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  • May 15, 2008, 11:08 AM
    workerbee
    Taking the Bible literally
    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 they 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 forward to the ending Hensley died of a snake bite

    workerbee
  • May 15, 2008, 01:16 PM
    jrebel7
    Balance is a key factor in any thing we do. When we read the Bible, it is important to read everything within the context of the whole chapter or book. Also, realizing the New Testament is the fulfillment of the old is important to remember. Anyone can take one section out of the Bible and make 'that' their religion or practice.

    Why do people believe that they can earn salvation? Why do people believe that unless they do rituals daily, they are in danger of death? Because at some point in their lives, they were taught certain things but not the total picture. The Bible is quite clear if read in context what is parables and what is teaching for daily living, what is needed to receive the free gift of salvation, what is stated as an example of the power we have when we call on the name of Jesus to help us in time of need, what things to avoid, what blessings are available, what we will want to do when we put our trust in Jesus, how to forgive, etc. but we need to know the whole of it, not just the part of it. Those who take one thing and make that their religion have not read all that is said about it.

    As humans, we so many times think we have to "do" to be accepted, "work" to be okay with God. If we read the scriptures in full, we know salvation is a free gift to those who desire to ask Jesus into their hearts but that after we do that, we will desire to work to help other people, share the word of God, etc. It is all about balance and knwowledge of the scriptures and the context in which each subject matter is discussed in the Bible.

    Sometimes, I believe that we, as human beings, find it easier to be ritualistic in our life, than to really pray and read God's word and get direction for our lives each day from God speaking to our hearts. If we take one thing out of the Bible, we can make that our religion, though it would not be correct. We can be religious in anything. We can be religious about getting up at 5:00 a.m. each morning, or brushing our teeth 7 times a day, or religious about being in a church three times each week without fail but being a spiritual person and spending time with God in prayer and reading the Bible, then going about our day striving to honor Him in all we do and say, I think is where we stay in balance.
  • May 15, 2008, 02:00 PM
    workerbee
    But surely you don't believe the world is 6000 years old? Or that Noah's Ark is true? What I am asking is, do you believe all of those stories or like more modern Christians do you know many are just stories not to be taken literally?

    workerbee
  • May 15, 2008, 02:48 PM
    progunr
    Men wrote the bible, not God, but they called it the word of God.

    I believe that it is without a doubt, the greatest fictional novel ever written.

    With that said, I do believe in God, or a Creator, but I can't accept the bible as fact.

    I find it hard to understand how anyone could believe that Noah was 600 years old when he gathered two of every species, loaded them on the ark, and floated around for about a year, before running aground. Sorry, that would be an unattainable task for even a 60 year old, much less 10 times that age.
  • May 15, 2008, 03:13 PM
    Choux
    The must important thing to understand is the Bible was written before almost all knowledge! Knowledge drives out ignorance and superstition.

    Really, the only hard science at the time was Mathematics, and we see a lot of references to numbers in the Bible, lots of verses verifying that the writers of the Bible thought that numbers had magical properties. Guess they were amazed by Arithmetic and associated it with "God", hence power. :)

    Today, those who favor literal interpretation of the Bible which is ignorance are those who attack science, schools and the Constitution...
  • May 15, 2008, 03:29 PM
    bushg
    workerbee, I was raised around people that worshiped with the serpent. I'm 45 and only know 2 people in the history of our community that died from a bite. So while to you or me it may seem crazy, they see it as honoring their God. Who am I to judge them and to get all worked up over it and call them names.
    They think we are insane for wasting our time with modern music, computers, t.v.s etc...
    They must think we are nuts for ingesting caffiene, tobacco, alcohol and over eating.
    Maybe they are ignorant to the ways of today but they are doing what they believe in and I feel like that is their right just as it is mine to be on this computer with music in the back ground while sipping a nice cold beer, googling up ways to lose the extra weight I have gained from overeating.
  • May 15, 2008, 03:52 PM
    Fr_Chuck
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by workerbee
    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

    Actually not it is really absurd that people don't believe in God and believe that the bible is his word. And yes the bible is true every word, the parts that are stories are noted as such. And yes, God made some people invulnerable to snake bites when it was needed, and saved people from poisions when it was his will to happen. He has stopped guns from firing for people at times, he has cured people from various levels of death at times, all in his will that we don't fully understand.

