The bible

[Cearbhall]

I could revile you all up and down the ladder but I wont, because anyone who has the nerve enough to tell someone how to raise their kids and feign guilt trips has enough unseen problems.

I do believe in using government power to limit parental rights when the child's welfare is at risk. I never claimed to feel guilty about this.

You need to watch your mouth about things culturally off limits. It is just poor taste and uncivilized.

I must say, I was rather shocked by your disregard for the law. Apparently, it should only apply to you when you want it to! I'm sure the NSA would love to read about the "hell of a fight" you would give the police.

Obviously, you have 'denominational' differences in interpretation with PsychoSarah! (lol)

I've never thought of it that way, but I guess you're right.

 

[DogmaHunter]

Hmm, well that is a line cross. No one tells me how to raise ky kids - no one.

That is simply not true.

If, for example, you would take your kids to "faith healers" instead of actual doctors... social services will be taking care of you for neglecting your kids' health and denying them proper health care.

You may raise your kids "however you want", yes. But there are boundaries. Cross those bounderies and you'll see the authorities taking your kids away from you. And rightfully so, I might add.

Today, good parenting is tantamount to acting against "public" everything e.g. spanking.

There is a difference between some "spanking" and downright physical abuse.

Yea, you can try to boss me around all you like, but no one has say with my kids except my wife and me.

As stated above, this is simply not true.
As a parent, there are also rules to follow and duties to respect.

 

[DogmaHunter]

And, good luck trying I will overturn this planet, putting up a hell of a fight before anyone controls my kids. You will have to kill me first which I am sure most of you would delight in "for the sake of my child's safety." I know what is best for them, not someone who doesn't even think too much of their parents in the first place.

You are not making any sense. Nobody is talking about "killing you".

Neglect your children and they will be taken away by the authorities. And there's pretty much nothing you can do about it.

Even if you don't see it as "neglect".
A person who truelly believes that medical science is "from the devil" and faith healers are the way to go, will have to answer to the authorities for neglect.

No matter what the person believes. The fact is that such people are unfit to be a parent.

 

[Cearbhall]

It certainly is important in how it as impacted human history and culture. It has inspired literature and art, as well as violence and war.

I can't think of a more important book, but maybe I just don't know enough about the Eastern world.

I hear Christians say, "The bible says this." or "The bible says that." and I truly understand their cultural background and where the bible fits into that but I just don't see how it can be reasonable to take some long-gone, nameless author's word for it that this is actually how things happened and why they happened and that their supernatural superstitions were actually literally true.

I'm sorry Christians. I just cannot accept that as any kind of authority in my life.

This is why I love studying religion from a social science perspective and part of the reason why I have such respect for it, though. It's a great demonstration of the power of the human mind.

You are not making any sense. Nobody is talking about "killing you".

Another good point that I didn't even think to mention. He just accused me of wanting to kill him, yet I'm the one who needs to watch my mouth.

That is simply not true.

I'm now assuming that he's just trying to wind me up. He'd be doing something productive about it if he cared this much about where the law currently stands.

 

[Hishandmaiden]

It is important because it offers guidance for christians, as to how we should live our lives. It is also important because it contains stories told on men from God's perspective rather than men's opinions. Finally, it is important because Jesus read and quoted from the bible, especially when He is under temptation.

 

[JacobLaw]

Why is it so important? I'm not going to make any claims or assumptions, I just want an honest answer as to why the bible is so important.

Because without it you can't live.

 

[Chany]

Because without it you can't live.

What is that even supposed to mean?

 

[Albion]

In what ways do you think the bible has "held up"?

As I said earlier, the Bible has been called the most scrutinized book in the world. It is not under that kind of scrutiny because of the inspirational passages contained therein, but on account of historical references, geography, consistency, and all those matters dealt with that can be questioned on some objective basis.

