Biblical Stone Throwing
The Bible contains many references to people being stoned. The oldest reference is to Genesis 44:4, which states that Judah told Joseph’s guard that if they found what they were seeking in Benjamin’s bag, Benjamin would be given to them and then Judah would be “stoned with stones.” Elsewhere in the Bible, we read of those caught in age, who were stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22:21).
The most famous person stoned in the Bible is probably Stephen (Acts 7:58-59). The early Christian missionary was accused of blaspheming against Moses and God, and after a heated debate he was stoned to death by a crowd.
The Bible also references other cases of stoning, such as Achan’s sons who were stoned to death upon their father’s confession of theft (Joshua 7). Many of these cases are actions of retribution or punishment under the Mosaic Law, although Jesus reportedly overturned these laws.
Contemporary Stones Throwing
The punishment of stoning continues to be practiced in some parts of the world today, and is often used as a punishment for adultery, infidelity or apostasy. In the Middle East and Africa, stoning is banned in some countries but sanctioned in others. In Sudan, for example, it is still practiced for culpaure offenses under the Islamic Sharia law.
In the United States, some states permit stoning as a punishment for certain crimes. This form of corporal punishment fell out of favour in the mid-19th century, but is still allowed in certain jurisdictions.
Stoning as a Metaphor
Furthermore, the act of stoning has become an expression in common parlance. A person can figuratively be “stoned” with verbal criticism, or others may “throw stones” at a person’s character or reputation. This metaphor references the idea of casting stones to bring judgement on someone’s actions or beliefs.
Jesus also used metaphorical stoning to express his thoughts on the subject. In John 8:7, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery that “he that is without are cast the first stone”, seemingly speaking against the practice of indiscriminate stoning. This episode has become a well-known example of mercy and forgiveness in the New Testament.
Spiritual Stones Throwing
The act of stoning has taken on spiritual significance in some Christian denominations. For instance, the Church of Christ in some part of the world observe an annual day of Stoning in memory of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. On this day, congregants stand around a mound of stones and remember Stephen’s commitment to his faith by throwing a stone onto the pile.
Quaker Stones Throwing
In the Quaker tradition, stones were of symbolic importance and used during official proceedings. These “Stoning Meetings” were events in which participants cast stones at one another, as a reminder that our actions have consequences that may seem unexpected and uncomfortable. Stone throwing was also used to call attention to a transgression of communal standards, as an act of reconciliation or healing.
Zen Stones Throwing
The practice of stones throwing appears in Zen Buddhism as well. In the Buddhist context, the act of stone throwing is an exercise of mindfulness, focusing our thoughts and releasing all conscious worries into the act itself. In this way, our attention is shifted away from ego and into the experience of being in the moment.
Rastafarian Stones Throwing
Stones also feature in the Rastafarian culture, particularly during Nyabinghi ceremonies. Rastafarians from various cities and countries gather together and throw stones into the middle of the group and chants Rastafari bible verses before continuing with the ceremony. This ritual is believed to bring good fortune to the individuals participating in it.
Conclusion of Stones Throwing
The practice of stoning appears throughout history, and in a wide variety of contexts. In many cultures, the act of casting stones is linked to judgement, retribution, and punishment. In the spiritual realm, however, stones can signify meaningful moments of reconciliation, spiritual growth and deeper connections. These practices remind us that, even in the shadow of pain, comfort and healing may still be found.
