Why do Christians take the Bible so literal? Some parts are absolutely absurd. There was a well-known Baptist, George Hensley, who took the Bible as the word of God. He thought thay he would be invulnerable to snake bites and poisions This lunatic was constantly in trouble with the law for endangering the idiots that went ot his church. having them touch snakes, etc. Let me fast foward to the ending Hensley died of a snake bite

workerbee

jillianleab

Forgive me for intruding, lobrobster....

Participating in religious discussions and asking questions has nothing to do with anger and or hatred. It has to do with curiosity and the sharing of ideas. Sure, I'm speaking for myself here, but I hold no ill-will toward theists in general (though I'm sure some of you who think you know me will disagree. Well, one person in particular, really.). I think the idea of religion and faith is fascinating, and I'm not afraid to admit I've learned a lot on these boards. It hasn't changed my mind about the existence of god, but at least I have a better understanding of things. Isn't that part of the goal? If we understand and respect where the other is coming from, we can get along. We don't have to agree to have a civil discussion.

That's not to say some threads haven't been started with malice and the intent to cause a fight, or that some threads have developed into a fight, but when discussing things which people feel passionately about, that's bound to happen. It happens on the politics board all the time; you don't think those who participate in the more Republican topics but are Democrats "hate" or are "angry" at the Republicans, and that's the only reason they are there... do you?

workerbee

Now that is insightful More than likely DeMaria was angry at God or he lying outright about being an Atheist. Once an Atheist it is hard to go back to supersitions

workerbee

De Maria

Another example of the pitiful way in which the atheists on this board use logical fallacies to disrupt and avoid engaging the argument.


Probably both. The fact is, I was as good at defending my atheist beliefs then as I am at defending my Catholic beliefs today.


But that is beside the point isn't it? This thread is about "taking the Bible literally". Worker bee made the comment that an atheist would not become a Christian. I only offered my example as proof he is wrong.

When I start a thread as to my reasons for formerly being an atheist, I'll be glad to explain my entire life story. Right now however, I see this emphasis on me as a tactic to change the subject in a thread in which you and your confreres have been proven wrong.


Again, start a thread on how many people go back to religion after atheism and provide actual factuall data instead of simple opinions based on nothing else but wishful thinking and I'll be glad to participate.


This may come as a shock to you, but just because you think it, doesn't make it so.

Anyway, unless you want me to psycho analyze you, I suggest you GET OFF MY BACK!

Sincerely,

De Maria

De Maria

So, you are now calling me a liar. And you are characterizing my beliefs as superstitions.
Thanks for providing more proof that the atheists on this board are simply here to deride, attack and insult Christians and their beliefs, It really shows the level of your intellect.

Sincerely,

De Maria

De Maria

I agree Jillian. Good post.

Sincerely,

De Maria

workerbee

You are right Demaria, i did not mean to call you a liar, I knew a Christian in he past that was not an athiest butwere mad at god and admitted as much. it was unfair of me.
Won't happen again

workerbee

De Maria

Apology accepted.

BMI

Ahhh don't all God based discussions end with the same argument.

My good friend Workerbee back for more, good on you

Firstly, there are sooo many erroneous statements in this thread it would take too long to list them.

The argument remains the same for these topics, if you don't beleive inGod you do not understand what is being said. All those who do not beleive make sense to eachother while appear foolish to those who do beleive and vice versa.

I do not appreciate some on this thread that make statements regarding the Bible as non-sensical (to them it may very well appear). I, myself, do not take the Bible literally word for word.

Consider if you will Judgement Day. It is narrated in a way that a literal interpretation would see chariots out of the sky accompanied by flames and red skies, or the story of Jesus returning from the dead to save us from sin and reunite us with God. The literal interpretation is that Jesus, in a physical form will make a grand entrance for all to see on Judegemnt Day (which, if taken literally would be the end of the world in which many have tried to calculate the exact date of such an event). To some beleivers this makes sense, to some non-beleivers it is a tall tale to be sure.

Other interpretations of the exact same story would be a non-literal interpretation. I'll have a go as best I can. To some, myself included, the end of the world is the day I die, judgement day is the day I die, Jesus returning to the world is Jesus returning to MY life. I beleive you can look at it in a spiritual sense rather than a literal one that makes more sense to those who are interested enough to look for deeper meaning within the Bible, obviously those who do not beleive would not have the urge to look deeper would they?

As for the rest of the arguments, just because you read a passage and think it silly does not make it so,in a different light it would probably make more sense to you than you might even imagine. Like the poster that suggests Noah's Ark is more akin to a childrens book than reality (the poster didn't actually use those words but still). Its a comment out of basic understanding of words written mixed with very limited view on spirituality,one may say close-minded foolishness if one were so bold.

Finally, Workerbee, you seem the same as when we last conversed on the subject. Actually, your comments before were alot moreconvincing than now, whichis not saying all that much to be quite honest. I can assure you the only superstitions that exist in the Bible are the ones you yourself created.

lobrobster

You spoke for me better than I could have!

I would only add that not everyone (atheist or Christian) comes here simply to espouse their beliefs. Some have legitimate questions about religious questions, such as 'what is the real evidence for evolution?', or 'why can't the earth be only 6000 years old?', etc.

Other questions like, 'How can I better my relationship with God?', I wouldn't dream of trying to answer myself and leave it to other Christians. De Maria actually gave a beautiful answer to a friend of mine who had a question about her faith. I never could have helped her, or provided such an eloquent answer. But there are other questions that people can help with regardless of their religious beliefs.

workerbee

BMI. i had a headache this morning and now i know why, hope you are feeling well. it's good you don't take the Bible literally, that at least we agree on. there are so many religions to pick and chose from, for me that is truth that all religions are BS

workerbee