Bible Discussion Thread

V. 21, "touch not, taste not, handle not" is defined as being the commandments of men which show man made religion, rather than an O.T. injunction by God. The previous v. challenges us not to be subject to such ordinances. Established churches in my own religious community have many such binding rules to help guide their members. After (don't associate with the world) comes (no cars allowed). Since modern tractors and wagons might be used to go to worldly places, more rules were needed. (No rubber tires allowed). Now abusive jolting of equipment brought on homemade tractor wheels with rubber in the structure to absorb the shock. More church rules needed. (Not over a certain percentage of the wheel may be of rubber). Do you see how such man imposed rules perish with the useing. Even well-meant religious rules eventually require more regulation, and the victims are distracted from new life in Jesus to worldly religion. This whole chapter 2 is devoted to contrasting; the kingdom of our Lord against the falacy of well-meant religion. James 1:27 gives a very limited description of pure religion that is not defiled before God. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus.