Contrary to popular belief, the writers of the Bible did not want everyone who is a believer in Christ to read it. Priests were required to fully devote themselves to the true teachings of Christ for years before they were able to even touch the book. Only then was a highly initiated priest allowed to translate the word of God to the people to explain the arcane meaning behind what is being said, instead of focusing on what was said.
These safeguards were put in place so the profane would not get a hold of the teachings, take what is written down out of context, and say something ignorant to tarnish the name of God. Unfortunately, tradition has been broken and because it has been, people like Manny Pacquiao are making ignorant statements like this.
“Gay men must be put to death.”
This comes from his interpretation of Leviticus 20:13:
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
When taken out of context, it appears that this man is totally justified for making such an ignorant statement because of his religious beliefs. When you examine other parts of the book it is clearly evident that what was said was not meant to apply to all cultures or all ages. Look at Leviticus 19:19:
“Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.”
Manny, you’re a congressman in a country that allows children to make clothing woven out of two kinds of material for $3 a day. How about Leviticus 19:28:
Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.
Manny, what the f*ck is that on your arm? Leviticus 20:21:
“If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.”
Watch an episode of Maury, you’ll see plenty of men who married their brother’s wife and had a child by her. So God is either a liar, imaginary, or is talking to a specific group of people.
Last but not least, Leviticus 20:22-24:
“Keep all my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out. You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them. But I said to you, You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God, who has set you apart from the nations.”
It’s clearly evident that these rules were not intended to be adhered to by everybody on Earth from then until infinity. They were a part of a covenant that he made with the Jews for their freedom. If any group of people has a justifiable reason to be homophobic it’s the Jews, but the Jewish scriptures teach that we are all made in God’s image and are thought to tolerate everyone for who they are. So Catholics, get your shit together and stop using a man who preached love and universal acceptance to discriminate against a group of people.
John 8:-7:
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
There’s nothing wrong with using Jesus to better your life, but don’t be a blind sheep. Think for yourself and analyze the word to find out what was meant and not what was said. Just because someone has a holy position does not mean they aren’t hypocrites.
Mark 10:21: “Go sell everything you have and give to the poor.”
I’m pretty sure all that gold could get Dikembe a Happy Meal or two. When your leaders literally don’t practice what they preach, it’s time to start following someone else.
I’m not advising you to denounce Jesus as your lord and savior, quite the opposite. Embrace Jesus’ teachings with all your heart and mind. Understand the teachings are about love and if you get something else from it, then you’re misinterpreting the writings. Understand that all religions are based on love and if someone tells you otherwise, they are either ignorant to the truth or know the truth and want to lead you down the wrong path for their own intentions.
Love thy neighbor the same way you love yourself, for we all come from the same origin, both religion and science will tell you that. Give unconditional love to the world and the world will give back to you in ways you never would’ve imagined.
