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Old 11-21-2007, 11:34 PM   #261
peter12
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It's also interesting to note how many Christians really aren't aware of much of the Bible's content. Sure, everyone knows the common stories, like Noah and the flood, David and Goliath, Moses parting the Red Sea, etc., but what about the tale in Genesis where Lot freely offers his virgin daughters to be gang-raped by the mob in Sodom (and the same story being repeated with different characters and slightly different details in the Book of Judges).

That particular story has a lot deep dimensions beyond a literal interpretation of the text. If you read that passage out of context, you get the idea that the lives of Lot's male guests are more important than the lives of his virgin daughters. You also get the impression that homosexuality is considered to be evil.

I don't speak Hebrew and I'm not a Biblical scholar. I do know from I've read that this story has deeper connotations. First, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah weren't condemned for being homosexuals. It was the perversion, the rapacity of its citizens. They don't show hospitality to the divine guests, but want to use them for their bodies and discard them

Lot is only slightly better in contrast. He invites the guests into his home, but offers his virgin daughters to the crowd. Lot is compromising with evil. He is weak and doesn't confront the people of Sodom when he should. Most scholars believe this story to be part of a long line of stories comparing the nobleness and kindness of Abraham to the weakness and selfishness of Lot. I know for a fact that story is not supporting or condoning gang rape of women.

This is what I mean when I say deeper study is needed. Things are almost never what they appear at face value.
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