Gyhldeptis,
I will now go over your questions. I want to bring to your attention that this is an old letter from about 2000 and is often refered to as the "Dr. Laura Letter" and has been thoroughly refuted. Although this one has a few twists it appears...
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1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbours. They keep phoning the police claiming that the odor is noxious. Should I smite the guy next door after the cops leave?
First, if you are not a Kohen, you are not allowed to offer burnt offerings. A Kohen must be descended from the first High Priest Aharon Ben Amram, be physically fit to serve, and be trained in all the procedure of the Temple (this takes about 5 years). Second, burnt offerings may only be offered in the Temple in Jerusalem. Since the third Temple has not yet been built, no one can offer burnt offerings. Third, there is no punishment given for someone who complains about the smoke from the altar. This may be because no one ever complained.
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2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her given that she's only 12-years-old?
The servitude mentioned in Exodus 21:7-11 is not slavery. She is to be a bondswoman. The passage clearly indicates the purpose of the "sale." The daughter's marriage is arranged and the father receives the dowry early in exchange for allowing her to be raised in the household of her future husband. This was done when the girl's family was poor and the husband's family was wealthy. This way the daughter could have the advantages of wealthy upbringing.
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3. And speaking of children, my teenage son is stubborn and rebellious. I know that I should have him stoned to death by all the men in the city (Deut. 21:18 ), but I live in a city of over a million, and that's just not going to be easy to organize. Couldn't I just get my buddies at work to pump a few rounds from a shotgun in him for target practice?
No. He must be tried by a Beyt Din (Religious Court), according to the biblical rules evidence. If the Beyt Din does not have the authority to execute a death sentence, they will execute a lesser sentence, such as Karet (expulsion from the Community of Israel). In the diaspora (Outside Israel) Karet may be social rather than physical.
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4. (For Americans only) Lev. 25:44 which states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? I have been unable to find any reference to Canada in the Bible. Why can't I own Canadians?
The verse applies to Jews taking Pagans as indentured slaves. The purpose of such slavery is to teach them about God, and to prevent them from committing idolatry. If the Pagan came to know God and converted, he was treated as an indentured servant and was released at Jubilee unless he bought his freedom sooner. Since you asked the question, you are not qualified to own any slaves.
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5. The guy down the street insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or can I round up a posse of neighbours and stone him to death first thing Monday morning?
No. He must be tried by a Beyt Din (Religious Court), according to the biblical rules evidence. If the Beyt Din does not have the authority to execute a death sentence, they will execute a lesser sentence, such as Karet (expulsion from the Community of Israel). In the diaspora (Outside Israel) Karet may be social rather than physical.
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6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? This is a serious problem for me as my husband loves shellfish.
Eating shellfish is an abomination, however it does not deserve the death penalty, living a homosexual lifestyle does. Since Homosexual behavior deserves the death penalty, it is considered a more severe issue.
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7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear contacts. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
First, As I explained above twice now, if you are not a Kohen you may not approach the Altar of God in any case. Second, the phrase "tvalul b' eyno" refers to a white line that extends from the white if the eye through the iris. If you a were afflicted with that condition, you would not be eligible to serve at the Atlar of God, even if you were a Kohen.
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8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they be put to death?
First, the verse says that it is forbidden to "round off the edge of the scalp." This refers to shaving the hairline from the ear to the forehead. Second, this sin does not require the death penalty.
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9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
First, the prohibition against touching the carcass means the carcass; it does not extend to non-food items made from the animal such as leather. Second, I have only seen rubber and cow hide footballs at my local sporting goods store. So, the question is irrelevant.
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10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24:10-16)?

11. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev. 20:14)?
First, the sin of planting a mixed field does not warrant the death penalty. Second, the cotton polyester blend is not a sin. Wearing a garment made from a mixture of fibers of different origin (plant versus animal) is forbidden. Manmade fibers are neutral and can be mixed with either. Third, the wearing of a garment made from fibers if different origins is not a capital offense. Fourth, a blasphemer must be convicted by the Beyt Din. The same rules that I outlined above apply to all capital crimes. Fifth, Leviticus 20:14 outlines a capital crime. The same rules for conviction apply in thie case.
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12. Jesus says Himself that if a Christian drinks a deadly poison, it won't hurt him at all. (Mark 16:18 ) I think that's absolutely amazing. Since you're a devout Christian, could you demonstrate that to me by swallowing a bottle of rat poison?
This is one of the rather silly challenges thrown out by some skeptics. If you drink poison for me and survive then I will believe (in the bible or God?).

This verse contains Gods promise to protect His people (those He has called to do the Work of preaching the gospel) in dangerous situations beyond their ability to control. It is not a command to put oneself in harms way.

An example of Gods protection in such a circumstance is found in Acts 28:1-6. While gathering wood for a fire, the apostle Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake (viper). It is vital to note that he was not deliberately handling the snake. This came as an unforeseen accident. God miraculously intervened and protected Paul, as He had promised.

To intentionally do something risky or dangerous and expect Gods protection is contrary to what Christ taught. We can see from the Devil's testing in the wilderness where Jesus stood on this issue:

Mat 4:6-7 "And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

Like some skeptics, the devil is good at quoting scripture (Psa 91:11-12) and Jesus wisely answers with scripture Deu 6:16. Clearly we should not put God to the test by drinking poison, further God saves using preaching, that is his method (Rom 10:14). Satan had twisted the meaning of scripture (one of his favorite ploys), in order to get Christ to sin.

Further you think you can change your own heart. It is more likely that even if the person did not die from the poison, you would harden your heart like Pharaoh did even when faced with six signs or miracles.
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When you answer me these questions I will profusely thank you for again reminding me that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
I have now answered your questions in detail. I am now waiting...




a servant of Jesus Christ,Kevin