[Vision2020] Slavery, Homosexuality, and Biblical Punishments

[Steve Wells]

Douglas,

I read the article "Slavery Revisited" and your response in the Daily 
News, yet I'm still unsure of you position on slavery, homosexuality, 
and biblical law.  I'm hoping you'll clarify it for me. Here are my 
questions:

1) The DN reported you to say that "slavery is not a sin if the slave 
owner treats the slaves humanely." In your response (DN, 15 Oct) you 
said that the article "accurately stated your position." So you believe 
that slavery is acceptable in such cases?

2) Are death and exile the biblical punishments for homosexuality? Do 
you think these punishments should be applied today? If so, when should 
each be used? [The bible is clear about death (Lev.20:13), but where 
does it say that homosexuals should be exiled?]

3) In your response you say "we are not interested in burning people at 
the stake in Friendship square." Are you opposed, then, to burning 
people to death as form of punishment in all cases? How about the 
situation described in Lev.20:14? Would Friendship Square be an 
appropriate place to carry out the punishment in that particular case?

I think it would help to know your position on these issues. But if 
you're too embarrassed by some of the stuff in the bible, I understand. 
Some things are just too disgusting to even try to defend.