Chris,

>>Yes, as long as it's reasonable. I think that there are some folks who make "strictness of interpretation", if you will, more important than a much more important issue, namely allowing the love of God to flow through you to others. I've seen an awful lot of folks argue over minutae and totally miss the 'spirit' of the book.
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>As long as it's reasonable? That leaves a lot of wiggle room, eh? < g >

Well, actually Chris, there really aren't that many "must believes" in the New Testament or the Historic Christian position. THose are absolute but they sure aren't to be confused with traditions for example.


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>>I've never seen in the Bible anywhere the notion that I had to stop thinking, if that's what you're driving at. <g> On the contrary, everything I've ever read causes me to want to learn more and open my mind more, not close it down. I must confess that this is all to often in short supply within the 'church though...
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>No, what bothers me is the support of slavery in both the Old Testament and New Testament.

There's no such thing as "support" for slavery anywhere in the Bible. There is a recognition that it existed at certain times. The Bible (or really each of the 69 books) does not condone slavery. It also does not promote itself as a sort of 60's social justice document either. However, let me make an assertion that perhaps might clear things up. If the Historic Christian position were adopted by countries like today's Sudan where slavery is a current and ongoing event, slavery would cease. Not as a direct result of any specific teaching but as a result of the elevation of the value of mankind.

Don't know if that will make sense to you but it would work. If, I presume, you're like me and want all slavery everywhere eliminated...

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>>Does that help?