Pork, Tattoos, Shrimp... and Slavery? The Strangest Old Testament Laws (Pt. 5)

·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

Ryan Pauley asks how Christians can make sense of God banning pork and shrimp but seemingly allowing slavery.

Ryan Pauley opens the episode by framing it as part five of a series walking through Dan Kimball's book 'How Not to Read the Bible.' He explains this section tackles 'stranger things in the Old Testament,' such as laws against eating pork, getting tattoos, and wearing mixed fabrics. Pauley notes the chapter raises questions about why God would ban these seemingly minor issues while appearing to allow slavery. He shares personal updates, including his approved doctoral dissertation and upcoming speaking engagements in Palm Springs and Kentucky. Pauley announces he will cancel live call-in debates for two weeks due to travel. He reads from the book, highlighting memes and verses that skeptics use to challenge the Bible's credibility. Pauley emphasizes that many Christians struggle to respond to these objections and admits he doesn't have all answers memorized. He invites listeners to email or message him with their difficult Bible passages over the next two weeks, promising to research and address them in future episodes. Pauley briefly responds to a comment suggesting God didn't write the Bible, reaffirming his belief in divine inspiration. He discusses the common objection that Christians pick and choose which laws to follow. Pauley then takes a call from skeptic Brooklyn Lou, who asks why biblical slavery was morally acceptable to God and what punishment should apply to slaveholders today. Pauley argues that Old Testament slavery differed from American chattel slavery, citing Exodus 21:16's death penalty for kidnapping and Deuteronomy's protections for foreign slaves. He suggests slavery in ancient Israel often resulted from war and was a necessary evil in a fallen world, comparing it to divorce allowances in Matthew 19. The conversation explores nuances of prisoners of war and assimilation. Pauley concludes by reiterating his request for listener submissions and promoting his upcoming events.

As heard by us

A question-led Bible study invites Christians to think through difficult Old Testament passages with patience.

Think Well uses part five of its virtual book study to open up difficult and strange moments in the Old Testament, with Ryan Pauley framing the discussion as a place for questions before settled answers.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a Bible study that starts with the strange, difficult Old Testament questions and keeps them open long enough to think.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Think Well