The Bible as a whole does not have one single theme, because the Bible is not one single book.

It is discrete a collection of monographs dealing with the history of God's people at various times, and in different and differing circumstances.

The one thing that it does show as a constant, is that God is involved in human history and that He is concerned for the temporal and eternal salvation of his children, but that is not a theme in the correct literary sense of the word.

The Bible is a collection of separate books or letters written over a vast period. Even wiohting the books themselves there are a variety of themes or subjects as different matters and events are addressed.

MORGANITE

You are right.
There are several what could be called strong threads going through all the books of the Bible.
One of them is religion.
Another is service
Another is love.
Another is mercy
And there are others.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)
:)

This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

The main true theme of the bible is to treat others as you would have them treat you. Treat all men as you would yourself because we are all one, a part of "god" (the great creative consciousness). That's it. Period.
There are some moral values thrown in there that are fine and dandy and good to live your life by but, bear in mind, they are created by man.

The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by keenu

This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

The main true theme of the bible is to treat others as you would have them treat you. Treat all men as you would yourself because we are all one, a part of "god" (the great creative consciousness). That's it. Period.
There are some moral values thrown in there that are fine and dandy and good to live your life by but, bear in mind, they are created by man.

The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power.

---

My name is Need and I support this 100%.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by keenu

This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

The main true theme of the bible is to treat others as you would have them treat you. Treat all men as you would yourself because we are all one, a part of "god" (the great creative consciousness). That's it. Period.

There are some moral values thrown in there that are fine and dandy and good to live your life by but, bear in mind, they are created by man.

The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power.

---

Thank you for your opinion. I value it, and you are welcome to it.

I will only add as a final note on the subject, that your view of the Bible is an outside view. That is, it is the view of someone who really does not know the Bible and its history.

If you were ever to become acquainted with it, you would find it impossible to hold on to your present assessment of what the Bible is.


I gather from your post and the language that you use, that you are not open to quiet and reasonable discussion on the several points that you address.

That being so, I will bid you a good day, and wish you well.


MORGANITE

I am acquainted with the bible. I have read it, word for word, at least 4 times. From cover to cover. I have also extensively researched the bible and other writings. How do you know what I have or have not read?
I am not here to argue with people!
I am here to encourage another viewpoint besides the bible and religion.
I am accused of not being open minded!
Ha!

Keenu, you said,

The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power.[/QUOTE]

Please provide accurate historical proof of that, not some detractor's' opinion.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Morganite

I gather from your post and the language that you use, that you are not open to quiet and reasonable discussion on the several points that you address.

MORGANITE

---

I'm watching the religion discussions and they are anything but reasonable and quiet. Most people in these threads share the same religion yet can't agree on anything. This is why so many are killed because of religion. If you were all in the same room you would resort to violence in a minute. I don't want any part of that.

Get a life kids. Take your mind off semantics.

I'm please to inform you that...
In reality if we were in a room together in the U.S.A. it is very unlikely that violance would take place.
We are not fighters, we are lovers of God and each other.
We may disagree on some points, interpretations, or dogma, but we all agree that we are to emulated the author of Love and Life.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)
:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by keenu

I am acquainted with the bible. I have read it, word for word, at least 4 times. From cover to cover. I have also extensively researched the bible and other writings. How do you know what I have or have not read?
I am not here to argue with people!
I am here to encourage another viewpoint besides the bible and religion.
I am accused of not being open minded!
Ha!

---

I am not sure that the above reply was intended for me, but I hope that you realise that I am attempting to establish a gentle dialogue with you on some of these matters.

If you are wiling to proceed on that basis, then we can deal.

MORGANITE

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Morganite

I am not sure that the above reply was intended for me, but I hope that you realise that I am attempting to establish a gentle dialogue with you on some of these matters.

If you are wiling to proceed on that basis, then we can deal.

MORGANITE

---

Yes, to you. I am certainly interested in continuing dialogue...
The way I write does not, obviously, come across as being friendly...
Later, Patty

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by keenu

Later, Patty

---

Are you HANK?

Very good rely.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by arcura

Keenu, you said,

The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power.

Please provide accurate historical proof of that, not some detractor's' opinion.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

---

That would be hard to do since they so cleverly hide their deviant behaviours.

