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Laura Schlessinger
is a US radio personality who dispenses sex advice to people who call
in to her radio show. Recently, she said that as an observant Orthodox
Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and
cannot be condoned in any circumstance.
The following is an
open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident, which was posted on
the internet:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing
so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great
deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people
as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example,
I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination.
End of debate.
I do need some advice
from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow
them.
a) When I burn a bull
on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the
Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is
not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
b) I would like to
sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day
and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
c) I know that I am
allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual
uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried
asking, but most women take offence.
d) Lev. 25:44 states
that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they
are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that
this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't
I own Canadians?
e) I have a neighbour
who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should
be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
f) A friend of mine
feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10),
it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you
settle this?
g) Lev. 21:20 states
that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight.
I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be
20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
h) Most of my male
friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples,
even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they
die?
i) I know from Lev.
11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may
I still play football if I wear gloves?
j) My uncle has a
farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same
field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds
of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme
a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting
the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16) Couldn't we just
burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who
sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things
extensively, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for
reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted disciple
and adoring fan.
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