Yes, we all are, of course. As far as the Bible's view of things is concerned, how do we separate the prophet's prejudices, say, against homosexuality, from God's view?

Is it possible, even likely, in your judgment, that what we read in Leviticus and Romans about homosexuality is not God's view but the views of that culture and of the writers?

Maybe the word of man and the word of God are so interrelated that we can't separate the two with any kind of certainty. Or can we?

What do you think?

Of course they were influenced by their enviornment but I don't think that negates the truth of God's word. It might change the wording..whether it was said in more "eloquent" or "blunt" manner but the message didn't change.

We are all influenced by our culture. My point is that if a prophet's culture influence overrules God's inspiration than what the prophet has written is not inspired. I think of Martin Luther for example. Much of what he wrote was inspired but some portions were not because of his culture overshadowing the inspiration of God.

I admire Luther very much and enjoy reading his works. The word "inspire" is used in different ways today. 2 Tim 3: 16 uses it to describe how the prophets wrote. I am wondering what you understand it to mean when used in reference to Martin Luther.

Ellen White is teaching that we should read the Word of God for ourselves, think about it, meditate on it and follow it without seeking someone else to tell us what it means. She is not teaching that we should rely on our own intellect apart for God's Word.

I do not believe God spoke to Luther in visions or dreams but God certainly spoke to him through His Word and by that means each of us can be inspired.

Do you believe all the Bible writers received their inspiration through visions and dreams?

We know some of them were eye witnesses. We know that God spoke directly with many of them like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Nathan, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Danial, Hosea, Isaiah, Joel, Amos, Jonah, Habakkuk, Nahum, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, John, Peter Jude and Paul. Luke may have been writing completely based on what others told him. I am not sure but David and Solomon may have also received indirect divine communication. But for the most part I believe the Bible teaches most of the writers were in direct contact with God.

God never commanded genocide. It's not about genetics; it's about judgment for wickedness. No one has ever been judged for their race. Individuals, families, and cities, repented, or fled, and where saved from the judgments of God, no matter what race they where.


Stoning would not have always been condemnation:

Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die...

1 Cor. 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

But even in condemnation, it was a mercy, like any judgment. The more you sin, the more you have to suffer in the 2nd death. If the life of someone, who is permanently hardened, is cut short, they commit less sin, and suffer less than someone who is allowed to live and just spend his whole life sinning, and deceiving others into sin.

Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

This also causes people to understand that sin = death.

Now that people are not being stoned to death, false prophets run rampant, saying sin is not so bad. These guys are even allowed to develop a witty sense of humor, which weak minds heed, and are thus seduced.

In the judgment these men will curse God for letting them live a full life, to heap upon themselves a lifetime's worth of multiplied wrath. They will envy those who where stoned to death, who's judgment is short.

How can someone confess that in the 2nd resurrection God will create billions of people from the dust of the earth, instantly, and can't create one man from the dust of the earth, instantly?

Those who believe in Evolution, usually believe in reincarnation, or some such thing. So the "Adventist Evolutionist", has a serious compatibility problem.

Then after the judgment, the whole earth has been cleansed by fire. Obviously there's no life left on earth. It's as barren as Venus. Then God creates a new heaven and a new earth, while the saints watch. Do you not understand that the new heaven and new earth will be created instantly, like in six literal days, and not over billions of years?

I've posed these questions a few times, and still no answer.