Deuteronomy 23:1

[wildwood]

Would anyone - theist or not - care to explain the logic of Deuteronomy 23:1 in the bible. One would think that 'innocently disadvantaged' people would actually be more welcome in Heaven than ordinary souls.

Some of the other Deuteronomy passages don't make pleasant reading either.

[Buenchico]

According to the interpretation here, 'the congregation of the Lord' doesn't mean heaven:
http://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=wes&b=5&c=23

[woofgang]

I recall the explanation being that priests from certain pagan religions were neutered, can’t recall the detail offhand. Also the “Thou shalt not seeth a kid in its mother’s milk” which is the basis for the milk and meat division in the strict Jewish kitchen also has its basis in the rituals of a pagan faith.

[Togo]

"Wounded in the Stones" is perhaps a euphemism for not of the true "blood" line.

[Togo]

The 'innocently disadvantaged' would perhaps have no issue(pun intended) but the usurper, who was unrepentant of such circumstance may have a bit of a problem.

[Mamyalynne]

As Chris has stated, it is all about the understanding of the wording.

A view from a Gentleman with experience of testicular cancer here.

http://www.sstibbs.com/scott/2008_archives/blog_2008_050.html

[wildwood]

Have met this "understanding of the wording" many times before when discussing the Bible, Mamya.
IMO it is not a valid argument for the occasionally clearly written passage in the Scripture.

[Mamyalynne]

I'm not offering an argument for it, simply adding the views as I've read them from a source.

I have no desire to justify or otherwise words written long ago couched in archaic terms that lend themselves to wild interpretations.

[Peter Pedant]

Have met this "understanding of the wording" many times

erm so when in Gen 9 29 it says
29 All the days of Noah were nine hundred fifty years, and then he died.

then - he really DID live 950 y ?

I think I might have to butt out of this conversation

[Buenchico]

Re Mamyalynne's post: DITTO!

[Jackdaw33]

And the Lord said unto Moses, 'Come forth', but he came fifth and won a bag of nuts.

[mikey4444]

Calm down Wildwood !

Deuteronomy is made up !