    When one takes what the bible says as a reason to do silly things, then they are not in God's will, can God save you from snakes and poisions, yep every day he has a need to. But that need is not there when we do it on purpose, since the bible also tells us not to test him.
  • May 15, 2008, 05:48 PM
    jrebel7
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bushg
    workerbee, I was raised around people that worshiped with the serpent. I'm 45 and only know 2 people in the history of our community that died from a bite. So while to you or me it may seem crazy, they see it as honoring their God. Who am I to judge them and to get all worked up over it and call them names.
    They think we are insane for wasting our time with modern music, computers, t.v.s etc...
    They must think we are nuts for ingesting caffiene, tobacco, alcohol and over eating.
    Maybe they are ignorant to the ways of today but they are doing what they believe in and I feel like that is their right just as it is mine to be on this computer with music in the back ground while sipping a nice cold beer, googling up ways to lose the extra weight I have gained from overeating.

    I loved this post bushg! You bring out a lot of good points and with humor besides!! A sense of humor is something we all need more of.
  • May 16, 2008, 06:26 AM
    workerbee
    Fr_chuck, you say he made SOME people invulnerable, how sad for you making excuses for God. The Bible was written by uneducated, hateful, ignorant, homophobic, men that's it next you will tell me that the earth is 6000 years old, what about Noah's ark? Never answered that one

    workerbee
  • May 16, 2008, 11:52 AM
    jrebel7
    I do, by my choice, believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God. My faith in Jesus Christ and having Him be in my life has brought me much strength, knowledge of how to love others, hope for tomorrow and a peace that comes from knowing where, without a doubt, I will spend eternity when I pass on. There has always been and always will be people who believe in the Bible but who have different views of certain scriptures. I know that there have been times I have read a certain scripture but then there has been a time when I needed direction or guidance or peace about a situation and I have prayed in Jesus Name and asked God to help me through His word. I begin to read, not choosing a particular area of the Bible and the answer seem to just be there in that same scripture I have read so many times prior that did not really mean much to me those times. To me, that is part of the miracle of His word. That may not be everyone's experience and I am not saying it should be, just sharing one tiny part of my faith in God and how it blesses my life.

    I know some people do not believe that the Bible is anything but, as one stated, "I believe that it is without a doubt, the greatest fictional novel ever written", but there is one thing that always puzzles me and I can't tell exactly workerbee what you believe just by these few posts but I am just saying, if a person chooses not to believe in the Bible, I don't understand the anger that comes with that, especially toward the ones who do.

    I enjoy sharing my experiences and my belief but I do not ever want to argue about it. Each of us believe what we do but I think it is always good to share with others, our beliefs, our experiences, whether spiritual in nature or not. We learn as we live and as we share and as we listen. I appreciate your posting of this question. It opens up many areas that can be "debated until the cows come home" :) or it can open up a sincere question and answer sharing time but I doubt the debating will help.

    I read a lot lately of how Science is continually proving what has been believed for years by those who believe in God. I think it will continue to do so and it amazes me but does not surprise me, when I read that. I just get really excited when I see Science and God brought together in the same discussion. Thank you for allowing me to express my views and respecting that we all will differ somewhat in our views, if not dramatically, then in degrees.
  • May 16, 2008, 06:43 PM
    inthebox
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by workerbee
    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

    Yes, I do take the Bible literally.

    Taken in its entirety, not just the verses that you disagree with, it tells of an all powerful, righteous, perfect and holy being. A God that created us, allows us free will, and though we are not good enough to be in His presence, loves us so much that He sent His only Son to justify us through His death and resurrection. Ahhhh... the JOY in Him, that he would tell us this through His words in the Bible. :D
  • May 16, 2008, 08:06 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by workerbee
    Why do Christians take the Bible so literal?

    Not all Christians take the Bible literally.

    Quote:

    Some parts are absolutely absurd.
    No. None of the Bible is absurd. It is only absurd to those who don't believe in it or understand it.

