[Azure]

Originally Posted by onetwo_threefour

However, I think you are wrong to reject the assertions made by both Thor and Devil's Advocate that Phelps' reading of the New Testament and specifically Jesus apparent admonition to keep to the Mosaic Law quoted in the passages from Matthew above is logically sound.

Okay, to clarify, I do agree that Phelps is obviously using the Old Testament to justify what he is doing, but I do believe that he is wrong. Why? Because he refers to himself as a 'Baptist'....which by definition is a Christian church.

The fact is that Phelps interpretation is just as logically available as is your more moderate interpretation, hence the argument that God is allowing fallibility or error to creep into the Bible by not directing the minds of these translators to be abundantly clear as to the meaning. If Jesus in fact said "I am the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law, and from now on you should be following only my teachings" and that is now the word of God, by allowing these errant translations God is allowing His Word to be muddled and misinterpreted.

You know, if the original language it was written in, that probably WAS exactly what it said. But it is a forgotten text, and VERY hard to interpret properly, especially in the English language, which is why I feel that this is not a black and white issue.

You asked people to show you where in the New Testament it referred to Christians following the Old Testament. That was done,

No it wasn't. All that was provided was a verse that could be interpreted many different ways based on the translation of ONE word. Hardly a reference to Christians following the Old Testament.

The basis of Christianity has for centuries been based around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Never ONCE has the Old Testament been used as a focal point of that belief. Ever.

Having said all that, I do agree that Phelps clearly violates the recorded teachings of Jesus as regards turning the other cheek, loving thy neighbour, judging not lest ye be judged... etc etc. I further agree with you that Christians 'should' be referencing the New Testament rather than the Old. However, I still think you way overstated the case as regards the logical argument regarding the relevance of the Old Testament to Christians. The logical argument has big holes.

I never said it was relevant. All I'm saying is that by definition, Christianity is not based around the Mosaic Laws of the Old Testament. Hebrews 8:8(IIRC)....is pretty clear as to the relevance of the Old Testament.