Reading the Biblical Text Today

I have been experiencing an interesting interchange with a friend (and his friends) on a Facebook site that resulted in me firing off a passionate response that I thought I would share (I’ll be interested to hear responses).
Some background: A good friend of mine likes to provocatively post snippets that attack the Bible, belief in God, etc. Here are a couple as examples:

might get myself some slaves, it seems the christian God thinks its ok ......Exodus 21:2; Exodus 21:7; Exodus 21:20-21; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 22:11; Leviticus 25:39; Leviticus 25:44-46. And just in case you think that was the old testament theology, Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18

‘Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.’ some bible texts are just pure gold arent they?

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Rigorous Honesty

There aren't many places, regardless of your denomination, where we can be rigorously honest about our affairs, addictions, lusts and brokenness. We are often told that healing and wholeness is necessary especially through healthy relationships and supportive community with other believers. But we don't do this naturally unless the right trusted environment is in place where we stay connected to God's spirit. This is critical, because even within our own congregations, talking to the wrong person, elder or pastor can lead to destruction. So how do you create that kind of environment in the first place?

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Defining a Winner

How would you define a “winner” in the game of life? Here are a few thoughts from James and Jongward’s book, BORN TO WIN.

“A winner can reveal himself instead of projecting images that please, provoke, or entice others. . .

“While she can admire and respect other people, she is not totally defined, demolished, bound, or awed by them. . .

“A winner does not play ‘helpless’ nor does he play the blaming game. Instead he assumes responsibility for his own life. . .

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Fractured

Cleaning out the shed at home yesterday, I came across a scrap of paper on which I had written a poem years ago. I no longer remember when it was written or what specifically prompted it. My guess is that it was written during my major depressive illness which lasted for about 10 years.

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Four Habits for the Spiritual Life

I am reading a fascinating book at present entitled Practical Intelligence: The Art and Science of Common Sense written by Karl Albrecht. While the book is not directly discussing the spiritual life, I have come across an interesting set of ideas that seem to me to be directly related to it.
Albrecht describes 'four habits that unlock your mental capacity' (pp. 82-84). These habits are:

1. mental flexibility
2. affirmative thinking
3. semantic sanity
4. valuing ideas 

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