    Quote:

    There was a well-known Baptist, George Hensley, who took the Bible as the word of God. He thought they 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 forward to the ending Hensley died of a snake bite

    Workerbee
    Throughout the centuries, God has shown His favor on many men and women whom we call the Saints. They indeed were invulnerable to snake bites and poisons and also produced many miracles in the name of God.

    Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues. 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • May 17, 2008, 07:04 AM
    workerbee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jrebel7
    I do, by my choice, believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God. My faith in Jesus Christ and having Him be in my life has brought me much strength, knowledge of how to love others, hope for tomorrow and a peace that comes from knowing where, without a doubt, I will spend eternity when I pass on. There has always been and always will be people who believe in the Bible but who have different views of certain scriptures. I know that there have been times I have read a certain scripture but then there has been a time when I needed direction or guidance or peace about a situation and I have prayed in Jesus Name and asked God to help me through His word. I begin to read, not choosing a particular area of the Bible and the answer seem to just be there in that same scripture I have read so many times prior that did not really mean much to me those times. To me, that is part of the miracle of His word. That may not be everyone's experience and I am not saying it should be, just sharing one tiny part of my faith in God and how it blesses my life.

    I know some people do not believe that the Bible is anything but, as one stated, "I believe that it is without a doubt, the greatest fictional novel ever written", but there is one thing that always puzzles me and I can't tell exactly workerbee what you believe just by these few posts but I am just saying, if a person chooses not to believe in the Bible, I don't understand the anger that comes with that, especially toward the ones who do.

    I enjoy sharing my experiences and my belief but I do not ever want to argue about it. Each of us believe what we do but I think it is always good to share with others, our beliefs, our experiences, whether spiritual in nature or not. We learn as we live and as we share and as we listen. I appreciate your posting of this question. It opens up many areas that can be "debated until the cows come home" :) or it can open up a sincere question and answer sharing time but I doubt the debating will help.

    I read a lot lately of how Science is continually proving what has been believed for years by those who believe in God. I think it will continue to do so and it amazes me but does not surprise me, when I read that. I just get really excited when I see Science and God brought together in the same discussion. Thank you for allowing me to express my views and respecting that we all will differ somewhat in our views, if not dramatically, then in degrees.


    I like your answer as far as being angry I don't care what people believe except when they are closed minded , you know like the fundametalists. Those crazies slow down science and that irrattes me.

    To every one else I used to be a Christian but not for a long time and I think that you have made excuses for God. You ignore tha age of the Earth or Naih's ark, the list is a s long as my arm. There were thousands of Gods in the past this one will run it's course and be replaced by something else.

    workerbee
  • May 29, 2008, 08:05 PM
    classyT
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by progunr
    Men wrote the bible, not God, but they called it the word of God.

    I believe that it is without a doubt, the greatest fictional novel ever written.

    With that said, I do believe in God, or a Creator, but I can't accept the bible as fact.

    I find it hard to understand how anyone could believe that Noah was 600 years old when he gathered two of every species, loaded them on the ark, and floated around for about a year, before running aground. Sorry, that would be an unattainable task for even a 60 year old, much less 10 times that age.


    Well I agree with you that men wrote the Bible but they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

    Noah didn't have to gather the animals when he was 600 years old.. hee hee. Genesis 6:20... they came to him. Now I don't know for sure but I'd be willing to bet that a 600 year old man BEFORE the flood was a bit more energetic then a 600 year old man today. ;)

    I personally believe the Bible is the truth and without error.
  • May 31, 2008, 11:43 AM
    workerbee
    You certainly should believe what you like but it closes the mind to other possibilites. I just saw a picture in the newspaper of an unknown tribe in Brazil that has been cut off from the world as a plane flew low to take pictures these guys are firing srrows at them. They are in their own world not aware of what an airplane is. I believe the same true of Fundamentalists of any religion, they close thieir minds off to everything. I don't think I am being unfair, I am only speaking about the fundies

    workerbee
  • May 31, 2008, 12:20 PM
    Fr_Chuck
    Actually you are unfair, the fundalmentalist know all about airplanes and often even fly in them. But they are aware of many of the lies of man, and the foolishness of many of the teachings of mankind. They prefer to keep their faith in God. This is no different than when Christianity started, you would be killed for accepting Christ, seemed foolish at the time. The ones I feel sorry for is the ones that put all their faith in man, and close their minds to God.
  • May 31, 2008, 01:35 PM
    DaBaAd
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by workerbee
    .... the Bible was written by uneducated, hateful, ignorant, homophobic, men....workerbee

    Quite the contrary...

