Ralph;

As I always demonstrate, when a comprehensive study of the revealed word, is presented, it is not "MY" place to disagree with such.

whose comprehensive study? different theologans arrive at opposite conclusions from the same book!

But, on the other hand if single passages of scripture are taken away from the "subject" in which they are related, or "cherry picked", this is not comprehension, this is a clear demonstration of "manipulation" in taking a half truth and making a "whole lie" out of partial information.

soemthing christians are extremely good at.

The scriptures interpret themselves, WHEN ALLOWED. Just as demonstrated, when one is of the opinion that a prohibition upon self defense is declared by trying to manipulate the scriptures to declare that "vengeance" and "protection" are one in the same, when clearly other scriptures demonstrate, that self protection of both life and property are not under any God mandated prohibition, nor is "CAPITAL PUNISHMENT", as God Himself demonstrated. Thus, present away, for there is nothing in God's revelation that is to be hidden under a basket, we welcome any open discussion that may lead to any edification, of myself, or of someone else.

try garyshers "thout shall not kill"?

For indeed this is the very reason that God presented us (mankind) with this book of instruction that guides us along the path of life's journey. Are we to be like the traveler, that is to proud and arrogant to ask for simple directions to our destination? God offers a complete detailed road map for this journey that we call life, if we but follow its clear instructions. Just Who is a better instructor than the creator of life Himself?

clear instructions! a book of ancient manuscripts full of contradictions and inconsistencies? in what way is this clear instructions? if it is so clear, why do theologans disagree about what it means? why do those that study it come to different understandings of it?

the bible is anything but clear, anything but a useful book of instructions. you cannot follow it completely, because following one bit of it means contravening other bits.