How many of you out there actually believe more than a small fraction of the stories in the bible? How many of you believe that absolutely everything in the bible is 100% based on fact?

It's not entirely based on fact, you fool. It's made in parables and metaphors. For the record, im atheist and am not defending the bible. If it was all based on fact, it would probably be a more persuasive text.

quote:Originally posted by Inside_Voices:

It's not entirely based on fact, you fool.

You're the fool. All he did was ask a question.

quote:Originally posted by ---Beany---:

You're the fool. All he did was ask a question.

He was implying that anyone would think that. But like i said, much of it is not based on fact. It just seemed like a dumb question.

The various texts which make up what we know today as "the bible" are exactly that, various texts, of varying text types. e.g. Revelations is in a style of writing common in the period (1st Century AD), Apocalyptic. Psalms is like a collection of songs. Books like Luke's Gospel and Acts are written as a historical account. Other text types include Oracle's, Personal Narratives, early legal and constitutional documents, letters from leaders in the early church and so on.

There is also more manuscript witnesses for the validity of the New Testament than any other piece of ancient literature. (I can post the evidence if u really want it). And this is accepted among secular historians.

This means that what we have today is the same as what was written originally. As for the legitimacy of its content...e.g. the events contained in the New Testament, both archaeology and historical documents bear witness to many of the events contained in the New Testament (i can post this evidence also) . THere are a number of internal factors (e.g. the major lack of discrepency between the texts of the New Testament. Also, the people of the time it was written would have known the texts to be fraudulant, if they were, and thus the whole following would have collapsed.

So yes, i know (not believe) that the bible is a trustworthy document. Yes it contains accounts of miracles, some of which seem explainable. Others do not. It provides alot of answers to alot of questions. On other questions, it appears strangely silent.

If you really want to look into the reliability (or lack thereof) of the bible, look at Josh McDowell's "Evidence that demands a verdict" or "More than a Carpenter", or something by John Stott, or "Who rolled away the stone?" or something like that. Hell, even go to any university library and look through the ancient history section for the Middle East.

I believe all that is said in the bible except for what is labled "parable". I only believe these things through faith and faith alone.

quote:Originally posted by bluntman457:

I believe all that is said in the bible except for what is labled "parable". I only believe these things through faith and faith alone.

and where does this 'faith' come from?

Oh shit sorry, I forgot, faith doesn't come from anywhere doesn't it, except possibly the fear of death.

quote:Originally posted by Froonhed:

Oh shit sorry, I forgot, faith doesn't come from anywhere doesn't it, except possibly the fear of death.

Honestly, what is there to fear?

Crazy theists.

I dunno but thinking about death twists people because they are trying to think about something they have zero knowledge of, hence why religion is so fucken twisted. Complete life ideologies based on zero factual information.

quote:Originally posted by Froonhed:

I dunno but thinking about death twists people because they are trying to think about something they have zero knowledge of, hence why religion is so fucken twisted. Complete life ideologies based on zero factual information.

Did someone say "Twisted"...yes?Afraid of death?How obsolete..religion is for those of us who cant hear them selves and need to follow the trail of shit left by those that sell something to ease the worry of..."death",,so that some dumb ass believes another dumb ass is going to the great beyond to prepare the rest of the sheep "mansions in the sky" give me a flippin break!!Why the hell would ""god" need a fucking mansion? Hes not Michael Jackson.Theres a real good line from one of those dorky star trek flicks that asks"Why does God need a Starship?"Well,please any christians that wanna jump in and explain why the big cheese needs money,and buildings,and gold and precious stones{did'nt he make them?}and objects that "we" create with machines.Hello!!!!!!The only good thing about christians is we can get all of them in the same "pen" so to speak,so when the time comes,we can send them in their golden chariots to a place they already been.But when they get there with their "stuff",are'nt they gonna kinda look stupider than than did while they were here condemning the rest of us for not whorshipping an IDOL!!thats right a freakin idol!!!Anyone seen Jesus in the flesh?NO!! HE is quite plastic,porcelan,clay, glass,or any number of precious metals that"WE" think he will look cool in.He's like this big Barbie Doll that you dress up,the problem is ....its not a person!!!it's an IDOL!!!I like to say that cuz I know christians supposedly"shall whorship no idols before me",and apparently after ya too

Last thought...What if God smoked cannabis?Was a slob like one of us?Do you think he rolls his own?Up there in heaven all alone"

quote:Originally posted by Inside_Voices:

It's not entirely based on fact, you fool. It's made in parables and metaphors. For the record, im atheist and am not defending the bible. If it was all based on fact, it would probably be a more persuasive text.

Inside,

I've read several of your posts (in fact, I think I've read them all) and I have found them original and even insightfull. But, your wording is juvenile and your comments are infatic and harsh.

Tolerance is immeasureably neccisary when talking about peoples beliefs and no question should be responded to in such a cruel manner. Name calling, especially, is immature and rude.

Please restrain yourself in the future.

Cheers,

Lost

I am truly honored by your compliments, and understanding of your criticism. I will keep this in mind in the future. Thanks for the heads up.

I know i can tend to be harsh and intolerant, but it's how i was taught and what i am struggling to defeat as we speak.

And for this post, i was just pointing out that factually, not all of the bible is based on fact. i know what he was trying to say, but i wanted him to find a better means of conveying his question.

[This message has been edited by Inside_Voices (edited 01-16-2004).]