Here in Leviticus, we find the laws that Moses was sent to instill in the Jewish people. It speaks of tattoos, concubines, and other juris-prudence. This law was similar to other laws sent down to the prophets before Moses’ time. Each messenger is instructed to issue decree and orders that will guide and shape mankind. Every messenger is sent to change and evolve the law according to how society wishes to be governed. For example, rules for children and rules for adults are completely different. As the child grows, more responsibilities as well as freedoms are given—much like the primitive cultures and tribes we come from. Now that is not to say we cannot go backwards (meaning returning to tribes) if we do not get along.
7 Ibid.
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This evolution of the law is much like a “physical” evolution, only it involves the brain, our environment, and the space that surrounds us.
As we evolve physically, we also evolve mentally. As we evolve mentally, rules and guidelines are sent to the messengers to warn, defend, and guide humanity along their paths in life. The laws that are sent down to messengers are time specific; the commandments are universal—meaning that “an eye for an eye,” “Do unto others…,” and “Turn the other cheek”…are all universal laws.
For example, if everybody treated everybody how they would like to be treated themselves, then only positive energy would continually be sent or emitted by the persona. If an eye for an eye applied, then neutrality, or love/hate relationships would ensue. Many blood feuds continue on because we have not turned the other cheek. To forgive is the greater deed; any religion can understand this.
In events of monetary nature, and other daily events, an eye for an eye is a great way to go…. “Do unto others…,” is just another way of saying, an eye for an eye. The only time for Jihad (Holy War) is when the people are being oppressed (many extremism activists misuse Jihad). This is the only time were it is legal to wage war. Opposed to this, the Qur’anic text follows the same commandments as the Christians and the Hebrew people.
The Qur’an also contains laws that exist for the people of that time, similar to the Bible and the time of Moses. The primary teachings of the Surah are the universal messages sent throughout all the religions—
to love and help one another and defend each other against the hand of injustice. If everybody followed these rules, then we would have no problems. But there are always people who alter and distort the message, or do not believe…and the result is well…an imperfect account of history.
Moses was in a great power struggle during the creation of much of his law, and only God prevented him from being overthrown in the wilderness and the desert. There may have been secretive markings that only Moses used. Like the Blood of the Lamb mentioned earlier, the messenger may decree law that aids his mission sent by God. These rules are generally accepted and agreed upon by the majority of the people at the time; when rulings are unjust, the prophets or king, as seen in Kings, are overthrown.
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Our laws in modern day society are based on the Ten Commandments, turning the other cheek (fines, probation), and an eye for an eye (life imprisonment, death penalty). We have also declared Jihad, the American Revolution, and other battles across the world for freedom and independence. We all are alike in nature, physical being, and to some extent…mentality.
Following some of the ancient traditions found in scripture would be unethical and frowned upon today. The sanctity of prayer, and the power it has, has been around since the beginnings of man. Unfortunately the powers of anger, hate, and betrayal have been seen also. The Word is a guide that helps us deal with these emotions, and include the universal laws that are not time specific, but in fact are universal…
meaning they govern our universe…karma.
thInk, look, see, and BelIeve…..It Is all around.
This universality is present in nature (food chain), the weather (seasons), and life and death, etc. Much like different mathematical laws apply to different mathematical equations, each life can be seen as an equation, each law a solution to smaller and similar equations.
In all that you do; do not tresPass anyone and do all thIngs wIth love In your heart
This is the universal message which allows us as modern individuals to get along as an international body of people, free in thought and spirit, mind, and body. There are many ways of life, and many ways to live it. We were not dealt someone else’s cards, and do not know the story to their lives. We all share one thing though, and that is the will to live and not worry. Life is full of worry and sorrow.
The secular religious laws of the past are meant to be changed; however, the lessons and ways of the past help shape the future we are going to live. The prophecies that the messengers had, the laws they have made, and the societies they helped form are meant to be read and understood; however, we must remember that they are also meant to be progressed from.
So will someone go to hell for having a tattoo? You be the judge…but I will not believe that, although I’m sure there were reasons and purposes for this rule in the past.
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The teachings of religion are not meant to be hard-line religious rule; however, the teachings are meant to be of virtue. Different sayings and descriptions of these virtues are then preached by people who understand them. Although much of the Bible is recorded events, and prophecy to the Bible, it illustrates that God was with and helped these people of that time.
Still we often forget that to live virtuously is the purpose to these stories, not simply the event that took place, but the virtue it took to accomplish them.