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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

188.0. "Jubilee" by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE (Brother Richard (:-}>+-) Wed Mar 20 1991 23:50

    This note to discuss the Old Testament concept and practice of Jubilee.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
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188.1Where in the Bible is it!CVG::THOMPSONWhich side did you say was up?Thu Mar 21 1991 17:465
    For those unaware, the jubile is discussed mostly in Levitcus chapters
    25 through 27. An interesting topic to be sure but I think I'll wait
    until I re-read those chapters before commenting.
    
    			Alfred
188.2Why is it no longer practiced?CSC32::J_CHRISTIEBrother Richard (:-}>+-Fri Mar 22 1991 01:5810
Also, see Deuteronomy 15.

If I have the thrust of it, Jubilee marks a time that all outstanding
debts are cancelled, all who are bound in servitude are released, and
real estate property is redistributed.

What ever happened to this observance?

Peace,
Richard
188.3CVG::THOMPSONWhich side did you say was up?Fri Mar 22 1991 14:075
    I suspect that it was never practiced for very long. People tend
    to want more permanence. Bits of it do remain today though. The
    concept of 99 year leases for example. 

    			Alfred
188.4RAVEN1::WATKINSFri Mar 22 1991 15:237
    If I remember correctly only Hebrews that were slaves were released.
    Slaves from other countries were not released.  Also a slave could 
    stay a slave if they wanted to by having their ear piereced.  I maybe
    wrong about slaves from other countries.  It was a type of sabbath.
    
    
                                  Marshall
188.5RAVEN1::WATKINSFri Mar 22 1991 15:268
    Real Estate property was not actually redistributed but if a Hebrew
    family had to sell there part of the promised land.  Then at Jubilee
    (ie. 50 years) the land had to go back to that family.  This was
    because God had given the land to the Hebrews.
    
    
                                   Marshall
    
188.6Distinction not clearCSC32::J_CHRISTIEBrother Richard (:-}>+-Fri Mar 29 1991 21:566
    Are the instructions concerning Jubilee in the Old Testament
    considered ceremonial in nature?  It appears to me that there
    is a moral (or ethical) element contained therein.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
188.7More than just a theocratic lawXLIB::JACKSONCollis JacksonTue Apr 02 1991 13:444
I agree, Richard, that there is a lesson in the observance of the Jubilee,
that we should not ignore but incorporate into our own lives.

Collis
188.8Re: .7CSC32::J_CHRISTIEUncomplacent PeaceThu Apr 18 1991 02:197
    Collis,
    
    Would you expand upon that?  What lesson do you derive in the
    observance of Jubilee?
    
    Peace,
    Richard
188.9Just a few quick thoughtsXLIB::JACKSONCollis JacksonThu Apr 18 1991 14:1515
Why, I thought you'd never ask!  :-)

Just as the land could be used for a while and then must be returned to
the original owner, so too all that we have is God's and we are only
caretakers for a while (during our lives).  We, too, will give back to
the original owner all that we had with any improvements (houses, dams,
crops) that have been made or with unattended problems (structures in
disrepair, weeds).

Likewise, I also see the parellel that we are not to build up for
ourselves here on earth (so after 50 years it goes back to someone
else anyway - at least the land), but rather we are to work for a
better goal.

Collis