RE: Leviticus quotes - Don't get caught up taking rules / social mores from 2,000 - 4,000 years ago and trying to make them ALL fit into today's world.
Conversely, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
We have obviously learned a great deal about the sciences of Agriculture, Medicine and so on since then. Most of our modern laws are based on Judeo-Christian principles, esp. those contained in the 10 Commandments. Consider the following; it comes from an "Examination Of Conscience" used by Catholic school students.
If it helps, omit the meditations / or commandments dealing with God, (start with the 4th Commandment) and you are STILL left with a valuable tool with which one might reflect on his/her attitudes and actions.
Much more useful than Leviticus, I think.
The 1st Commandment: I am the Lord Your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.
Do we truly love God above all, or do we sometimes give greater importance to things of this world: money, image, looks, clothes, popularity or selfish desires?
Do we claim to have good values, but often bend or abandon them in order to fit in and be “part of the group?”
Do we turn to God in thankful prayer, or do we pray mostly when we want something?
The 2nd Commandment: You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
Do we show disrespect for God’s name by misusing it out of frustration or anger or to look “tough” to others?
Do we hesitate to mention God’s name in appropriate situations, in conversations with friends and family members?
Do we continue to learn about God by paying attention in Church, Religion Class and paying attention to Catholic periodicals and television programs?
The 3rd Commandment: Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
Do we come to Church to celebrate the Eucharist on Sundays and Holy Days? Do we attend Mass only when it is convenient or when it will make us “feel good?”
Do we participate in the Eucharist by praying and singing, or do we simply sit as spectators and wait to be entertained?
Do we pay close attention to the Word of God and open ourselves to God’s call to allow His word to take effect in our lives?
Do we acknowledge the “true presence” of Christ in the Eucharist and receive Holy Communion with respect and reverence?
The 4th Commandment: Honor your father and your mother.
Do we help bring peace and happiness to our families, or are we disrespectful of others and a source of hurt and division for those who are closest to us?
Do we love, respect and obey our parents? Do we appreciate the many sacrifices they make for us?
Do we say, “Thank you” and “I love you” often enough?
Do we do our chores without being asked, or do we wait for our parents to become upset before we begin doing what they have asked?
Do we listen to our parents’ reasoning when they say “no” to us?
The 5th Commandment: You shall not kill.
Have we injured another person through carelessness or fighting?
Have we placed others or ourselves in danger because of reckless use of alcohol or other drugs? Have we caused difficulties for others or ourselves because of their use?
Have we risked our lives by driving or riding with someone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs?
Do we strive to forgive those who have hurt us, or do we hold on to resentment and desire for revenge?
Do we share what we have with those in need? Do we support the life and mission of the Church by responsible stewardship, sharing our time, talent and treasure?
Do we take a stand for life from the moment of conception to natural death?
The 6th Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.
Do we respect the dignity of the human body? Do we show that respect in our speech, or are crude language and jokes often part of our conversations?
Do we understand and appreciate the gift of our sexuality as a means of expressing our love [and God’s love] only in the Sacrament of Marriage?
Have we dishonored our bodies by impurity or unworthy conversation?
Have we encouraged others to sin by our failure to maintain good moral standards?
The 7th Commandment: You shall not steal.
Do we respect the property of other people? Have we stolen, damaged or vandalized the property of others?
Have we cheated? Have we encouraged others to sin by pressuring them into helping us cheat?
Are we honest and hardworking in school or at work?
Are we faithful to our promises? Can we be trusted?
The 8th Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Have we lied to stay out of trouble or to avoid a difficult situation?
Do we gossip about others? Have we damaged the reputation of another person by exaggeration or making up stories about them?
Can we be trusted with a secret?
Do we stand up for those unjustly accused, or are we merely a channel through which rumors pass, whether or not they are true?
The 9th Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
Do we respect the commitments of others and help them remain faithful to their promises?
Do we look at marriages casually in our conversations and attitudes? Have we said or done anything which makes fun of the sacrament of marriage?
The 10th Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Are we satisfied with what God has given us, or are we jealous of those who seem to have more?
Do we try to prove we are better than others by bragging or buying more things?
Do we appreciate our own good qualities, or do we constantly compare ourselves with others and become resentful or bitter?
Do we cope well with the problems that confront us and maintain our Christian hope in spite of hard times and difficulties?
Do we truly “seek first the Kingdom of God” in our lives and place our trust in Him?
Do we reflect the peace, hope and joy of a people redeemed and made holy by the Blood of Christ?