21 March 2008
20 March 2008
CNNN: Which bits of the Bible are we still to believe?
CNNN: The issue that's threatening to split the church in two: That's right, the controversy over gay bishops just won't go away. And it's good to see Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen maintaining the position that he's had for years.Dr. Peter Jensen: The Bible does forbid us to bless homosexual unions or practicing homosexuals from joining the ministry of the church.
CNNN: Unpopular sure, but he's got something there, I think. The Bible is very clear on this in Leviticus that a man should not lie with another man.
(Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Leviticus 18:22)
Oh yes, and who could question Leviticus? Laws like putting to death those that curse their mother and father ...
(For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him. Leviticus 20:9)
... are just good old-fashioned common sense. We'd have a whole lot less lip from teenagers if we had more respect for God's word on that one.
But which bits of the Bible are we still to believe? We asked Archbishop Peter Jensen to help us out.
CNNN: I just wanted to congratulate you on returning the church to the Bible.
Dr. Peter Jensen: Very kind of you.
CNNN: I was just wondering Dr. Jensen, do you agree with Exodus 35 that we should put to death those that work on the Sabbath?
(Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. Exodus 35:2)
Dr. Jensen: Thank you. I always believe that the Bible is the truth and the word of God.
CNNN: So we should put to death those that work on the Sabbath.
Dr. Jensen: Well, no, because you have to read the whole Bible, and when you read the whole Bible you see that that's not true.
CNNN: Where's the part in the Bible that says Exodus is not right?
Dr. Jensen: We don't do that anymore.
CNNN: You're wearing glasses, Dr. Jensen. Doesn't it say in Exodus Leviticus 21:20 that those that have defective sight cannot take the communion of God?
Dr. Jensen: Now you know...
CNNN: Nor dwarfs nor hunchbacks, I think.
Dr. Jensen: Shall we look it up?
CNNN: Sure, you're more than welcome to look it up. Here it is, Leviticus...
Dr. Jensen: You're so good looking.
CNNN: You don't want to say that because a man shouldn't lie with a man like he would a woman, otherwise he's an abomination. That's Leviticus 18 isn't it?
Dr. Jensen: You are obviously well educated. (Begins walking, almost running, away.)
CNNN: I'm seeking more information, Dr. Jensen, as to why is it that Leviticus 18 is still relevant, whereas Leviticus 21, 22, and all these others aren't relevant.
Can you put out a new Bible with the true bits highlighted? I'm just so confused. Which bits do I follow?
Dr. Jensen: (Getting into his car.) I'm very impressed. I do congratulate you.
CNNN: He tried to pick you up I think, Craig?
Yeah, Lucky I had Leviticus to protect me.