Also, could you provide accurate historical proof that your bible is correct word for word cover to cover. Please do. Since you require proof you might as well show yours.

Once you have provided accurate historical proof regarding you claim about the Bible.
Then I will provide what you asked for.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)
:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by arcura

Once you have provided accurate historical proof regarding you claim about the Bible.
Then I will provide what you asked for.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)
:)

---

Nice job in completely evading the question. Blind faith will do this to you.
Peace and kindness,
Need.

Correction,
I did not avoid the question.
I first asked that a wild statement about the bible being proven.
No answer.
But I was asked a different question in regard to my question.
I said I would answer that WHEN I got the answer to the one I asked.
Please don't twist what I say,
Maybe it will help your karma.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by arcura

Correction,
I did not avoid the question.
I first asked that a wild statement about the bible being proven.
No answer.
But I was asked a different question in regard to my question.
I said I would answer that WHEN I got the answer to the one I asked.
Please don't twist what I say,
Maybe it will help your karma.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

---

Since the bible is so dogmatically accepted as being true by multitudes of people, then I think the oweness is on you and others like you to show those who don't blindly follow it, the proof. Otherwise you are just foolishly following something and claiming it to be true with no backup and expect the rest of us to be sheeple. You're just playing a game with words to avoid showing proof of the bible you so fervently believe. Those of us who find the flaws are simply searching for the truth because the bible doesn't answer questions as it is so vague and likely written by chimpanzees. LOL.

The world isn't flat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by happyperson

:) Hello everyone,

I have a question for all you Bible scholars. What is the theme of the Bible and what does it have to do with the end of this system of things?

Thanks,
Happyperson

---

happyperson, actually there are two as per the ot and nt. The ot was god showing us how to live by laws, that were unattainable
And the nt shows us how to live by the grace of jesus christ through love. Hope this helps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Are you HANK?

---

I am not and never have been called Hank. Maybe you didn't meanme, but it followed one of my posts.


MORGANITE

Keenu Said
"The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power."
I asked for proof of that statement, not proof of the Bible.
That's what I expect before I answer the question asked of me.
Such wild statements need to be aired out, before some uninformed person gets to believing them.
Peace and kindnmess,
Fred (arcura)
:p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by arcura

Keenu Said
"The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power."
:p

---

There is a lot wrong with that statement, although I believe I know where Keenu is coming from with it.


Keenu's long and complicated sentence eventually conjoins "actual history" and "crap."

Well, which is it? It cannot be both. It is either "actual history," or else it is "crap," which cannot be actual history.

Keenu says some it has been re-written. But which parts does he/she say are re-written, and why does he/she say that. I am inviting Keenu to set out the evidence for that statement. I do not say that I disagree with it, altogether, although I can not go as far as I believe Keenu wants me to go.

Keenu says that it has been condensed. What does he mean by that? Which parts have been condensed, and how does he know they have? In short, what is his prima facie and substantive evidence for that allegation?

Keenu says that the Bible has been "bastardized." An interesting phrase, but what, in the context nof the Bible, are we expected to make of it? Bastardized! I would appreciate an explanation and the provision of evidence of sorts to support that claim.

Keenu calls the Bible a compilation. On this point I need no more evidence than that furnished with my own eyes as I leaf through a Bible and see that it is indeed a collection - a compilation - of separate books, written by different writers.

Keenu calls the Bible "crap." Does he mean that everything in the Bible is "crap," or does he mean that certain parts of it are "crap," and the rest of it is "actual history?"

Perhaps Keenu will be kind enough to explain what it is.

As for it being "actual history" AND "crap" at the same time (!), perhaps he refers to Henry Ford's statement that "History is junk." Who knows.

Was the Bible invented by "The Church"? Ask a Jew.

Was it made to force people to church? If so, did it work? Did it fulfill its purpose of forcing people to church among illiterate populations who could not read what was written on its pages, and there were no pictures?

I go to church. Do I go because, as Keenu affirms, I am blind (ignorant, stupid, etc) and afraid? I admit to neither of those.

What I will admit to is a keen interest in Keenu's position on the Bible and also the source of his/her evidence and information that has put him/her in that position.

I sincerely hbope that Keenu will take the time to respond in a nice calm way and with the evidence requested. This could be an interesting and enjoyable discussion.

