Is the Bible true

[McBell]

How did you arrive at that idea. I didn't say that.

I got idea the same way you got the idea that atotalstranger was calling everyone who believes the bible crazy:

I made baseless assumptions and jumped to conclusions.
​

I think crazy is something that is permanent. Crazies are crazy, whether they read the bible and believe it, or believe that pink unicorns are naturally occurring. There are many like myself that might believe the bible for a certain reason, or if not believe in it, be drawn to it for whatever reason. I am not crazy cause I can walk away from it if I find it to be untrue. Which large parts seem to be untrue scientifically.

There is a difference.

If there is, you have not explained it very well.

 

[Just_me_Mike]

Do you think the Bible should be read entirely literally, as though it was without error?

I think everything should be evaluated under the same criteria no matter what is in view. If we read something like the bible, it is not at first certain how the book is to be taken. People have revered it for years, albeit not everyone, but many people. It is natural that even modern people will be attracted to something that has such a following.

There are three kinds of "believers"

1. Total literalness - One who has studied much of the bible, and science, however they often prove to not know the real scientific method, thus cling to the bible instead.
2. Total believer for social reasons - One who totally dedicates their life to religion and has a very light understanding, or shows little effort in studying what they are part of. They often do it for social status, attraction to a certain type of persons, and simply identify with a group. This person has no reason to question their religion, cause they often times don't know they are suppose to be questioning their religion.
3. A believer that not everything is explained, but might be one day. (Agnostic) - This person believes their are unexplained things, and as a result researches many different places to learn about the unknown. They may spend many years in a single religion figuring out if the religions offers any answers to the unknown.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Um what about a non-literal view Mike?

 

[McBell]

I think everything should be evaluated under the same criteria no matter what is in view. If we read something like the bible, it is not at first certain how the book is to be taken. People have revered it for years, albeit not everyone, but many people. It is natural that even modern people will be attracted to something that has such a following.

There are three kinds of "believers"

1. Total literalness - One who has studied much of the bible, and science, however they often prove to not know the real scientific method, thus cling to the bible instead.
2. Total believer for social reasons - One who totally dedicates their life to religion and has a very light understanding, or shows little effort in studying what they are part of. They often do it for social status, attraction to a certain type of persons, and simply identify with a group. This person has no reason to question their religion, cause they often times don't know they are suppose to be questioning their religion.
3. A believer that not everything is explained, but might be one day. (Agnostic) - This person believes their are unexplained things, and as a result researches many different places to learn about the unknown. They may spend many years in a single religion figuring out if the religions offers any answers to the unknown.

So, do you not know of the other types of believers or are you simply ignoring their existence?

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Exactly what I was wondering Mestemia.

 

[Merlin]

As the person who 'kicked this debate off', I thought it might help if I share with you what caused my question. It was an article posted on the internet, where two learned academics wrote about this subject. The response was very interesting and amusing. I paste it in below.

"
In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.
The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, and which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:


Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.


I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev.21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev.11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,


James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia


PS: It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian

 

[Crazy Professor]

Hi there,
just a thought, in response to the article. The Bible is full of legal material but it is not all for all people and for all times like the Ten Commandments. The other types of law are laws that were given to the Israelites when they were under the theocracy, and other laws that only apply during the time when the Israel were under the sacrificial system.

 

[McBell]

Hi there,
just a thought, in response to the article. The Bible is full of legal material but it is not all for all people and for all times like the Ten Commandments. The other types of law are laws that were given to the Israelites when they were under the theocracy, and other laws that only apply during the time when the Israel were under the sacrificial system.

One wonders why Jesus was not very specific when he declared that he fulfilled the law.

 

[Wotan]

You'll know "True" when you are crying out in total agony because you are burning in the everlasting flame that is Hell for all eternity, but by then it will be too late for you.

Ah yes, the xantian message of peace love and brotherhood.