If you read the 10 commandments (whichever version), one of the clear prohibitions is: Though shalt not steal. That seems really straightforward to me. If you take something that is not yours, you've committed a big no-no.
However, in Deuteronomy 23:24-25, there is a very odd clarification to this straightforward rule.
So, does this mean that stealing is okay as long as you don't use some form of technology?
Do you think that defense would hold up in a court of law?
To see what other questions I've asked about the Christian Bible, go here.
However, in Deuteronomy 23:24-25, there is a very odd clarification to this straightforward rule.
When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel. When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn.You can eat your neighbor's grapes to your heart's content, but you can't turn those grapes into wine. You can handpick as much of your neighbor's corn as you want as long as you don't use a sickle.
So, does this mean that stealing is okay as long as you don't use some form of technology?
Do you think that defense would hold up in a court of law?
To see what other questions I've asked about the Christian Bible, go here.
My Oxford Annotated Bible (my textbook from old days in Biblical History classes) interprets this to mean: "A neighbor's good-will should not be presumed upon to the point of stealing from his harvest."
ReplyDeleteWhen I had a small orchard, my neighbor understood that I didn't mind if they gathered some apples; it would have been wrong for them to gather them to make cider to sell, or to cut down the tree for firewood.
I don't think this was about technology, but rather defined property rights.
I gather that it means you can eat it there, but not take it off. Like baroness radon said, so you can eat, but not take it and sell it. Maybe it falls into the same category as the rules on gleaning the leavings after the harvest
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