    The Bible is not just a book of historical stories. All of the events related in the word are intertwined and each has great meaning in the Bible and is directly related to the Purpose of God concerning mankind not only then but today as well. The Bible does not have to prove science in order to give meaning to man. It accounts for reasons in having faith in our creator and his promise for mankind.

    Prophesies that were written in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) came true. How do you account for this? Jesus spoke of the new covenant between God and man in the Greek scriptures (New Testament) and he referred back to the old prophesies and validates their accounts.

    Some of the 66 books of the Bible were written by craftsmen, physicians and educators of that time.

    There's the book of Luke. Luke was well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times from his second missionary journey to his final imprisonment in Rome, and a loyal friend who remained with the apostle after others had deserted him.

    There's the book of Isaiah. Educated and a poet, as well as a friend of the royal court and a great prophet… Isaiah was well suited to write this book.

    While some prophets were a little zealous, Isaiah preaching nude and barefoot for three years when God commanded him to, it was through their faith that they had no issues.

    In today's society, we place too many barriers to God's word, becoming self-centered and entirely without sacrificing our lifestyles. Yes, it's your choice now but in the end it's HIS choice as to your eternal life.
  • May 31, 2008, 03:16 PM
    0rphan
    Hi everyone,

    Having read previous posts, I can only say that I'll go along with some of them.
    I believe in the good guy( GOD) where there is good there is always bad ( DEVIL).
    I live my life by the ten commandments, which do not change what ever way you wish to dress them up, the principle of them remains the same which ever religious belief you choose to follow, they also apply if you have no religion.

    You can't go wrong
  • May 31, 2008, 06:29 PM
    jillianleab
    You should read this book:

    Amazon.com: The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible: A. J. Jacobs: Books

    And here's an interview with the author:

    What Happens When an Agnostic Follows the Bible Literally for One Year? | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss
  • May 31, 2008, 06:56 PM
    jrebel7
    For by grace are we save through faith; and that not of your selves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

    It is as always, best to read the whole chapter to get the full meaning. It is speaking about receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and putting your faith in what He did for us on the cross and by defeating death by rising again on the third day after His crucifixion. Also good reading is John chapter 3 in the New Testament.

    I too believe in the Ten Commandments but according to the Bible, without placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and asking Him to forgive our sins and come into our lives, no matter how much we do in terms of good works, we will never have eternal life in Heaven when we pass on. I choose to believe in the Old and New Testament of the Bible with the New Testament being the fulfillment of the Old.

    I have to ask friends when we are sharing our beliefs and they believe if they are good people, don't lie, cheat, steal, and give to the poor, etc. how do they know they are just fine? I have to wonder, how many good deeds would one have to do to be good enough to be able to go to Heaven. How could a person ever know when they have been good enough? Would that person ever have peace and be able to KNOW in their hearts that all was well when they die? The truth as I see it is that all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God and the wages of sin is death so what is our provision to have peace and to know God and to know without a doubt that when we die, we can enter the gates of Heaven and not Hell? I believe that provision to be placing our trust in God through his son Jesus Christ and asking Him to be Lord of our lives.

    In 1984, I was listening to Charles Colson speak on Television. He was chief counsel to one of the Unites States Presidents. He was named as one of the "Watergate Seven", he pleaded guilty for a crime and served prison time. During part of this time, he felt God dealing with his heart and he asked Jesus to come into his life. He made these following statements:

    12 of the most powerful men in the U.S. could not contain a lie for three weeks.

    Is God's Word true, did Jesus raise from the dead?

    "If 12 of the most powerful men (in the U.S.), could not contain the lie (saw how fallible we were) how could the disciples who had no money, no power, underwent beatings and death?? Never was there a death bed confession that the resurrection wasn't real.

