Hi Chris…..

Some notes from the… I'm serious about scripture and faith and believe scripture to be God's word but also understand that in scripture we find metaphor and other literary techniques to teach a truth…... group

>I am having trouble with Mathew 5:28-29. I think it means I have to tear out >both my eyes. That >is going to seriously delay the project I am working on.

Of course when you read the text IN CONTEXT the truth being taught is that Christians (assumed since it is a NT reference) need to be ready to take even extreme measures (what ever it takes) to get sin out of our lives. It is a metaphor.

So your project should not be in jeopardy… unless it is causing you to sin? < vbg >

>These are also troubling:

>Ephesians 6:5-9
>Colossians 4:1
>Timothy 6:1-3

Yea…… Yea…. Yawn…. Yawn.

Early Christians, perhaps even more so than those of us that claim the faith today, were faced with the need to distinguish themselves in their behavior. Even those in extreme circumstances. Paul is simply encouraging those that are found to be in slavery to be excellent slaves and in doing so distinguish themselves and show the power of their faith. That encouragement was also extended to slave owners. They were encouraged to be kind and decent masters. That would certainly distinguish them and their faith. THAT is what these verses are about. They do not condone or endorse slavery. They simply acknowledge it as a fact of the culture of that time and encourage those that find themselves in that circumstance to use even that as an opportunity to witness to their faith.

Why is when these vain attempts to make the NT look as if it is pro slavery you never quote writings where Paul encourages a slave owner to set his slave free?

Scripture has been abused from both sides of this coin for centuries and judging from the current exchange this trend will continue. Chris…. I can boldly say to you that Scripture says…. "there is no God" Of course I left out…. "the fool has said in his heart" that preceds it. < s >

Anyway, just a slightly different perspective for you to consider.

Peace and Blessings on you.