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In the Mosaic Law, stoning was commanded for various offenses. While the offenses may have been horrific in nature, many have objected to the very idea of stoning at anytime, for anyone, anyplace, anywhere. They claim it is brutal and torturous. Can you help me understand why God would command stoning if there were less brutal means of capital punishment?
Joel, thanks for your question. God commanded stoning because He wanted to. We have to understand that God is soverign and He can do, say, and implement any form of punishment of sin He wants. God hates sin and disobedience. Eph. 1:11 states "also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." Isa. 55:8 tells us “For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”
You stated "many have objected to the very idea of stoning at anytime, for anyone, anyplace, anywhere." Who gave this "many" the right to "object" and question God about the the idea of stoning at anytime, anyone, any place or anywhere. This is nothing but disobedience and unbelief for this "many." Questioning the motives of God is nothing but waste of time. He is going to do what He wants because our thoughts are not His thoughts and our way is not His way. Our place is to become saved by the blood of the Lamb, accept him as Our Savior, and have a relationship with him.
You also stated "They claim it is brutal and torturous." Again, who gave this "they" to question what is brutal and torturous if God choice stoning as means of punishment. Stoning was not near as brutual and torturous as what Jesus sufferred on the cross for our sins. But no one says anything about the brutality brought against him and he was innocent.
No one can guess what the Mind of God is like. Waste of time to even try.
Blessings,
Dr Don Howe, RN, PhD, ThD
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Answers by Expert:
Dr Don Howe
Expertise
I welcome questions that deal with theological issues, relationship issues, church history, world religions, current events from a Christian worldview, "gray areas" that are present today, church growth movements, false prophets, spiritual abuse issues, end time events, prophecy, medical ethical issues, hermeneutical questions, and how Israel fits into God's economy today. I will answer all questions in a grammatical/historical normative interpretation of God's Word. If I can not answer a question, I will do the research and find the answer if available. If you are looking for a liberal theological answer or agrument, do not ask. I am not an expert on church planting or evangelism.
Experience
I have over 27 years of experience doing ministry as a bivocational minster/professional nurse. I do ministry as a volunteer with ministries that are nonprofit and not able to pay for ministers. I have experience working with youth, children, elderly in different placement settings, mentally ill and mentally challenged in different settings, felons in state prison and county jails, hospital chaplancy, choir ministry, and deacon ministry. I am an ordained SBC minister. I am a Professional Chaplain. I am currently doing hospital minstry, ministry to shut-ins, and a chaplain with Victim Relief Ministry working with victims of diasters and domestic violence. I work as psychiatric nurse in large county jail system.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors, Baptist Nursing Fellowship, Nurses Christian Fellowship, Therpon Institute, Victim Chaplain & Counselor Association of America, International Board of Christian Counselors, American Society of Christian Therapists.
Publications
N/A
Education/Credentials
PhD, Therapon University, USVI, 12/07 in Biblical Counseling,
DCC, Southwest Bible College & Seminary, Jenning, LA 04/05 in Christian Psychology and Counseling.
ThD, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA 02/04
D.D., Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA 07/03
Tyndale Seminary, Fort Worth, TX 2001-2003
BSN, Univ. of Texas in Arlington, Tx 05/93
ADN, Midwestern State Univ., Wichitia Falls, TX 5/77
Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Externship 08/04-12/05, 4 units of CPE earned.
Awards and Honors
Board Certified Christian Counselor by International Board of Christian Counselors. Issued 01/24/06.
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