    I share this part about Charles Colson only for the reason of showing a man who had great power yet was powerless as he saw his life without Christ. Within ourselves, we cannot earn salvation by actions, only by receiving God's free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

    I generally only use scripture as I try to share but Mr. Colson raises a valid question and makes a powerful statement.
  • May 31, 2008, 09:01 PM
    inthebox

    Funny, I like the one about his wife retaliating by sitting in all the seats in the house. :D

    Maybe he skipped Paul's epistles, especially Galatians.
  • May 31, 2008, 10:04 PM
    jrebel7
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by inthebox
    Funny, I like the one about his wife retaliating by sitting in all the seats in the house. :D

    Maybe he skipped Paul's epistles, especially Galatians.

    Hey there! I have to agree. I wanted to say to his wife, "Hey, you go girl!" Her response was so humorous. It sounded like he thought she was being pretty creative and found humor in it also!

    Goodness!! All so interesting, this world we live in! :)
  • Jun 1, 2008, 08:55 AM
    jillianleab
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by inthebox
    Funny, I like the one about his wife retaliating by sitting in all the seats in the house. :D

    Maybe he skipped Paul's epistles, especially Galatians.

    Stoning the adulterer was pretty funny too... :)
  • Jun 1, 2008, 11:01 AM
    workerbee
    I think we are getting off subject. If you take the Bible literally it is wrong. The Bible mentions the Earth having four corners, didn't God know

    workerbee
  • Jun 1, 2008, 11:10 AM
    Fr_Chuck
    Not when taken into the context of what is being said, the issue of taking it literal is when non believers want to make fun of it and try and use it to hurt the beleivers instead of minding their own business and leaving something they don't believe in alone.
  • Jun 1, 2008, 12:17 PM
    jillianleab
    Sorry, workerbee, I guess we did get a little off topic. The book I linked to, however, illustrates that if you take the bible absolutely literally, it's rather silly. No poly cotton blends, no colored clothes, no hair cuts, no sitting where a "dirty" woman has been... it's absurd.

    But in a way I agree with Chuck; a lot of effort from non-believers (not on this site specifically) is thrust into making believers question their faith - why? I get it if you've been attacked or targeted; like when someone who is a "good christian" cheats on their spouse, lies on their taxes and has the nerve to tell me I'm going to hell, but short of that, it tends to be a wasted effort.

    People who follow the bible will always find a way to excuse the inconsistencies; it's about context or it's a literary device... and sometimes, it is. Sometimes they won't come up with an excuse, they'll just ignore you. But there is almost always a way of justification for their thoughts and behaviors. I guess it bothers you a bit more than it bothers me.

    One thing you have to remember - people who really, really, fully believe in god, the bible, whatever, aren't going to have their faith shaken by someone on the Internet. No doubt they've heard the arguments and points before, and they've found a way of reconciling the problem with their faith. So unless you are trying to start a conversation about the literalness of the bible (ie, how they reconcile such-and-such passage), all this thread is, and all it will amount to, is an argument. And THAT just adds to the theist claim that all the non-believers on this site do is "attack" them. Let's not fuel the fire.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 05:54 AM
    classyT
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck
    Not when taken into the context of what is being said, the issue of taking it literal is when non believers want to make fun of it and try and use it to hurt the beleivers instead of minding thier own business and leaving something they don't beleive in alone.


    Fr_

    That is the problem. The Word must be rightly divided and not pulled out of context. The apostle Paul says that it is foolishness to them that do not believe and it is spiritually discerned. So, let them laugh, shake their heads, or fists (some really hate the sovereignty of God). Truth will ALWAYS be truth and as my mother always says... the truth always comes out. :)
  • Jun 2, 2008, 09:06 AM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by workerbee
    I think we are getting off subject.

    I'm glad you noticed.

    Quote:

    If you take the Bible literally it is wrong.
    If I may correct that attitude a bit. If you take the Bible out of context, you are wrong.

    Its like someone telling you that its raining "cats and dogs". If you interpret that to mean that you will literally see cats and dogs falling from the sky, then you are wrong. Not the person making the statement because he knows that he means its raining "heavily".