MORGANITE

:)

Morganite,
That's a lengthy breakdown of exactly what I want in the answer from Keenu.
Thanks. Glad to see that you are also interested.
But don't hold your breath.
He hasn't answered since I first asked it over a week ago.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

If I am not mistaken, Keenu has read some article or other, perhaps even a whole book, I don't know, that deals with thr transmission of Bible documents down to our English versions.

There are little seeds of truth in some of his statements, but in the end he/she goes overboard and tries to swallow himself.

There is a lot to discuss in the process of writing, editing, redacting, etc. the Bible books, but they mnust be seen against their own backgrounds, and understanding of these processes must be brought to bear to show whatreally happened and why.

It is not enough to dismiss the whole porocess with statemnts that are unsupported except by someone's imagination or hostile opinion.

I look forward to Keenu's return to the discussion table.


MORGANITE


:)

As do I await.
But I'm 72 years old and I'm hoping to see Keenu's answer within the next few years or sooner. Time's awasting.
Fred (arcura) :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by arcura

Keenu Said
"The rest is actual history but it is a re-written, condensed and bastardized compilation of crap invented by the church to promote fear so that people will come blindly to the church and let it do what it wants to do. To promote itself, for it's own power."
I asked for proof of that statement, not proof of the Bible.
That's what I expect before I answer the question asked of me.
Such wild statements need to be aired out, before some uninformed person gets to believing them.
Peace and kindnmess,
Fred (arcura)
:p

---

But you don't question any bible dogma, arcura as being wild statements?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by happyperson

:) Hello everyone,

I have a question for all you Bible scholars. What is the theme of the Bible and what does it have to do with the end of this system of things?

Thanks,
Happyperson

---

Happyperson,

I just went through 7 pages of replies to your query looking for a response by you to any of those replies. I found none. Since you have given use your belief system in your question I will not ask you about that (lest Chrisl see it as another attack).

The bible is a Salvation History beginning with God's creation and ending with the destruction by fire of the Cosmos, and the creation of new heavens and earth. It is a history of the fall of man and his redemption through the finished work of God incarnate, Jesus (Son of God and God the Son). Pictures (types) of Christ abound in those scriptures written prior to his appearance (prophecies of both of His comings as well), then a history of His birth, teaching, death, and resurrecton, and finally prophecies and discriptions of his triumphant return for those who endured until the end.

I do not know, since you have not responded to any of your replies (at least as far as I can tell), if you will even read this reply. However, I hope that you do and that this reply is helpful.

Be blessed in Jesus,

Phil

No I don't see any and I've read it for years.
It's a matter of how you look at it and know what the Bible is.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura). :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by phildebenham

Happyperson,

I just went through 7 pages of replies to your query looking for a response by you to any of those replies. I found none. Since you have given use your belief system in your question I will not ask you about that (lest Chrisl see it as another attack).

The bible is a Salvation History beginning with God's creation and ending with the distruction by fire of the Cosmos, and the creation of new heavens and earth. It is a history of the fall of man and his redemption through the finished work of God incarnate, Jesus (Son of God and God the Son). Pictures (types) of Christ abound in those scriptures written prior to his appearance (prophecies of both of His comings as well), then a history of His birth, teaching, death, and resurrecton, and finally prophecies and discriptions of his triumphant return for those who endured until the end.

I do not know, since you have not responded to any of your replies (at least as far as I can tell), if you will even read this reply. However, I hope that you do and that this reply is helpful.

Be blessed in Jesus,

Phil

---

Happyperson could have responded to individual posts by clicking on the scales icon at top right and entered an opinion of each post there. He might be gathering replies rather than wanting a long discussion.

Just a thought.


MORGANITE



:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Morganite

Happyperson could have responded to individual posts by clicking on the scales icon at top right and entered an opinion of each post there. He might be gathering replies rather than wanting a long discussion.

Just a thought.


MORGANITE



:)

---

MORGANITE,

Happyperson is under no obligation (as far as I am concerned) to respond, but it would be nice if he/she acknowledged an answer either positively of negatively. At least then one would know the answer asked for had been read... ah, but you read it... what more could I ask?

Phil

What An Excellent Answer, Thank You.

