Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Google "why can't I own a..."

I was just bored (as usual) and typed in "why can't I..." in google and it had an option of: "why can't I own a canadian?"

Interesting. So I clicked.

The first thing that came from this page was a link to:
http://www.humanistsofutah.org/2002/WhyCantIOwnACanadian_10-02.html

It's a good letter. It's kind of in a humourous tone yet it is thought provoking and proves a good point. (see the end of the blog. I pasted it on there)

There's also a video on it... not sure which came first but both worth the visit. The West Wing episode is less funny than the letter though. Maybe it's the actor's interpretation.

In any case, I like this letter because it's a smart response to people who just throw out quotes from the bible like it's the answer to everything. Granted, there are some good lessons to be learned from the Bible (I think it teaches people to be nice in some parts right?). But I don't think promoting hate towards people is the point of religion. Then again, I might be wrong because I've never really studied religion and I'm definitely not Christian or Catholic or anything like that.

I'll paste it here if you don't want to go to the link yourself.

Why Can't I Own a Canadian?

October 2002

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
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 neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
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?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who 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?
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?
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 reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
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 die?
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?
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. 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)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim

1 comment:

St3Fin said...

That is awesomely funny! Even though you aren't religious, I think you hit the nail on the head. Religion should never be about hate or segregation. It's sad that most mainstream religions and their teachings have become so skewed from their original intent. Religion today is more about "I'm right and your wrong" instead of recognizing the similar human-ness in all of us.