2007-04-20 04:24:21 · 23 answers · asked by Sara 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, its been proven that the microscope was actually invented by an unknown son of Moses by an Eqyptian woman and they were able to see bacteria. NOT
Sickness is known throughout history, to all who believe and did not believe. Likely this is why there are thousands of Old Testament laws regarding the preparation of food. Apparently at least the Isrealites realized that cleanliness was needed to keep people from falling ill.
The washing of feet is a sign of humbleness and respect. It's quite a moving experience if you have not done this. (If you are not religious you probably have not other than your mom wiping your feet and bum when you were a baby). It is not a cleanliness issue.
The Skeptical Christian
Grace, Hope, Love, Faith, Peace, Freedom
PEG
2007-04-20 04:29:16 · answer #1 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Bacteria is not mentioned per se, however there are several Old Testament cleanliness laws that may have seemed foolish then but are understandable today because of our knowledge of germs. For example, if someone touched the carcass of a dead unclean (predators, lizards, rodents, etc.) animal, he was to wash his clothes. If a lizard or a rodent died and fell on any garment or utensil, it was to be cleaned. As for Jesus washing their feet, it was a symbol of being a servant. In those days everyone wore sandals and as there were not many paved roads and animals were used for transportation, you can imagine how filthy their feet would become. Typically, the lowest servant in the house would get the job of washing people's feet. So when Jesus did it for the disciples, He was showing how He was a servant and they were to be servants also. By the way, Jews were required to wash their hands under running water before eating.
2007-04-20 11:34:22 · answer #2 · answered by treycadeboy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How do you know Jesus didn't wash His hands? How do you know He didn't take a bath? The Bible isn't gonna mention stuff like that. One woman washes His feet and you assume that He didn't wash His hands? He may have washed His hands earlier and no one bothered to put that in the Bible because it was so, very unimportant. Bacteria is not mentioned but, Jesus was very much against uncleanliness. I assume that Jesus knew of bacteria but, didn't bother to explain it because the concept of bacteria was so far beyond anyone's understanding back then and Jesus just didn't want to get into it.
2007-04-20 11:33:27 · answer #3 · answered by Lifted by God's grace 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, serve the guests by washing their feet, or even provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests. This is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; I Samuel 25:41; et al.), as well as other religious and historical documents. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to wash his feet. Though the wearing of sandals might necessitate washing the feet, the water was also offered as a courtesy even when shoes were worn.
2007-04-20 11:34:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The washing of feet was a gesture of subservience. Had nothing to do with cleanliness (except for maybe keeping sand out of the bed!)
Bacteria is mentioned indirectly as 1) an object of creation, 2) in the spoiling of food, 3) in illnesses that we now know are bacteriological.
2007-04-20 11:32:47 · answer #5 · answered by skippyq67 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No one knew about bacteria in biblical times. They weren't discovered until the 17th century.
Washing someone's feet was an act of humility and respect. They washed feet, because the feet got hot, tired and dirty from walking. Washing them was a soothing, refreshing and rejuvenating thing to do for someone.
2007-04-20 11:27:00 · answer #6 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they wore sandals and didn't have sidewalks back then and there - so feet got really dirty. To show humility to his disciples, he washed their feet as a slave should have done in those times. I'm sure the point is that feet were dirtier and therefor would have been a more humble or even humiliating job.
2007-04-20 11:28:31 · answer #7 · answered by CHRISTINA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People walked everywhere. Think about the symbology involved, also. He was cleansing their "soles". He was giving them comfort by refreshing dirty tired feet and keeping the road dust out of the dwelling place.
Think about foot reflexology. He was wishing them health by washing their feet. Feet are considered our physical foundation, we stand and walk on them. We need the balance of rest and relaxation.
He was doing much more than just washing feet, he was teaching a lesson in humility and service to others.
Germs were not apart of their knowledge base at that time. Unless you put it in the "things unseen" category. There are verses that requested cleanliness, but they were generally when dealing with spiritually holy things. It usually was not required on a daily basis, unless you dealt with the dead on a daily basis.
2007-04-28 11:18:12 · answer #8 · answered by Ding-Ding 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesnt say jesus did not wash his hands it is just the act of washing feet was a symbolic gesture.
2007-04-28 01:40:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you are not serious. They didnt know about bacteria. (unless Jesus had a microscope he didnt mention) Why would you ask such a stupid question? The feet washing was a way of offering gratitude. Not for hygene.
2007-04-20 11:28:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