    Quote:

    The Bible mentions the Earth having four corners, didn't God know
    There you go. A perfect example of taking the Bible out of context. The four corners of the earth means the four extremes of the earth, the four directions, East, West, North and South.

    So, God did and does know that anyone reading the Bible in good faith will understand this verse correctly, because that is what is meant by anyone who says, "the four corners of the earth".

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Jun 2, 2008, 09:26 AM
    De Maria
    You know, Jillian, I feel sorry for people who don't know what they are saying. Do you know what the word "condescending" means? You might want to look it up and see if your attitude towards Christians doesn't fit that description.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jillianleab
    Sorry, workerbee, I guess we did get a little off topic.

    I'm glad you admitted that.

    Quote:

    The book I linked to, however, illustrates that if you take the bible absolutely literally, it's rather silly. No poly cotton blends, no colored clothes, no hair cuts, no sitting where a "dirty" woman has been... it's absurd.
    Correct. Its kind of strange that anyone had to illustrate that for you. Isn't it obvious that if you take anyone absolutely literally that will lead to absurd results?

    Just one example, do you ever "take" your car to work? Obviously, your car takes you, otherwise you'll have one awesome back ache.

    So, in reading the Bible, care should be taken not only to understand it in the language into which it is translated, but also to understand the culture and idioms of the people who originally wrote it.

    Quote:

    But in a way I agree with Chuck; a lot of effort from non-believers (not on this site specifically) is thrust into making believers question their faith - why?
    I don't know, Jillian. You seem that sort to me.

    Quote:

    I get it if you've been attacked or targeted; like when someone who is a "good christian" cheats on their spouse, lies on their taxes and has the nerve to tell me I'm going to hell, but short of that, it tends to be a wasted effort.
    Have any Christians actually told you that you are going to hell? I doubt it. Its probably more like you've come to the conclusion based on logical inference and your prior knowledge of Christianity.

    1. You know that you were raised Christian.
    2. You know that Christianity teaches that if you abandon Christ you will go to hell.
    3. So, now that you've abandoned Christ, you have that hanging over your head.
    4. And since we don't deny it, you claim we are condemning you to hell.

    No, it is your own conscience. If you didn't believe it, you wouldn't worry about it so.

    Quote:

    People who follow the bible will always find a way to excuse the inconsistencies;
    In other words, people who follow the Bible are unreasonable hypocrites.

    That is all that you have said. You want to make this sound like a reasonable message but underlying the nice "feel" of it, you have underlying insult and innuendo against any believers.

    Quote:

    it's about context or it's a literary device... and sometimes, it is. Sometimes they won't come up with an excuse, they'll just ignore you. But there is almost always a way of justification for their thoughts and behaviors. I guess it bothers you a bit more than it bothers me.
    No, I'm pretty sure, from the number of anti-Christian messages you write, that it bothers you just as much as it bothers him.

    Quote:

    One thing you have to remember - people who really, really, fully believe in god, the bible, whatever, aren't going to have their faith shaken by someone on the Internet.
    Perhaps.

    Quote:

    No doubt they've heard the arguments and points before,
    Many faithful Christians avoid arguments with non-believers precisely because there is very little that can be said to someone who wishes to hold an illogical conclusion as truth.

    Quote:

    and they've found a way of reconciling the problem with their faith.
    Problem? No. The one with the problem is the person reading it out of context. You for instance. As for us, we know what it means.

    Quote:

    So unless you are trying to start a conversation about the literalness of the bible (ie, how they reconcile such-and-such passage), all this thread is, and all it will amount to, is an argument.
    Perhaps. It would be nice if atheists would not resort to insult and innuendo whenever they can't get agreement of their beliefs.

    Quote:

    And THAT just adds to the theist claim that all the non-believers on this site do is "attack" them. Let's not fuel the fire.
    First, you should set the example. Then give advice. Because this message which you wrote was obviously constructed to fuel the fire. Or if it wasn't, you don't understand the meaning of the words you have written.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Jun 2, 2008, 11:37 AM
    Shaylynn Denilo
    I was raised a bible believeing christan. A 'literally' bible believeing christan. And that's what I was. Until I was about 14. Then I started to READ the bible. Lets just say a few years later, I'm a deist. I hate how when you challage christans they get so defensive, its like they know they have to defend there faith. Well defending you're faith is good, right?

