Tag: shame

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

In the world but not of it: How ancient wisdom guides modern sexual ethics (Leviticus 18; Genesis 2–3; Romans 1; 1Corinthians 5–6)

Palette-knife oil painting by ChatGPT of two contrasting paths viewed from above: a wide, chaotic route in jagged red and black strokes and a narrow, peaceful path in cool blues and whites, with a lone figure stepping toward the narrow way. Text overlay: “In the world but not of it: How ancient texts guide modern sexual ethics (Leviticus 18; Genesis 2–3; Romans 1; 1Corinthians 5–6).” Hallel.info watermark.

What’s the point of the Torah’s stark language about nakedness, sexuality and child-sacrificing pagan worship in Leviticus 18? It’s really about something deeper: exploiting the vulnerable, crossing God-given boundaries and confusing shame with holiness. Tracing themes from Leviticus, Genesis, 1Corinthians, Hebrews and James, we explore how “naked and not ashamed” became fearful hiding — and how Messiah becomes our true covering. Discover how sanctification, judgment and grace meet in a God who refuses to leave us in our damage.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

Hosea 1:1-2:4: Mercy in God’s uncovering our sin

Painting of the The Prophet Hosea and the Delphic Sibyl Fresco Borgia Apartments, Hall of the Sibyls, by Pinturicchio.

The promiscuous wife of a prophet of Israel and the mother of mankind walk into a Bible lesson…. The joke is on us if we don’t catch why the Hoshea (Hosea) was told to marry a harlot and connect her predicament of being discovered to the test given to Chavah (Eve) at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad (Genesis 3–4).

Here’s a hint: “Nakedness” is an important symbol of a spiritual condition used in teachings in the Hebrew and Apostolic scriptures.

You and I are similar to Gomer. When we sin, we want to “get away with it.” We don’t want our sin revealed. We still have to have control over our desires.