Confused About The Bible Which I Have Never Read.

[PiedPiper13]

I have read a lot of debates in this section and it seems that a lot of bible extracts demonstating that god is good is counteracted by bible quotes stating the opposite.

I don't understand why people who rely so heavily on the bible pick and choose the bits they like.

[naomi24]

Because they don't like the other bits?

[PiedPiper13]

It does seem strange though. As I say, I have never read it all but enjoy the posts where the "good" references are countermanded with the "bad"

[Mick-Talbot]

Not enough pictures for my liking.

[Zeuhl]

/people who rely so heavily on the bible pick and choose the bits they like. /

Yep

That's religion for you: subjective, interpretive and therefore self serving; rather than objective and factual

[boxtops]

Because they want to show it in a good light, I guess!

[atalanta]

I am a militant atheist, and I read the Bible all the time.
For ammunition.

[wildwood]

The bible can be interpreted to support any opinion, religious or otherwise. It is the most useless book in the world but the most popular. The consolatory God that loves everyone can also demand that you kill your innocent son to prove your devotion to It.

Being a Realist does not mean that you are a bad person, but if you claim to be religious and break God's rules then you are an hypocrite.

[atalanta]

It's not a fine line at all. Read the OT book of Esther, which is a celebration of a massacre by the jews/hebrews. You can't say a massacre is ambiguous or capable of being interpreted in different ways.

[beso]

The concept of coherent storyline had not been invented in the formative days of literary development when the Bible was written. These days an editor checks for logical anomalies (like people living for 900 years etc).

The Bible is nothing more than a a collection of very old oral stories written down relatively soon after writing was invented. They came from abundantly diverse sources and it is unsurprising how they contradict each other.

They still hadn't worked it out by the time the New Testament was dreamed up. Even the canonical books conflict with each other. Jesus is a myth with the credibility of Harry Potter.

BTW: Most active atheists know far more about the Bible than most believers.

[goodlife]

You can see in stark contrast with true Christianity what Christ and his followers taught and practiced. Jesus did not offer “cafeteria” or “buffet” religion, where you pick and choose what you like and reject what you don’t like. He stated: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow me continually.” Jesus taught people that the Christian way of life was one of personal sacrifice and effort. (Luke 9:23)

[chrisgel]

Speaking of "buffet" religion, are you seriously trying to tell us that all true christians follow
"Keep my decrees. "'Do not mate different kinds of animals. "'Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. "'Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material."
I'm certain that very few christians follow this decree and to be honest I can't understand why your religion would make a point of stating this.

[maggiebee]

I'll send you The Beano MT. Would that be more to your liking? Have put a bet on your reply so don't let me down!

[lcg]

because random meaningless quotes support whatever warped idea someone is trying to spout about. i have noticed that very few people who actually preach on here either have the skills to; or want have a proper debate about their religion/proof of god/anti-science perspectives. people like naomi, zeuhl etc. on here are a rarity - intelligent, well read and rational. it is a pleasure to debate with that sort of person, but those who just spout crap are particularly tiresome.

[lcg]

also.....see here. this is why nobody who is religious has the right to preach to anyone. they are no different to the rest of us. in fact, they are sometimes worse....lol!

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Culture/Religion-and-Spirituality/Question1209749.html

[naomi24]

Icg, thank you. How kind. :o)

Goodlife, //Jesus taught people that the Christian way of life was one of personal sacrifice and effort.//

Is there any chance of you making a personal effort to sacrifice your continual preaching to more intelligent dialogue? If you want to discuss religion, discuss it, but for heaven's sake acknowledge the message that your relentless cutting and pasting is meaningless.

[PiedPiper13]

I am following this with interest. I am not able to contribute as I have no knowledge of contradictory bible texts.

[naomi24]

PP, Pleased you're enjoying it - and thank you for posting the question. :o)

[lcg]

pied piper....you don't have to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the bible - your opinions and personal take on life (coupled with cut, copy ad paste, lol!) is more than enough to join in.

naomi - that's ok, you can pay me later!!! it's always nice to read your well thought out and argued discussions. someone has to keep 'them' on their toes. personally, i am a very lapsed catholic. but i don't have the energy, time or wherewithal to put my opinions across as i would like x ;)