Time and again, the critics have been shown to be wrong. The Red (or Reed)Sea might well have parted when it did for natural reasons; the Star of Bethlehem does appear to be verified by astronomers as an event that was recorded ca. 1 BC; the movements of the Hebrew tribes as described in Scripture are verified by ordinary history; Pontius Pilate was a real person who lived at the time described; Nazareth was a city that, in Christ's youth, was engaged in a major building program needing carpenters and similar workmen; crucifixion was indeed the main Roman form of execution, following the pattern recorded about Christ's death; and so on. Everything under the Sun has been thrown at the Bible and the Bible has held up. Can anything like this be said of the Vedas? I don't think so.

 

[Cearbhall]

Everything under the Sun has been thrown at the Bible and the Bible has held up. Can anything like this be said of the Vedas? I don't think so.

You need sources, my friend.

And none of this proves divinity.

 

[Albion]

You need sources, my friend.

I answered the question I was asked, friend ("In what ways do you think the bible has 'held up?'").

Now, if you want to ask some additional ones yourself, feel free.




.

 

[niye]

I answered the question I was asked, friend ("In what ways do you think the bible has 'held up?'").

Now, if you want to ask some additional ones yourself, feel free.

For me, the only way the Bible can be said to "hold up," is as ancient literature, the same way the Iliad has held up.

That the Bible contains some historic truths is no evidence of divine origin, and this is equally true of the Iliad. As Schliemann discovered, there was a Troy. Troy's existence doesn't convince me that Athena exists.

Reasons why the Bible is important:

Without some familiarity with the Bible and with various Christian traditions, Christian art and literature, along with most of the Christian past will be incomprehensible. Most older Christian art is drop-dead gorgeous. History is important. Given the expansionist nature of Christianity and Christian cultures/nations, we're talking about a huge swath of the globe here.

Bible and Christianity are powerful in many places--see Uganda, US, Russia, etc., hence the need to be familiar with the Bible, with Christian tradition, with history.

 

[Albion]

For me, the only way the Bible can be said to "hold up," is as ancient literature, the same way the Iliad has held up.

That the Bible contains some historic truths is no evidence of divine origin and this is equally true of the Iliad. As Schliemann discovered, there was a Troy. Troy's existence doesn't convince me that Athena exists.

I see. Thanks for your testimony.

For me, however, the Bible is much more than a story with historical facts sprinkled into it. As with any research, we reach conclusions based upon the entirety of the evidence, taking all aspects of the issue into consideration. I referred to some of these earlier by way of summarizing why I have concluded what I have, and why the Bible is not just a routine document from antiquity. I don't think there's any obligation to prove the Bible to those who have already decided not to believe it, or to write a doctoral dissertation here in order to answer why the Bible is persuasive.

 

[PsychoSarah]

*sigh*...

Of course you wouldnt, because you do not believe in God, what He says, and I would assume you dont think any merit to the books of Moses as relevant and useful especially today - in any degree.

But I do, and I would. Is that OK with you - if only I use it for med advice (and not you?)

No, seriously, there are practices supported by the bible which can make you sick and spread disease, especially the ones involving animal blood.

 

[Cearbhall]

I don't think there's any obligation to prove the Bible to those who have already decided not to believe it, or to write a doctoral dissertation here in order to answer why the Bible is persuasive.

I agree that you aren't obligated to do so, but I hope you realize that we haven't decided against it for any other reason than what we view as a lack of persuasive evidence. Our decision is based on the knowledge available to us, just as yours is.

 

[Albion]

I agree that you aren't obligated to do so, but I hope you realize that we haven't decided against it for any other reason than what we view as a lack of persuasive evidence. Our decision is based on the knowledge available to us, just as yours is.

OK. I got into this by answering why I am persuaded...and it's for a lot of sound reasons, not just a yearning for spirituality, credulousness, or family upbringing. Of course, I had asked myself the same questions at some time or other in my own life as other people have.

 

[Lollerskates]

No, seriously, there are practices supported by the bible which can make you sick and spread disease, especially the ones involving animal blood.

Then let me die in my filth. Is it a sin not to care about me in your religion? Is it wrong in your religion to let me be ignorant on my own? Or, should I use philosophy instead of religion in which case, is open. Even if I use morality, that is still open. I know plenty of people that would be ecstatic to see crazy Jesus freaks wiped out on these forums, though they would never admit it. Are you one of those? Do you actually care? Or, is your care conditional i.e. as long as it doesnt hurt you or people you care about?

