I mentioned already in my response to your other comment that husbands are ALSO called to submit themselves to their wives. Jesus did more for women's rights than anyone else in history, as far as I am aware. There are so very exceedingly many valid criticisms of the Bible, but quoting the New Testament in particular does not seem to me to be one of them. In the context of its era, it was radically revolutionary.

I hadn't heard that from Desiring God. I presume he clearly demonstrated his own opinion as separate and distinct from anything actually stated in the actual, literal Bible? Your quotes here seem to say thus.

So, off the cuff mind you, my guess is that it's old and that this advice, which if it had been given 50 years ago may well have been true(-ish), as in most couples indeed may be happier to have kids than not? Even if only for a retirement plan, while those who adamantly do not want them will not herd such advice regardless, so a simplistic mantra offered to the simple-minded with the aim of helping them arrive at a conclusion that they would have reached themselves eventually, given sufficient time and energy and efforts? Yeah I'm okay with that, in that context.

Today would be a different story I think... so it seems a matter of an elderly pastor giving out of date advice, not keeping up with the times, but again - CRUCIALLY - making sure to distinguish that it was merely his own opinion. It's okay to have personal opinions, even incorrect ones?

And from my very first comment in this thread I have in no way defended child abuse, saying in fact rather the opposite. ThAt'S whAt ThIs CaPiTaLiZaTiOn StYlE mEaNs?

In the USA on January, where people "defending" the Constitution... or merely claiming that that was what they were doing?

But I see what you mean: pedophilic priests weren't the focus of your comment so much as what the actual text said.

Yes, Jewish law applied to citizens, although iirc foreigners could become such also - not chiefly a "race" so much as a culture, bound by laws. Also, it was relatively advanced for its era (many thousands of years ago) - e.g. avoid pork especially with blood aka Salmonella, and treat literal slaves better than many countries treat their employees today. Women even had rights - less than men but they were there, unlike so many others in the regions nearby. Also, why leave out the closely related verse "husbands, also submit yourselves to your wives..."

Anyway, it's a violent bloody history of conquest and genocidal practices, I'm not trying to say otherwise, just adding that "love thy neighbor" is kinda cool and if people would ACTUALLY try doing that, whether bc they read it in this book or otherwise, then the world would be a far better place than it is today.

Some of your arguments need polishing though - e.g. give up your possessions and follow me was an optional offer, which was declined. Too bad, bc greed is a soul killer, no matter what religion someone claims they believe - just one look into the eyes of Zuckerberg or Bezos or Musk should anyone who has a soul. Money is essential to live, but the LOVE of it is the exact opposite, and I stand with Jesus and whoever says so (the Buddha I believe may have uttered thoughts along similar lines... Zen).

And no, justice in the Old Testament did not mean that - that came later, and iirc wasn't so much called by justice. In the OT, it was rather an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, and unless I miss my guess, most passages talking about justice like that mean like administrative people, as in judges (and mayors and the like) should not accept bribes. Which... really? Surely you aren't arguing that they should! Remember the New Testament admonition of people who heap heavy burdens into others without lifting a finger to help? Even - many even say especially - Jesus called out bad religion whenever warranted.

The burn in hellfire forever thing was also Jesus in the New Testament. Like a computer program that malfunctions, you trash it and if needed, buy a new machine. So too people will be discarded (it says). Oh well. Why get worked up about it though - are you thinking that you are among them? 🤪 But criticize it properly, using what it actually says, if you want people to listen.

Hey, believe it or not, there's even a verse for that: test everything against what you know to be true. Almost like the Bible initiated the scientific revolution. Belief in magic was old, and eventually culture got better - but you are looking back with the wisdom of hindsight, and even then can't get your arguments to match, sorry I don't mean to be mean but it comes across as being true. Your anger is besides the point of logic.

Also... weren't YOU the one who brought up the Bible into this conversation, not me? Yes there's crazy shit in there, so maybe use that stuff rather than mismatching and negging and giving atheism a bad name by offering this level of argumention?

Learn from Jesus: forgive and let the past go, you'll be so much happier that way. Leave it behind if you want to, no need to allow it to cloud your vision any longer.