    Faith in what? God.
    Allmighty god.
    You're defending allmighty god. Do you realise that? Allmighty-all seeing, everywhere, all knowing, all loving.
    Why do you need to defend him? Why doesn't he just come down and talk to everyone?
    Oh wait.
    That'd mess with there free will. But wait? Dident this God already come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God already come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will?
    We've reached a paradox. Thus I am a deist.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 12:34 PM
    michealb
    I've noticed a pattern Jillianleab says something very smart that the fundies don't really have an answer for so instead they resort to personal attacks instead of sticking to the issue. I guess it's okay to attack someone as long as they aren't a fundie.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 03:23 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by michealb
    I've noticed a pattern Jillianleab says something very smart that the fundies don't really have an answer for so instead they resort to personal attacks instead of sticking to the issue. I guess it's okay to attack someone as long as they aren't a fundie.

    She said something very smart? Let me see, she said,

    Quote:

    People who follow the bible will always find a way to excuse the inconsistencies;
    Quote:

    But there is almost always a way of justification for their thoughts and behaviors.
    Quote:

    and they've found a way of reconciling the problem with their faith.
    Quote:

    So unless you are trying to start a conversation about the literalness of the bible (ie, how they reconcile such-and-such passage), all this thread is, and all it will amount to, is an argument. And THAT just adds to the theist claim that all the non-believers on this site do is "attack" them. Let's not fuel the fire.
    Sounds to me as though she's making an insidious attack on Christians and Christian beliefs, clothing them as a friendly chatter with another nonbeliever.

    But if you can show me where she provided any facts whatsoever, and where she said good which wasn't already obvious to anyone with any sense (i.e. absolute literalness leads to absurd results), I'm listening. Or if you can show me where she said anything that wasn't insulting, demeaning or condescending towards believers in the Bible, I'm listening.

    Has it even occurred to you or she that Christians don't all take the Bible absolutely literally? In fact, most Christians do not. And has it occurred to you or she that even some nonChristians and atheists take the Bible absolutely literally? That is why they don't understand it. I doubt that either of you has realized that point. Because obviously, you have both taken this thread as another opportunity to attack Christians, when the subject matter of this thread is not completely about Christians, but about anyone "taking the Bible literally."

    And so, as I've said before, I've also noticed a pattern. Nonbelievers and antiChristians believe they can say whatever they want about Christians, insult them anyway they want, without repercussion of any sort. And if anyone dares to respond in kind, why they are the trouble makers.

    But, I've to make another point. I actually have come to believe that Jillian doesn't know what she is saying. Judging from her response to our reaction to her messages, she seems to think she is the pinnacle of good taste and manners. And that's sad. Because obviously, she'll keep insulting us without realizing she's insulting us. And when we inform her that she's insulting us, she'll keep saying, "Why are you persecuting me?"

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Jun 2, 2008, 03:26 PM
    workerbee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Shaylynn Denilo
    I was raised a bible believeing christan. A 'literally' bible believeing christan. And thats what I was. Untill I was about 14. Then I started to READ the bible. Lets just say a few years later, I'm a deist. I hate how when you challage christans they get so defensive, its like they know they have to defend there faith. Well defending you're faith is good, right?

    Faith in what? God.
    Allmighty god.
    You're defending allmighty god. Do you realise that? Allmighty-all seeing, everywhere, all knowing, all loving.
    Why do you need to defend him? Why doesn't he just come down and talk to everyone?
    Oh wait.
    That'd mess with there free will. But wait?! Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will?
    We've reached a paradox. Thus I am a deist.

    I am glad you question things unlike the fundies. In a few years you will be an Atheist
    Like me. The rest of you always say the same taken out of context. I could go into more examples but taken out of context will be the answer. The Bible says many things that are flat out wrong.

    ANSWER Taken out of context. You Fundies should not be afraid of questioning things in the Bible.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 03:59 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by workerbee
    I am glad you question things unlike the fundies. in a few years you will be an Atheist
    like me. The rest of you always say the same taken out of context. I could go into more examples but taken out of context will be the answer. The Bible says many things that are flat out wrong.

