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Post by hollygail on Sept 8, 2016 4:30:25 GMT
Welcome!! You have entered a space where all people are invited to gather to discuss matters of Spirituality, in mutual respect and friendliness: "Considering...Spirituality." Here, the focus is on personal spirituality and not dogma. We welcome with open arms people from any, all, and no religious/faith backgrounds, and those who practice spirituality on their own, to join us for a discussion centered on a higher consciousness. Each day there will be a quote, question, or discussion prompt presented for all to ponder and respond to.
**In maintaining an atmosphere of comfort and trust, we do not allow proselytizing (the effort of trying to convert others) or the denigrating of the religions and viewpoints of others. We also avoid bringing up topics such as politics, hot button social issues, or anything that can be considered divisive**
As this was a WW board, we also discuss our personal wellness, including our weight management program. We share our struggles and our triumphs regarding such as well as discuss things like family, friends, jobs, hobbies, outside interests, etc... We strive to build each other up with loving support in a positive manner. Let us not ever tear one another down in any way, shape or form.
Regular thread starters for the time being are:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Gary / Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Holly
Yet if anyone is so inclined, please feel free to start a new thread by beginning with the title: "Considering ... (topic)," post this introduction (by way of copy & paste) then follow that with a post putting forth a question and/or quote (with or without some explanation) for us to ponder today. The topic can be inspired by your personal faith, but please do remember that anyone from other spiritual paths should be able to answer it.
Shalom, Love & Light, Blessed Be, Namaste... |
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Post by hollygail on Sept 8, 2016 4:31:18 GMT
This week, we’re reading Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9, in which Moses reviews the justice system for the Israelites. Moses talks about the limits future kings should have on their possessions. He reviews the Israelites’ relationship to idolatrous nations, and explains that the priests and Levites should not be paid and should survive on donations from the people. Finally, Moses explains the laws of warfare.
Here’s the beginning (not a direct quote; Moses continues his last speech to the Israelites before he dies saying): “Judges shall be appointed to judge the people with justice. You shall not twist judgment by recognizing a face or accepting bribery, because both blind the eyes of the wise and cause the words of the righteous to falter. Justice, justice shall you pursue, so that you may live and take possession of the land which God, your God, is giving you…”
This phrase, “Justice, justice shall you pursue” is one of the most famous phrases in all of Torah. Examples are given, including that you have to have multiple eye witnesses to a crime before you can find someone guilty.
Another point that is driven home is that kings are to be humble. They are limited in how many wives they may have (shades of David! And of his son Solomon!) as well as how many possessions (livestock are mentioned) and that they are to write their own copies of the Torah and read from it every day so as to keep themselves on the straight and narrow.
I find this portion extremely enlightening, especially during US Presidential campaigns…
Q/Qs:
(1) Why do you think it’s so important to have two or three witnesses on a crime rather than just one? What exceptions might you make to this rule?
(2) What is justice? Why is justice so important (a) to God and (b) to humanity? Do we live in a just world?
(3) Have you have felt a victim to injustice? How did you react? Have you ever been the recipient of justice? How did that feel?
(4) This passage speaks of leaders (kings and prophets appointed by God and those who are not appointed by God. Do you think God still appoints leaders? Why or why not?
(5) If you were the individual who had the power AND the responsibility to appoint leaders, what character traits might you require in the candidates?
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Post by glrogers67 on Sept 8, 2016 18:24:49 GMT
(1) Why do you think it’s so important to have two or three witnesses on a crime rather than just one? What exceptions might you make to this rule?
Mathew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
We use the law of witnesses all the time in the LDS church. There must be 2 witnesses to a baptism to make sure the person is completely immersed. There must be 2 witnesses to certain ordinances in the Temple, etc. There were 3 witnesses who actually saw and handled the gold plates from which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and their testimony is recorded in every copy of the Book of Mormon. If there is only one witness to an event that person may or may not believed, but if there is more than one witness, one establishes the truth of the other. This is quite important in court proceedings.
(2) What is justice? Why is justice so important (a) to God and (b) to humanity? Do we live in a just world?
Ooooh, this question is so loaded. Don't even get me started about justice in today's environment. I totally believe the ultimate justice will come with the second coming of Jesus Christ.
(3) Have you have felt a victim to injustice? How did you react? Have you ever been the recipient of justice? How did that feel?
Oh, yes. We had a plumber do a repipe of our house. We stupidly left the house to him to complete while we took a trip somewhere. When we came back it was obvious he had not performed as advertised. We took him to small claims court and got a judgement against him, but never received a dime's compensation from him. It does not feel good to be taken advantage of.
(4) This passage speaks of leaders (kings and prophets appointed by God and those who are not appointed by God. Do you think God still appoints leaders? Why or why not?
You bet. All the leaders in the LDS church are appointed by God through inspiration to other leaders already in place. Joseph Smith did not apply for the job of prophet - he was appointed (or called) and was foreordained, to that position before he was born.
(5) If you were the individual who had the power AND the responsibility to appoint leaders, what character traits might you require in the candidates?
That is a huge if. I would appoint leaders after much prayer for inspiration to know who God would choose.
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