Data Over Dogma Episode 93: Banning the Bible?
Jan 13, 2025
Dive deep into the origins of law with a critical look at biblical statutes, particularly the Covenant Code, and how they relate to modern legal practices. The discussion illuminates the absurdities and complexities of these ancient rules, including their implications on social inequalities. It also tackles the contemporary issue of book banning, questioning whether the Bible itself should be among the texts deemed inappropriate for children. The interplay between legislative actions and historic injustices creates a thought-provoking narrative on censorship and its impact on marginalized communities.
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Episode notes
Code Origins
- The Covenant Code in Exodus, likely the oldest Hebrew legal text, shows signs of adaptation, not original composition.
- It borrows heavily from Hammurabi's Code, rearranging and altering existing laws, indicating a complex legal history.
Women as Property
- Exodus 21 reveals that women were largely seen as property in ancient Israelite law, especially in the context of debt slavery.
- Female debt slaves could be perpetual concubines or sex slaves, highlighting the patriarchal nature of the society.
Fetal Status
- Exodus 21 discusses the legal consequences of striking a pregnant woman, focusing on harm to the fetus as property damage, not a person.
- This demonstrates how a fetus wasn't considered a full legal person, with penalties determined by judges and the husband's assessment of loss.