    ANSWER Taken out of context. You Fundies should not be afraid of questioning things in the Bible.

    Not necessarily, I was an atheist and now I'm a devout Catholic.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Jun 2, 2008, 04:01 PM
    De Maria
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Shaylynn Denilo
    I was raised a bible believeing christan. A 'literally' bible believeing christan. And thats what I was. Untill I was about 14. Then I started to READ the bible. Lets just say a few years later, I'm a deist. I hate how when you challage christans they get so defensive, its like they know they have to defend there faith. Well defending you're faith is good, right?

    Faith in what? God.
    Allmighty god.
    You're defending allmighty god. Do you realise that? Allmighty-all seeing, everywhere, all knowing, all loving.
    Why do you need to defend him? Why doesn't he just come down and talk to everyone?
    Oh wait.
    That'd mess with there free will. But wait?! Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will?
    We've reached a paradox. Thus I am a deist.

    If you're just venting, well that's OK. But if you have any particular questions about the Bible, please ask us. I'm sure there are many here besides myself who will attempt to answer your question to your satisfaction.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
  • Jun 2, 2008, 04:57 PM
    michealb
    De Maria,

    You were an atheist because you hated god not because of reason there is a big difference. A lot of people claim to be or claim to be former atheist who are really just mad at themselves and at the world. The people who claim to be atheists because they hate god often go back to religion, people who reason there way to it very very rarely go back to religion. From what I understand you weren't an atheist you were mad at what you thought was god plan for you and just a bad person. Old habits die hard..
  • Jun 2, 2008, 07:14 PM
    inthebox
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Shaylynn Denilo
    I was raised a bible believeing christan. A 'literally' bible believeing christan. And thats what I was. Untill I was about 14. Then I started to READ the bible. Lets just say a few years later, I'm a deist. I hate how when you challage christans they get so defensive, its like they know they have to defend there faith. Well defending you're faith is good, right?

    Faith in what? God.
    Allmighty god.
    You're defending allmighty god. Do you realise that? Allmighty-all seeing, everywhere, all knowing, all loving.
    Why do you need to defend him? Why doesn't he just come down and talk to everyone?
    Oh wait.
    That'd mess with there free will. But wait?! Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will? Dident this God allready come down? Oh yeah, jesus! So as jesus, he dident mess with people's free will. So why doesn't jesus just show up in debates and prove that he is God? Because it messes with free will?
    We've reached a paradox. Thus I am a deist.



    Actually you make a good, if repetitive, point. :)

    There can be no faith without free will.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 09:04 PM
    lobrobster
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by michealb
    I've noticed a pattern Jillianleab says something very smart that the fundies don't really have an answer for so instead they resort to personal attacks instead of sticking to the issue. I guess it's okay to attack someone as long as they aren't a fundie.

    It could be worse. When people start making too much sense over in the Christianity forum, the moderator just shuts the thread down.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 09:14 PM
    lobrobster
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by michealb
    De Maria,

    You were an atheist because you hated god not because of reason there is a big difference. A lot of people claim to be or claim to be former atheist who are really just mad at themselves and at the world. The people who claim to be atheists because they hate god often go back to religion, people who reason there way to it very very rarely go back to religion. From what I understand you weren't an atheist you were mad at what you thought was god plan for you and just a bad person. Old habits die hard..

    This is such a key point that is overlooked by so many. Atheism is not a dislike for god, or anger at god, or revenge at god, which is often the only way a theist can imagine anyone rejecting belief in god. Nothing could be further from the truth.

    You are so very correct. I used to believe in god, but after weighing the evidence and seriously thinking about all aspects of things, I don't have any choice. I simply have no compelling reason to think a god of any kind exists. It's not anger, hatred, or anything of the sort. Anymore than I am angry at unicorns.
  • Jun 2, 2008, 09:56 PM
    inthebox
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by lobrobster
    I simply have no compelling reason to think a god of any kind exists. It's not anger, hatred, or anything of the sort. Anymore than I am angry at unicorns.


    That is why you post and ask questions on religious threads? ;)

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