Have you read the Bible?

[Leumas]

....

What all of this means for this discussion is that without a deep understanding of the history of science--one that is not conveyed via a scientific education, and one that I've yet to encounter in a self-described Skeptic--one cannot fully evaluate the Church's stance on Creationism. The term has shifted meaning a great deal in the past two centuries, such that what someone was talking about even two generations ago may be nearly the opposite of what the same word means today.

Can you please define what you mean by the above term?

 

[Leumas]

I originally thought Netanyahu's visit not a good idea, but after hearing his speech I now feel it something that had to be done. ...

Have a look here for another opinion and here.

As it relates to your point, it is interesting to note how Israel, a country so steeped in religious history myths, can be more cognizant of “reality” and threats posed to world peace its interests and wishes, than our own President, whose family history has more of a secular background, to include atheism on his father's part. Therefore, I had no problem with Netanyahu's five second reference to the Bible, which “may” have some basis in history fairy tales.

There you go .... I fixed that for you so that it is more accurate and not so INSULTING to your own country and president and his cabinet and advisors and generals and leaders of the military forces of which he is the commander in chief.

From a Biblical perspective, if you review the 18 or so books/writings that were once considered authoritative Jewish scripture (Septuagint), one finds literature full of fantastical battlefield victories, along with stories of angels and dragons. As such, it is easy to see why Jewish scholars sought their removal over the centuries. Fully redacted by the 10th century CE, I am sure the Bible seemed more believable and literal at that point in history; however, a thousand more years of progress once again renders it fanciful. For believers like myself, all scripture is best viewed as “allegory” still offering a great deal of spiritual significance and guidance. Obviously, it is not suited for everyone.

I am so very glad that you acknowledge that the bible is a collection of fairy tales and myths.

But you are missing the point.... the point is that it is a SHAME UPON HUMANITY that a particular fairy tale from a book of fairy tales and myths written 2500 years ago, is quoted in front of an assembly of the supposed top echelons of the most advanced and powerful country in the 21st century, as if it is a REAL and JUSTIFYING PRECEDENT for racist and bigoted HATE and REVENGE..... and it receives a prolonged standing ovation fellatio.

The point is that the Bible is not a benign literature that can be studied objectively as an artifice artifact of bygone eras of human adolescence.

The point is that the Bible has since its fabrication, and continues throughout the ages even up until yesterday, to be used by brigands and poltroons to RALLY PEOPLE behind and justify HATE and BIGOTRY and irrationalities

And perhaps the final book in the Bible might yet prove to be a SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY of the destruction of the world by the hands of ITS frothing at the mouth ZEALOUS FOLLOWERS.

 

[Dinwar]

Can you please define what you mean by the above term?

No. The term is self-evident to anyone who's been on this forum for a while, and requests for a definition are always, in my experience, a prelude to the person looking for an excuse to dismiss what I say, rather than actually taking the time to try to understand my arguments. The next comment by you (towards RickM) demonstrates enough hostility that I feel confident in my assessment. (It's also historically illiterate--we are a nation founded by traitors; a very compelling argument can be made that patriotism in the USA consists of insulting and undermining our leaders, particularly when we feel they are being idiotic. Ever hear of something called "the loyal opposition"? Apparently not.)

If you cannot figure out what that word means on a forum titled "The International Skeptics Forum", something has gone seriously haywire. I suggest taking a step back, re-reading my post, and attempting to understand the overall point being made. Bear in mind the nature of the Skeptic movement. It'll come to you.

 

[RickM]

Have a look here for another opinion and here

Seriously??? You link/reference a self-described, paleoconservative publication that has a readership circulation of 8,000 people and that’s your example of journalistic integrity? It doesn‘t get anymore fringe than that! Maybe you should help with a membership drive…....then again, maybe you shouldn’t; they can’t afford the loses.

Your second link and its diatribe are even more comical than the first. You practically accuse me of sedition then you link to that interventionist BS? At least my criticism is limited to a “single” negotiation by a “single” administration, which, by the way, I happened to have voted for (once). Yours actually criticizes, scathingly, an “entire” nation and its people, spanning multiple administrations, going back to who knows when.

Edited by Agatha: 

Edited breach of rule 12

 

[Loss Leader]

This thread is now on moderated status pending review and cleanout. Thank you.

Replying to this modbox in thread will be off topic  Posted By: Loss Leader

 

[Jagermeister]

Invalid poll options

I am both options 1 and 2, I was a Christian, but I am not a christian now.

I have read the Bible.

 

[Mudcat]

I've read the bible but not all the way, and I'm unlikely to ever read it all the way through. And one of the things missing is a frigging map, like the ones drawn for Lord of the Rings, to help figure out just where the heck this stuff was supposedly taking place at.

Also, when I was a kid I couldn't help but fashion my concept of the Dark Lord after the character of God. He still remains the scariest, most vile, most repulsive, most irredeemably evil character in literature I have ever read. Bar none.

The rest of his supporting cast wasn't much better.

It baffles me that anyone would take the books of the bible as to be a guide to moral living, and they're poorly written to boot.