...that he killed everyone with a flood.

...that he condemed humans to suffer.

...that he killed every firstborn.

...that he causes people to eat the flesh of their own relatives.

...that he kills 14,700 people with a plague.

...that he kills 24,000 people with a plague.

...that he approves of the killing and causes the killing of over half a million people after the flood.

...that he approves of the total destruction of a few dozen communities (men, woman, and children).

...that he killed 70,000 people with a pestilence.

...that he killed half a million Israelites.

...that he killed 70 men for looking into the Ark.

...that he killed 250 people for questioning Moses leadership.

...that he hardens the hearts of the Cannanites so that they can be completely exterminated.

...that he orders the killing of 3,000 people.

...that he hardens the Pharoh's heart, so he can kills scores of innocent babies.

...that he kills hungry children.

...that he allows babies to be sacrificed so that they'll be horrified.

...that he kills a man for not impregnating his brother's wife.

...that he allows babies to be slashed to pieces and pregnant women to be slashed open.

...that he orders the killing of anyone who worships other gods.

...that he punishes kids for their parents sins.

If life is eternal then why are all of these such bad things?

The list can't really be construed as intentional actions. More like metaphors and symbolic definitions of how humanity can be spiritual and still commit atrocities towards itself. As thinking human beings, we don't like to imagine mankind as savage, uncaring and inherently "evil", capable of killing for no reason. We can't handle large-scale death without having something or someone to blame (or thank) for it. We use the power of myth and hardcore symbolism to help make these explanations easier to digest. It's how we cope.

quote:Originally posted by AngryFemme:

The list can't really be construed as intentional actions. More like metaphors and symbolic definitions of how humanity can be spiritual and still commit atrocities towards itself. As thinking human beings, we don't like to imagine mankind as savage, uncaring and inherently "evil", capable of killing for no reason. We can't handle large-scale death without having something or someone to blame (or thank) for it. We use the power of myth and hardcore symbolism to help make these explanations easier to digest. It's how we cope.

What are you talking about?

We will always remember that the atrocities committed in the wars, are due to man. Only man. Not God or any divine being. Nobody can forget Hitler.

quote:Originally posted by AngryFemme:

The list can't really be construed as intentional actions. More like metaphors and symbolic definitions of how humanity can be spiritual and still commit atrocities towards itself. As thinking human beings, we don't like to imagine mankind as savage, uncaring and inherently "evil", capable of killing for no reason. We can't handle large-scale death without having something or someone to blame (or thank) for it. We use the power of myth and hardcore symbolism to help make these explanations easier to digest. It's how we cope.

This is a nice explanation but it's still beyond me how these particular myths/symbolisms can inspire spirituality. Sure, we can say God did it so we can shake off the monster inside us. God though, real or not, remains a monster unworthy of worship.

god didn't do it, men did

quote:Originally posted by quasicurus:

What are you talking about?

We will always remember that the atrocities committed in the wars, are due to man. Only man. Not God or any divine being. Nobody can forget Hitler.

I'm talking about the list you posted. It was either mocking God's malevolence or insinuating that he is somehow responsible for atrocities. Who said anything about war, or Hitler?

I believe that people tend to lay the responsibility, or "will" on God when horrible things happen to large numbers of people. Having a reason behind it all makes it a little easier to swallow.

quote:Originally posted by elfstone:

This is a nice explanation but it's still beyond me how these particular myths/symbolisms can inspire spirituality.

If you mean the particular myths/symbolisms that quasicarus posted in the list -

It doesn't lead to spirituality, it is a result of spirituality.

quote:Originally posted by AngryFemme:

The list can't really be construed as intentional actions. More like metaphors and symbolic definitions of how humanity can be spiritual and still commit atrocities towards itself.

But... the Bible itself says that God did them. It didn't say that people somehow randomly died by looking in the Ark, it says that God killed them.

And in my opinion, the Bible is one large collection of myths, metaphors and chock full of symbolism.

What does "and then God killed them" symbolize? That God kills people? http://www.totse.com/bbs/tongue.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/tongue.gif)

The point of a fable is to teach a cautionary "lesson", often hidden in a simple story that people can relate to.

The fable (or myth or legend) of the Bible concerning "God Kills" teaches people two things: 1)God is capable of not showing mercy, and 2)You'd best fear God, else possibly face his wrath someday.

Check out this person's illustrated depiction of the Word: http://www.thebricktestament.com/judges/index.html

I thought that was cute.

Mixing the Old Testament and the New Testament always makes things look a little funny.

I agree with what stewie said... (off fammily guy)

I love this god guy he so delicously evil.

quote:If life is eternal then why are all of these such bad things?

cause people are suffering. if god lets us suffer here, who says he wont let us suffer in the afterlife - of there is such a thing.

quote:We will always remember that the atrocities committed in the wars, are due to man. Only man. Not God or any divine being.

most of those wars have been in gods name; not that that means much.

nonetheless, he - supposedley - created us and hence takes the lion share of the blame for what we do. he made us the way we are; a warlike race. did you know that historians estimate that there has been approximatly 200 years of peace in the last 3000 years.

besides, the plagues and assorted other punishments had nothing to do with man and his wars. it seems you have neglected this point, where does your argument lie in this regard?

quote:Originally posted by AngryFemme:

The fable (or myth or legend) of the Bible concerning "God Kills" teaches people two things: 1)God is capable of not showing mercy, and 2)You'd best fear God, else possibly face his wrath someday.

...well, that's useless. It's the same thing, basically. God kills vs. God will kill.