Letters: Time to get real when it comes to the Bible

Australian rugby star Israel Folau sparked furious debate with his comment on homosexuality. Photo / File

Israel Folau is a good Christian; he wishes to follow God's Law.

Leviticus states that the homosexual lifestyle is an abomination, and we shouldn't argue with the Good Book – or should we?

Lev21:17 says anyone who curses their parents must be put to death. Frankly my kids are skating on thin ice. Although, I might just sell my daughter into slavery (Exodus21:7) if she doesn't stop cursing me.

I may possess slaves as long as they are from neighbouring nations (Lev25:44). I'm not sure if I can get my slaves from Tauranga, or if I'll have to go to Australia, need clarification on that.

I've also been wondering lately about all the people who are working on the Sabbath. Exodus35:2 clearly states that they should be put to death. Frankly, it's a big job for me, should I be getting the police to help?

Shellfish is also an abomination (Lev11:10) but is it a lesser abomination than homosexuality?

My point? "Good Christians" find it easy to demonise homosexuals in the name of God's Law, but do they all secretly agree with other laws set out in the Bible, which today are either illegal or simply ridiculous?

Surely it is time to stop cherry-picking quotes out of a 2000-year-old book which was written in Hebrew, translated into Greek, then Latin, then English in the 1300s.

In 2018 it simply can't be taken literally.

Why not preach love and kindness to all, there's no need for anyone to burn in hell.

JULIE CALNAN
Rotorua

Thanks to Rotorua Hospital workers

Having spent the past fortnight in the Senior Persons Service Ward in the Rotorua Public Hospital, I would like to acknowledge the really wonderful care and attention I received from the many lovely nurses, healthcare workers, CT scanners, occupational therapists, specialists and doctors, and thank them all so very much for their kindness, attention and love.

The many patients also that I became such good friends with and that I left behind, I wish you well and hope you will be home again soon.

The treatment is second to none that is given and I cannot speak highly enough of these skilled workers, and it was like living with a big new family.

The meals were beautifully prepared and presented by the chefs at the hospital and not brought in as many people think.

They were very satisfying and nutritious as well as us being able to have a choice. What more could we want in such a beautiful hospital. We are very lucky in Rotorua.

I would also like to acknowledge Rommel, a lovely, smiley Filipino lad who is talented at cutting hair. He also entertained patients during dinner with his lovely music on the piano and sometimes myself on the piano while he played along on his guitar. Paki Paki Rommel.

My thanks and regards to you all.

COLIN L DEANS
Ngongotaha