I'll keep waiting.
I'd really like to see the documented historical proof of what was claimed about the Holy Bible.
But of course there probably isn't any that is factual, but then if there is I would like to see it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by arcura

I'll keep waiting.
I'd realy like to see the documented historical proof of what was claimed about the Holy Bible.
But of course there probably isn't any that is factual, but then if there is I would like to see it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

---

Same could be said about proof that the events in the bible are factual so it's a wash.

Peace and good orgasms.

Excuse my tardiness but I have been working way too much!
Yes, I have read an article, a book, thousands of books.
If anyone interprets my postings as hostile that is their choice but I do not feel any hostility when I post. I find that quite amusing.
I can't prove what I believe any more than one of you can prove to me that what you believe is true.
The old testament is a compilation of ancient history, from all over the world, and it is so condensed as to be unintelligible. It requires that one research many ancient writings and myths and legends to figure out what it is really about, what it really means.
The new testament is also a compilation of stories. There are many, many more of those stories which give us very interesting information that were not included (they contained what the church considers as dangerous).
What I don't understand is why, when someone like myself, comes along and challenges accepted beliefs, they are pooh-poohed and everyone gets up in arms... when all we are doing is trying to point out that maybe there is another explanation that is better than the one we have and that answers many more questions and gives us a much better picture of how things really are. Why? And then they are put under pressure to prove what they are saying that they believe when the ones who are on the other end can't prove anything either?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by keenu

Excuse my tardiness but I have been working way too much!
Yes, I have read an article, a book, thousands of books.
If anyone interprets my postings as hostile that is their choice but I do not feel any hostility when I post. I find that quite amusing.
I can't prove what I believe any more than one of you can prove to me that what you believe is true.
The old testament is a compilation of ancient history, from all over the world, and it is so condensed as to be unintelligible. It requires that one research many ancient writings and myths and legends to figure out what it is really about, what it really means.
The new testament is also a compilation of stories. There are many, many more of those stories which give us very interesting information that were not included (they contained what the church considers as dangerous).
What I don't understand is why, when someone like myself, comes along and challenges accepted beliefs, they are pooh-poohed and everyone gets up in arms...when all we are doing is trying to point out that maybe there is another explanation that is better than the one we have and that answers many more questions and gives us a much better picture of how things really are. Why? And then they are put under pressure to prove what they are saying that they believe when the ones who are on the other end can't prove anything either?

---

Be specific, please. What do you require proof of?

I am not requiring proof!
What a communication breakdown!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by keenu

I am not requiring proof!
What a communication breakdown!

---

Yes they are confused. It is celtearth who required proof (after arcura asked him for proof first), not you. If they bothered to re-read the thread (hint: page 6) it would have been plainly obvious. Perhaps they only understand parables?

Parables! Giggle!

The theme of the Bible in short: It is God's written revelation of His will to humanity. Its central theme is salvation through Jesus Christ. The OT is the covenant God made with people about their salvation before Christ came. The NT is the agreement God made with people about their salvation after Christ came. The OT begins with God, the NT begins with Jesus Christ. In other words the OT commences what the NT completes. The OT gathers around Siani, the NT around Calvary. The OT is associated with Moses, the NT with Christ. From Adam to Abrahma we have the history of the human race. From Abraham to Christ we have the history of the chosen race. From Christ on we have the history of the church.

The Bible tells of the origin of sin and how the curse separated us all from God. We discover how utterly impossible it was for the law to bring us the salvation we need, for by the deeds of the law no flesh can be justified, for all have sinned. Then we find the promise of a Saviour. One who was to come to seek and to save that which was lost and give His life a ransom for many. We see all through the ages one purpose is evident, that of preparing a way for the coming of the Redeemer of the world.

There is one great purpose moving through the ages, the eternal design of the almighty God to redeem a wrecked and ruined world. From the origins of Genesis to the endings in Revelation, God is working things out.

The Bible is our roadmap, our directions for our journey through life. Just as you need a map or directions to travel through unknown parts of the world to arrive safely, you need the Bible for directions to arrive safely home with the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

MaggieB

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by keenu

I am not requiring proof!
What a communication breakdown!

---

You said: "And then they are put under pressure to prove what they are saying that they believe when the ones who are on the other end can't prove anything either?"

I would assume that I am one of those "on the other end." If that is true, then you have stated that I, as one of those on the other end, can't prove anything either. I don't believe that to be true, so I asked what you require proof of. Where is the breakdown?

Phil