[Fr_Chuck]

Sorry, that is like saying it is all true except... but we don't pick and choice, if you say one single part is not from God, then you have chosen

[dwashbur]

Sorry, that is like saying it is all true except........ but we don't pick and choice, if you say one single part is not from God, then you have chosen

I never said any part wasn't from God.

[Wondergirl]

it's trying to come at it on its own terms.

Reading the Bible is like reading any great work of literature -- the reader finds allusions, historical references, poetry, symbolism, literal truths, dream sequences, parables ("earthly stories with a heavenly meaning"), allegories, and so on. Consider Isaiah 55:12 (NIV): "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." How do we understand that? What about the Song of Solomon? Is it simply a love story, or is it more than that? A talking snake and donkey (not Donkey from Shrek) -- what do they mean in the greater scheme of things? Can we just pass over all that stuff and head for the verses that state The Two Greatest Commandments?

[arcura]

maistryt,
My thoughts on that are that there are several reasons there are several versions of the bible.
Examples:
As new insights in old documents and translations come along newer more accurate versions do as well..
Another is that many errors have bee found in some old translations and newer versions correct them.
Another is that many Hebrew words can be translated differently depending on how and where they are used.
And another is some folks have an axe to grind or want the bible to say things there way so they turn out a version to say what they want it to.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[Athos]

The basic problem with miracles is that they replace belief in God with belief in miracles.


The Bible, in my view, is the word of God the same way one can see sun in a far meadow that's partially obscured by leaves. Some verses block your view like the leaves because they're man-made. Some verses are so luminous and incantatory that we can't help but see God's light shining through the text.

Like us for whom it was given, the Bible is a complicated and layered document. This is also why, above all other books, you need a teacher to help you read it. To view it as simple dictation from God is simply false to the Bible's subtle and evanescent genius.

Rabbi Gellmann is not denigrating miracles. He is simply saying that God's message concerning love and social justice is far more important. Those who key on miracles and miss the larger point are not hearing God's message.

"Bibleism" refers to a common tendency to place the total of one's belief in the words of the Bible as literally infallible, even thought the books are replete with allegory and fable encouraging the reader to seek the deeper point.

If you think Bibleism does not exist, just read the posts of many on this board.

Great post, Scott.

(Edit - I used the quote Scottgem provided, but my post is not directed at Scott. Rather, to those who misunderstood the article)