"Dangerous" to read other holy books?

[ananda]

Ananda, I am talking about finding and accomplishing our chosen purpose while you are talking about "skillful actions". Don't think we are talking about the same thing, do you?

I think skillful actions are our purpose

 

[single eye]

Ananda, not the same thing at all. The purpose we chose for ourselves is one for which we are uniqely qualified, meaning no one else can do it and if we don't do it it doesn't get done and the world is worse off. Each person's purpose is unique to them, and there is not such thing as a universal purpose for us all. This is consistant with free-will and accountability. You say that you do not find the god of the o.t. to be the first cause, and I agree. So do you see him as good or evil? Or perhaps you think he is a ficticious character who doesn't exist at all?

 

[ananda]

Ananda, not the same thing at all. The purpose we chose for ourselves is one for which we are uniqely qualified, meaning no one else can do it and if we don't do it it doesn't get done and the world is worse off. Each person's purpose is unique to them, and there is not such thing as a universal purpose for us all. This is consistant with free-will and accountability. You say that you do not find the god of the o.t. to be the first cause, and I agree. So do you see him as good or evil? Or perhaps you think he is a ficticious character who doesn't exist at all?

I see the god of the O.T. to be a very real but limited deity who is under various delusions.

 

[single eye]

Ananda, You say "I think skillful actions are our purpose". What writings teach this? Or is this your personal opinion.

 

[ananda]

Ananda, You say "I think skillful actions are our purpose". What writings teach this? Or is this your personal opinion.

It's my summary of Dhp 184.

 

[single eye]

Ananda, So do you see writings in the o.t., n.t, and the dhp's as all being equal? If not, how do you prioritze them?

 

[ananda]

Ananda, So do you see writings in the o.t., n.t, and the dhp's as all being equal? If not, how do you prioritze them?

My primary scriptures are the Nikayas (including the Dhp), then Jesus' teachings in the gospels of the N.T.; then, I am open to other pseudographa that is in harmony with the former.

 

[single eye]

Ananda, what led to you deciding to prorotize the writings in this order?

 

[RickardoHolmes]

It is only dangerous for the gullible, weak minded and unintelligent.
For those of us who crave knowledge, all knowledge, then yes we want to read books written by other religions.

The only persons who would NOT want others to read such items would be those whose own faith is rooted in insecurity and fear.

 

[ananda]

Ananda, what led to you deciding to prorotize the writings in this order?

It is in those writings in which I have experienced many truths for myself on the basis of direct knowledge, not merely belief or faith.

 

[single eye]

Ananda, that does not answer the question. I can read in a science book that water has three forms, gas, liquid, and solid. Then I can conduct experiments to demonstrate this. This does not cause me to decide to put this book in with other books, in a particular order, on that basis. Truth is relative, not absolute. Truth may only be mildly interesting, while other truth can be profoundly important.

 

[ananda]

Ananda, that does not answer the question. I can read in a science book that water has three forms, gas, liquid, and solid. Then I can conduct experiments to demonstrate this. This does not cause me to decide to put this book in with other books, in a particular order, on that basis. Truth is relative, not absolute. Truth may only be mildly interesting, while other truth can be profoundly important.

I understand I answered the way I did because I believe your question to be outside the boundaries of this particular forum (Unorthodox). If you wish to repost your question in, perhaps the World Religion forum, I'd be glad to continue this discussion there.

 

[single eye]

Ananda, what many on these forums have done is become aware that there are problems with the bible and have gone elsewhere in search of the answer to why are we here? Was this your journey as well?

 

[Venusfreedom777]

The bible is NOT just the Old and The New Testament. It is many books.

 

[Albion]

The bible is NOT just the Old and The New Testament. It is many books.

I can't think of a one that isn't either in the Old Testament or the New Testament.

 

[Albion]

If I want people of other religions to consider the message of the Bible, should I be willing return the favor and read their holy books as well?

The answer to that question is "no." If it's possible to have another person open up to finding the truth, great. But it's not as though you have any obligation to study his false scriptures just to be "fair" or as though there's a competition between the two people's faiths and you're saying you'd be just as willing to change to his as you want him to change to yours.

However, to read the other religion's writings for the sake of informing yourself of the contents isn't a bad idea in itself.

 

[James Is Back]

The bible is NOT just the Old and The New Testament. It is many books.

Um can you clarify?

 

[Venusfreedom777]

Um can you clarify?

Yes, sorry. I am speaking here of the lost books of the bible.

 

[Albion]

Yes, sorry. I am speaking here of the lost books of the bible.

Actually, you're speaking of books that were never in the Bible. That's why we were confused when you referred to other books of the Bible. There aren't any that are not either Old Testament or New Testament.

 

[brinny]

if you own the Mona lisa how much time do you spend looking at a counterfeit?

This.

Thank you kindly.