Letter: Reader challenges biblical interpretations

First Posted: January 04, 2013 - 8:06 pm
Last Updated: January 04, 2013 - 8:06 pm

From: Matthew Moore

Columbus

Received: Jan. 1

I would like to address the “despicable, detestable, horrific” practices of child sacrifice described in the article “Christian God is god of love, also of justice” (Faith and Community section, Dec. 29) which the writer attributed to the pagan cultures of the Middle East.

While we are all aware of the Genesis 22 story, where a loving God commands Abraham to burn his only son, I invite you to read your Bible — 2 Kings 23:20, 2 Chronicles 34:1-5, Ezekiel 20:25-26, Judges 11:30-31 — where these despicable, detestable and horrific events are not only accepted by God, they are commanded.

Most people are familiar with the wholesale slaughter and frequent genocide that is the Old Testament (too many verses to reference) and attribute God’s love to the New Testament and his “justice” to the old. However, I challenge the writer to read the words of your own God “judge not, lest ye be judged.”

I challenge him to stop vilifying ancient cultures.

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