Grandpa,
I am very glad that the noise about the pride events has quieted down for a while. I get so tired of everyone ranting about what others do. Recently, I was confronted by a group of co-workers who happen to believe that I need to follow their religious precepts about my orientation. And the old tried and true quote from Leviticus was tossed out as if it were the Ace of Spades. (Grandpa’s note: See Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13).
Yet, when I asked if any of them ate lobster or pork, the majority did. Most of them admitted that they eat their steaks rare, as in bloody rare. I asked one man with a skull tattooed on his arm if that was a Christian symbol. One admitted to going to a palm reader. I pointed out to this group that everything I asked about and they said they do is prohibited in the book of Leviticus same as the quotes about homosexuality.
I was flabbergasted by the response! I was told that the Old Testament is no longer valid! The Levitical laws were wiped out by the coming of Christ! If that is the case, then why is my love life a sin but their eating blood and forbidden animals or marking their skin for the dead is sinless? We cannot have it both ways. I defy you to print this letter and give me a real response.
Grandpa says: You opened the door to Levitical Law, so I will take it and run with it. First, the stupidity of mankind is glaring! God never revoked the Levitical laws by sending his son. What he did was express mercy to his people! He sent his son so that those who believed in the son need not be saved by works but by faith.
Secondly, all the commandments in the Old Testament are repeated in the New Testament. I will give you examples: Deuteronomy 30:6 and Matthew 22:37, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39, “Love thy neighbor as thy self.”
So far as Grandpa is concerned, until man can learn to obey those two commandments, all the rest is just chest-thumping. Grandpa is tired of individuals using the Bible, the Koran, or any other scripture inspired of God as both a shield and a weapon. Stop hiding behind the scriptures that prove only one point. If you believe in what you read, then obey all of it, not just the convenient parts. As for your challenge to me, I love you as myself.
Grandpa says: Beloved readers, Grandpa has a tradition for this time of year. I ask you, my dear readers, to send to me a short note telling me what blessing you have for which you are grateful. The Thursday before Thanksgiving I publish those letters. This year the letters will be published November 21. I will need to receive them before November 10. Please send your letters to the address below. I look forward to hearing from you! God Bless!
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.