12 Surprising Things The Bible Condemns, But Most Do It Anyway
Even most devoured Christians often do not follow all the rules found in the Scriptures because they make little or no sense in the modern world. Many things involve our eating habits and women in general, though some verses are so strange that people prefer not to think of them. Some passages might reflect poorly on the current situation. Here is just a tiny portion of what the Bible condemns, and yet, we do it anyway because we are mortal sinners.
Immigrants are welcome
One must treat a foreigner as one of their own, sums up Leviticus 19:33-19:34. With the recent border issues, this is a particularly interesting verse and a great reminder that people should be saved from modern prosecution. However, others argue their effects on an already fragile economy, so this verse works only in an ideal world.
Cutting your wife’s hands
Deuteronomy 25:11-12 speaks about two men fighting. If a wife comes to defend her husband and grabs the other guy by his genitals, the husband can cut off her hands. There are numerous arguments regarding this passage. Some claim that this should be done if the wife harmed the other man’s ability to have kids. Others say the translation could imply that it should be shaving off hair instead of cutting off hands. Regardless, if you have a wife willing to defend you, she’s a keeper.
Dealing with adulteress
The Book of Numbers 5:11-31 deals with proper punishment for a cheating wife. It basically says that the wife must drink cursed water to either cause an abortion or, less literally, to force a woman into a confession. But if the first explanation is valid, it means that abortion is okay, depending on the circumstances. It is open to interpretation, but it raises questions about Christianity’s views toward women.
Eating unblessed meat
If you look at Leviticus 5:2, Leviticus 11:27, and Leviticus 3:17, you might wonder if God would prefer you to go vegan. You can’t eat “unclean” animals or their fat, and mice, weasels, rats, and bugs are also forbidden. Genesis 9:3, however, is more welcoming, so you can eat whatever God gave you, except for bloody meat.
Avoid women on their periods
Even God knows that it is best to avoid a woman who’s on her period. Leviticus 15:19-21 deals with this issue, and not only shouldn’t a man touch her, but he shouldn’t even sit where she sat during those seven days. And if a man touches his “unclean” woman, he must wash his clothes with her and bathe in her water.
Feed the poor
Leviticus 19:10 says farmers had to leave crops and share them with the poor and foreigners. It is a lovely idea and shows love and respect for those less fortunate. In modern days, this would mean leaving leftovers for people experiencing poverty to feast on, but it is not a common practice. As with all verses, this one is also open to various interpretations, but since the Bible’s central theme is love, we wouldn’t be surprised with literal meaning.
No tattoos or piercings
Leviticus 19:28 says that one should not get tattoos or piercings. But, as with everything within the Scriptures, there is a broader meaning. The verse says that one should not tattoo or cut themselves for the dead. It was likely to prevent pagan rituals. Still, many believe that the Bible is strict about tattoos, and even more people enjoy getting them.
No bling
Timothy 2:9 warned that women should wear modest clothes, pay no attention to hairstyle, or wear expensive jewelry. However, it says nothing about men wearing costly bling, which became more common in the previous decades. The verse also says women should be submissive and quiet while showing their inner beauty.
Watch how you treat your parents
The Bible teaches us to respect the elderly, but Exodus 21:17 goes further. If you curse your parents, your punishment will be death. It should be noted that there is a difference between putting the curse on your parents and speaking impolitely. We believe that the verse was referring to the first explanation.
Strict relationship rules
Deuteronomy 23:18 says that one is forbidden to bring home the earnings of the lady (or gentleman) or the night. There are many unanswered questions about this verse and marital vows, but the next one is quite straightforward. Leviticus 20:13 declares that if a man who is married to a woman fancies another man, they should both be put to death. But there’s more.
Never sleep with your mother-in-law
Leviticus 20:14 states that if a man sleeps with one woman and her mother, everyone involved must be killed. In Leviticus 20:11, you learn that if a man sleeps with his father’s wife, the man and the wife should be put to death. In 20:10, it speaks about adultery among neighbors, and again, the adulterer and the adulteress must be killed. Cheating is not frowned upon – it is banned.
No tarot cards or reading tea leaves
It might sound fun to dabble in reading tea leaves, but the Bible fiercely opposes wizards, tarot cards, and fortune tellers. Leviticus 19:31 warns people not to turn to those who speak to the dead or anything outside this realm. They will make you unclean. The verse ends with a reminder that there is only one God, and he will give guidance.
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