Indeed, you do highlight some interesting dilemmas. Many thanks.
Lets set out things more clearly;
1/ The use of 'kidnappers' does not logically exclude slave traders. As of course, one may gain slaves by kidnap. Thus the statements on such by Jesus do not take the politics out of his message.
Yes it would as kidnapping was illegal, slave trading was not.
2/ The ISV you rely on is not above criticism and thus neither I nor I fear many across the world will be taking it on as the revealed word any time soon given the ISV's interesting take on things;
ISV - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vintner
Vintner meaning wine seller.
KJV - I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Much better.
You must either think I am stupid or sorely lacking in my Bible study to make such an utterly dishonest comparison.
ISV - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vintner
Vinter means "winemaker" Winemaking, or vinification, is the production of wine, starting with selection of the grapes or other produce and ending with bottling the finished wine.
KJV - I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
A farmer.
Now which one fits better or is the better translation?
I should also here mention the frequent Americanisms peppering the work that damage its credibility and make it likely that itll be some time before its received across the world;
"they went outside and proceeded one block when the angel suddenly left him"
It was written for Americans so what? Nice fallacy though. I mean really that has nothing to do with being a much more accurate translation. :lol:
My apologies, I didnt know I had to wait for you to say 'all' taxation before I could make the point.
Now more dishonesty? Why do you wish to attribute things to me I have not said or even implied?
Your point was highly exaggerated and had nothing to do with my comments about taxes.
So those taxes you pay that do not come directly back to you are stolen?
Please read what I said. Taxes collected by the Federal Government should go for the military, infrastructure (payroll, building etc), and Some limited emergency's that is pretty much it. That is all it was envisioned by the founders to do.
"
The nation had few taxes in its early history. From 1791 to 1802, the United States government was supported by internal taxes on distilled spirits, carriages, refined sugar, tobacco and snuff, property sold at auction, corporate bonds, and slaves. The high cost of the War of 1812 brought about the nation's first sales taxes on gold, silverware, jewelry, and watches. In 1817, however, Congress did away with all internal taxes, relying on tariffs on imported goods to provide sufficient funds for running the government." -
History of the Income Tax in the United States — Infoplease.com
The Civil War (the beginning of the end) greatly expanded "Federalism" to a status that had the founders rolling over in their graves. The Federal government was never ment to have the kind of power it has today.
Of course! We both know it would be a fools errand.:roll:
More fallacy. :roll: