The evil nature of the verse? The author of this verse of scripture was reciting the facts as he knew them to be. Truthful testimony is not evil. Only later, much later, was it used as an excuse for the persecution of the Jews.
There has not always been agreement between the various sects of Christians or Jews as to the inerrancy of scripture. Again, go back and read my earlier post.
A number of the books of the Old Testament are merely history. Some of the ancient Jews maintained that the Torah, the first five books, were the only ones needed for the worship or instruction of the faithful. The other books were added later, but hardly with unanimous support.
There has even been disagreement, also in ancient times, as to the exact nature of God (Yahweh). There were some who disputed the belief that Yahweh was one and alone. They believed he had a royal companion. This particular sect eventually died out, but the fact remains that it existed.
Does this negate the "truth" of the scriptures. By no means. Christ himself stated that he came not to negate the scriptures, but to fulfill them. Many of his statements reflect his attempt to point out to the Pharisees and Sadducees their hypocrisy in abiding by the letter of the law, and not its spirit. This is why he called them "whited sepulchres," bright and clean on the outside, but inside being filled with rotteness and corruption.
In another instance, He was presented with a woman caught in the act of adultery. "Our laws state that she should be stoned to death. What do you say?"
Recognizing the hypocrisy of the accusers, for the man involved was most conspicuously NOT there for Him to judge, Christ said, "Let He among you who is without sin cast the first stone."
The accusers turned and left, for had no adequate response.
Is there any more beautiful and profound passage in the entire New Testament than that of The Sermon on the Mount?" : Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall see the Kingdom of God; Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
Any person who sincerely practices the core beliefs of Christianity need apologize for it.
Now, the Soviet Union and Communist China did not accept the teachings of Jefferson or Paine. That isn't even the issue in this particular discussion. These were modern dictatorships which adopted a sadistic and murderous brand of atheism. In the judgement of history, that is an incontrovertible truth.
As to the danger of the U.S. Government becoming a theocracy, with the changing nature of Christian life and thought in modern times, it isn't likely to happen. The vast majority of Christians would not want a theocracy. While we may speak out against things that we deem to be evil, and prod the government to take action, you and your atheistic cohorts are free to do the same thing. We all will win some of those struggles, and lose some of them. That is as it should be.
Isn't democracy beautiful?
Lastly, I do not believe that Christianity is man made. I believe Christ's teachings came directly from the Father, for the express purpose of correcting the error of man in the interpretation of the true nature and purpose of God.
