By Jeremy Fejfar, January 12, 2009

This is a response to Rusty Rost’s letter which advises nonbelievers to enjoy “the freedom afforded by Christianity to believe whatever (they) wish.”

Does the Bible allow for different belief systems? What’s the biblically correct way to confront a family member who entices you to worship another god? They’re to be put to death, and your hands are to be the first ones on them to bring about that end (Deuteronomy 13:6-10). In fact, if you hear about a city worshiping other gods on your turf, you are to kill everything (including cattle) and burn the city to the ground (Deuteronomy 13:12-16).

This biblical intolerance isn’t surprising, given the very first commandment prohibits the worship of other gods. In fact, one is guaranteed eternal torture for the mere crime of doubting the divinity of Jesus. The “good” book also prescribes the death penalty for the following offenses: Picking up sticks on the Sabbath, being an unruly child, adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, blasphemy, etc.

Nonbelievers don’t get off much easier. Psalm 14:1 calls them corrupt fools who do nothing good. This is demonstrably false when one looks at the incredible time and money the following atheists have given to help others: Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Warren Buffett, Lance Armstrong, Christopher Reeve, Francis Crick, Pat Tillman and many others.

Thank goodness secular society has dragged Christianity into civility, convincing its adherents to ignore the Bible’s more distasteful teachings.