Or, is it less about care for others, and more about how others who live their lives differently than you, that disagree with your philosophies, and how that puts YOU in danger (not necessarily the ignorant?)

There are people to this day who follow the word of God, live like "goathearders," and thrive healthily. It is because their foundation did not come from a confusing and misleading ecumenical entity focused on power and control. Moreover, they did not become jaded, angry resolute antagonists. I could apply the same logic in living in a city where tens of thousands of people are stacked on top of each other, sharing unkept sewage systems in first world countries. Or, how first world corporations release immense amounts of toxic waste in their own back yards under the guise of progress. It is subjective. Yet, I am sure you will find a way to defend that, as most do.

 

[Percivale]

The Bible has a lot in it that was better than what surrounding religions and cultures of the time offered, yet includes things that are barbaric to us. The Mosaic purity laws were a significant improvement in hygiene for that time, but are inferior to modern medical knowledge. Its economic laws were more just and calculated to alleviate poverty than most in history, and gave significant protection to minorities ('the stranger who is within your gates'), yet also allowed much inequality--only Israelite men were protected from long-term slavery. So I believe, since I believe in God for independent reasons, that God influenced the Bible's writing, but is not the author of alll of it. I believe the Bible has done a lot to develop my understanding of morality, indeed without it and the writings of others who were influenced by it we might not have the moral sensitivity to see where it comes short.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I agree that you aren't obligated to do so, but I hope you realize that we haven't decided against it for any other reason than what we view as a lack of persuasive evidence. Our decision is based on the knowledge available to us, just as yours is.

Actually, our respective viewpoints are contingent on the books, articles, and/or videos we just happened to encounter, read, and possibly amalgamate into our preexisting assumptions. You have your set of sources and psychological predispositions, and I have mine; and we wonder why we've each reached some 'other' conclusion.

 

[JacobLaw]

GoldenBoy89
Formerly Crudo89

The bible

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Why is it so important? I'm not going to make any claims or assumptions, I just want an honest answer as to why the bible is so important.

Because without it you can't live.

What is that even supposed to mean?

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 

[PsychoSarah]

Then let me die in my filth. Is it a sin not to care about me in your religion? Is it wrong in your religion to let me be ignorant on my own? Or, should I use philosophy instead of religion in which case, is open. Even if I use morality, that is still open. I know plenty of people that would be ecstatic to see crazy Jesus freaks wiped out on these forums, though they would never admit it. Are you one of those? Do you actually care? Or, is your care conditional i.e. as long as it doesnt hurt you or people you care about?

Or, is it less about care for others, and more about how others who live their lives differently than you, that disagree with your philosophies, and how that puts YOU in danger (not necessarily the ignorant?)

There are people to this day who follow the word of God, live like "goathearders," and thrive healthily. It is because their foundation did not come from a confusing and misleading ecumenical entity focused on power and control. Moreover, they did not become jaded, angry resolute antagonists. I could apply the same logic in living in a city where tens of thousands of people are stacked on top of each other, sharing unkept sewage systems in first world countries. Or, how first world corporations release immense amounts of toxic waste in their own back yards under the guise of progress. It is subjective. Yet, I am sure you will find a way to defend that, as most do.

I would rather not see you unintentionally do yourself and others harm, regardless as to whether or not there are religious connections to those activities that would contribute to the harm. Is it wrong of me to be concerned for the health and well being of other people just because I am not a Christian?

It isn't about religion really, it is about medical safety. Many people who take the bible and other religious texts as their source of health information die as a result. Think of those preachers and church goers that handle poisonous snakes because they think their faith will protect them, who end up dying because they are bitten and refuse medical treatment. I would rather you not make yourself ill because of medical practices centuries out of date.

Actually, thinking of people like the Amish, they aren't doing so great. Many groups such as that have begun to make exceptions in the case of medicine thanks to the fact that their self-inflicted genetic bottlenecks make them prone to many genetic diseases which are deadly and debilitating otherwise.