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Bluethread -> Why do certain activities require death? (7/2/2008 5:10:31 PM)
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In another thread a poster was savaged by other posters for asking, if Adonai loves us, why would He require the death penalty for certain behaviors. Specifically, not keeping the Sabbath, homosexuality and rebellious children. I believe this inquiry deserves a reasoned response. So I have begun this thread for that purpose and to provide others the opportunty to challenge and/or clarify my explanations.
That said, let me give a general response and then deal with each one individually. In general, laws without inforcement are not laws. As any good parent knows directions without consequences will not be obeyed.
Regarding the Sabbath, I do not wish to go into the debate over the proper day, at this time. I gather that is not the point of your question. I presume you would have the same concern regardless of which day is the proper day.
My response to the first objection is that the reason why the death penalty is attached to not observing the day of rest is because it shows indifference or rebellion against Adonai(God). Without respect for authority there is anarchy, and what better authority than the creator of the universe. It is indeed a loving act to provide order to society as anyone who has had to live under actual anarchy can attest.
This commandment was revealed in the beginning and not first revealed when Moshe(Moses) compiled the others. When we discovered how to do evil, that is rebel, we were blessed with commandment to work six days a week. I believe this is to keep us out of trouble. Also, because He cares for us he coupled that commanded with the command to rest in the Sabbath. The first half of the commandment is relatively self-inforcing. If a man does not work, he does not eat and soon dies. Therefore, it is not out of line that the second half of the commandment should also lead to death, though without enforcement it would be a slow lingering death.
So, you see this commandment is indeed a loving commandment, because it forces us to do not only what is in our own best interests, but also to respect the interests of others.
Your second objection is related to ones desire to do as one pleases without consequence. Adonai said it is not good for man to be alone. Adonai created us as social beings and therefore, He created us male and female to creat community, not for entertainment value. He then set up rules to help us maintain a healthy society.
The laws regarding sex and marrage are primarily about the command the be fruitful and multiply. When two persons share bodily fluids there are two possible complications that might result. First is disease, Adonai has given us much guidance on how to avoid disease. One of them is the principle to avoid the exchange of bodily fluids. The second "complication" is the only exception to the rule directly addressed in the Scriptures. That is the creation of children.
Because sexual relations between a man and a woman is the only way one can "accidentally" create a child, Adonai put rules in place to see that those who create said children will be held responsible for their actions. These rules provide a benefit to the children by providing them with protection from the world by the two persons who most closely share their physical makeup. They also serve to protect society from having to bear the costs of providing for something that is outside of their control.
Therefore, the exchange of bodily fluids except in a form that is necessary for procreation puts society at risk of disease. Therefore, it is a good for those who habitually do so through adultry and homosexuality to be removed from society. This concern for the interests of children and society as a whole is a clear example of how Adonai loves us.
Your third objection, followes from the first two. If parents are not given authority to control their children, those children may put not only themselves and their families at risk, but also put society at whole in danger. So, you see here to Adonai truly loves us by providing for our well being.
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