> I mean, most gods I've read about don't look to kindly on interpreting their principles to the letter ... rather than to the spirit.

"Israel" is literally defined in Genesis to mean "the one who strives with God", so this kind of argumentative approach to one's own religion might not be approved by "most gods", but that doesn't mean it can't be part of some religions. I would also note that some Jews who have replied to this thread have indicated that they do endeavor to follow both the letter and spirit of the law.