Ok, what’s the deal with sacrifices?

Next, we will seek to understand the religious laws of ancient
Israel.  These laws include the sacrifices, holy days, cleanliness laws, and dietary restrictions found in the first five books of the Old Testament.  Do these laws really mean that we have to kill and burn animals to God?  Should we order our steaks well done?  [...]

Capital Punishment? Seems a bit harsh.

The next law we will examine prescribes the punishment for a stubborn and rebellious son.  This law could fall under the category of family laws.  This law obviously identifies disobedience, rebellion, drunkenness, and gluttony (21:18-21) as sins which should not be overlooked.  After the capital punishment is prescribed, Moses explains that this kind of punishment [...]

Answer (the beginning of one, at least)

I’ll get to another question soon, don’t worry.
Ok folks, here is my attempt.  To understand how the Old Testament (and the laws contained therein) applies to us in 21st century America, there are a number of steps that must be taken.  We must first understand how the law was understood in its own context.  God [...]