WHOLE world not just men. so i think its just conferring with own reasoning and reference..
Black Jade [Jul 18 2008 at 11:29:27 AM]	I agree with you Sheol. The bible is very straight and clear on what it says and means. Some parts are harder to understand then others, that's true, but that doesn't make it undecipherable. The bible has not changed but the times we live in have. People often want to do what they want to do and not be told otherwise, following the bible requires a change in thinking and behavior and many do not want to make such a change. People are entitled to their own opinions and can choose their own way of life, but the bible is clear cut on its standards and requirements.
Sheol [Jul 17 2008 at 04:33:28 PM]	I don't see what's confusing or twisting about that statement. It is very clear about what it means. Actually, there are very few passages I am confused about the meaning of in the Bible.... so I'm not really sure what you mean when you say it twists words around. It is all rather straight forward.
Kylie R. [Jul 16 2008 at 11:33:38 AM]	hey sheol in fact thats what starts twisting...when god said if he lay with <u>mankind</u>,can also mean a woman because tis born of man(and woman), so as i said the bibe is a good and somtinme confusing reference to prople who choose to believe it, and im sorry if i caused the (almost) argument, i was just wanting people to know that somtimes youve got to state the facts and sometimes opinions to prove something that you believe...
Black Jade [Jun 12 2008 at 10:17:24 AM]	As you said the good thing about living here in America is being able to express our opinions and not be killed or thrown in jail becuase of it. Even if a person has a different opinion from ourselves we should all respect that decision and not get upset over it. Sometimes we all need to just take a step back and listen to what others have to say rather then being judgemental as we tend to be.
Sheol [Jun 12 2008 at 08:06:13 AM]	You know, I hear a lot of people dissing America where I live. But isn't it great people here can believe and feel differently in America without being condemned to death for it. I know in a lot of other countries bis and homos would be outcasted for it, but here you can choose your own life. This is the best country right now despite any flaws. I may not agree with homosexuality and what not, but people should be allowed to choose for themselves. Most homosexuals are good people who do treat others well, and that does matter moreso than a choice they made that does not even hurt others. That is why I support gay marriage despite my opinion of it being wrong. Because I have gay friends and they deserve to choose as well. I just don't think God would condemn homosexuals even if they did not repent, despite what the Bible says. When the Bible was written, homosexuality did not exist in the context of a meaningful relationship. It couldn't exist like that. Man's work was divided from woman's work, so it would have been impossible for homosexuals to live together as today. The homosexuality condemned in leviticus chapter 18 was part of a fertility ritual (I know that from the context it was written in), and that simple fact has made me wonder if God would really condemn homosexuality if it was in a meaningful relationship. I know the Bible condemns it in other places as well, but homosexuality did not exist as it does today. It just makes me wonder...