If the Bible Really Were the Inspired Word of God...

[Sunstone]

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is? If so, in what way(s) would it be improved? If not, why not?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is? If so, in what way(s) would it be improved? If not, why not?

You sound like you're assuming God has certain qualities.
If the Bible is the inspired word of God, maybe God isn't quite the omnipotent/omnibenevolent/omnipresent being some think he is. Then there would be no reason to assume the Bible should be better.

 

[SkylarHunter]

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is? If so, in what way(s) would it be improved? If not, why not?

I suppose each one of us would change something to suit ourselves and our views and instead of one universal bible we would each have a personal bible, which would be our own word and not the word of God.

The bible is full of things that can be considered controversial and hard to understand, especially if we consider how much society and mentalities changed in the past 2000 years, but I can also see a lot of practical value in the bible.

I don't see the need to change the bible. I much prefer to draw good value from the "lessons" I find.

 

[LegionOnomaMoi]

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is? If so, in what way(s) would it be improved? If not, why not?

Maybe god just wasn't that inspiring. Writing is tough, man.

 

[pearl]

Maybe an automatic update should have been programed in.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

If there is a Book that is inspired by God, it wouldn't be written by humans. Just as the Bible says He was behind a burning bush, He parted the red seas, and gave bread for the Israelite, I'm sure He can scramble up a book somewhere without human error.

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is? If so, in what way(s) would it be improved? If not, why not?

If it was inspired, yes, in Godly perfection terms, it would be a better book. Humans would dictate exactly what God said without it being influenced by their cultural outlook. It probably wouldn't be a historical book either. Who knows? I never understood how God can speak or write literal dictation outside a person's heart.

 

[wizanda]

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is?

The Bible is a brilliant book when you understand the context; which should be assessed from the beginning, when it says talking snakes tell the truth, and god is a liar.

Also taking into account that Canaanite beliefs have EL as the creator, and YHVH as one of his children; which can be translated as Lord of Mischief.

The Bible would be a far easier read with a lot less in it, some of the prophets are just gloomy, and not as prophetic as others; so it would be easier, and clearer with just the key ones... Habakkuk, Isaiah, Zechariah and Yeshua.

If the book was by God and not by the hands of men, it would be more like the Tao Te Ching; only even clearer and more concise, about how to be a righteous humble person.

 

[Augustus]

If it were really divine, the entire book would be as good as Ecclesiastes, which is probably the best text of its length ever written. (if you have never read it, you really should. Won't take very long.)

Whoever actually wrote it was one astute chap. Wish he (or she) had a few more books out.

Perhaps he could abridge the rest of the Bible to cut out some of the tedium and retain the numerous nuggets of wisdom that are undoubtedly present. It is a pretty great work of philosophy overall, but I do admit it certainly drags on occasions.

 

[metis]

I have no clue whether the Bible or any other religious text is divinely inspired, as what evidence could I base an opinion on one way or another? So, my position is read them, draw whatever I can from them, and utilize whatever seems to be useful.

 

[Seeker of the Ancients]

You sound like you're assuming God has certain qualities.
If the Bible is the inspired word of God, maybe God isn't quite the omnipotent/omnibenevolent/omnipresent being some think he is. Then there would be no reason to assume the Bible should be better.

^This.
Many of us try to assign attributes to the Christian god, claiming that he is omniscient, omnipotent and infinitely compassionate just to name a few. If these attributes were true, it would be reasonable to suspect that the Bible would vary drastically from the book we have now.

Thing is, I never saw those attributes when I read the Bible. I saw a god that was just as rash and fallible as the many other gods his followers claimed he was above. If the picture of God the Bible actually paints in the text is true, then I wouldn't expect much change in the book overall.

My best friend (who is Catholic by the way, though not particularly religious) made a very poignant point about god when we were talking one night. She said "Everyone tries to paint God as this pleasant individual. Everyone tries to pick out the more appealing qualities and ignore the rest. Me? I believe every word that the Bible says about him, good or otherwise. Why? Hey, the Bible only said he was God. No one ever said he was a good person."

 

[mainliner]

Is it reasonable to suspect that, if the Bible really were the inspired word of God, it would be a much better book than it actually is? If so, in what way(s) would it be improved? If not, why not?

Chinese whispers