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In reply to the discussion: Muslims are no Different, or why Bill Maher’s blood libel is Bigotry [View all]merrily
(45,251 posts)Because all I recall from reading the Old Testament is what I posted and, as my other replies indicate, I really do like to get my facts straight, especially the issue of homosexuality. (Not to slight the Amalekites, whoever they may have been, but that issue seems to be moot and most women are out of the closet as being female.)
Most things in the Bible are commands to the people addressed (even the command to wipe out the Amalekites), with the penalty for disobedience being in the hands of God, as in Thou shalt not.....
There is only one example I recall where God says, "Don't do this--and don't let anyone else in your town do it, either." That would be observing the Sabbath within the gates of Israel. Even then, I don't recall God commanding that humans impose a penalty on the violator.
Zealots have interpreted such things to mean they should go on rampages, Paul murdering Christians (NT) being an example. However, there was, of course, no OT command to murder Christians.
Anyway, I would really appreciate Chapter and verse, literally.