Good question JH. I had raised questions regarding some of Terr's points and the answer would always be some lengthy BS. Regarding the Ten Commandments, Catholic compared to the JWs, The JWs was right and theirs was wrong. So if their Commandments are wrong, then the whole bible is wrong.
Do you agree that, if there are errors in the bible, then it's all wrong?
by JH 59 Replies latest watchtower bible
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greendawn
There may well be errors and later interpolations, but I am not concerned by those, the real Christianity is based on the law of love more than on any book. Otherwise it's the general picture that emerges that's important not the details.
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frankiespeakin
Do you agree that, if there are errors in the bible, then it's all wrong?
No, I think that an all wise god would not use ancient writtings that have been copied over and over by hand, and translated in many languages as a form of comunication to his creatures. This form of communication is subject to too many corupting factors and is very unreliable. Sky writting or interupted TV broadcast would be much better, and better still avoid all use of middle men and communicate directly to each human as to what you want from him or expect him to do. In this way all would know in their own language and eliminate the need for a clergy class that claim divine appointment and the subsequent abuse that follows.
To use such a method as we see today, with followers becoming subject to so much abuse, seems to be very impracticle, and hardly very thoughtfull from a god that is supposed to be Loving and wise.
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AllAlongTheWatchtower
I was all set to post on this one, but then as I read Terry's reply to it I realized very little was left to say. Excellent post, Terry.
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jayhawk1
Terry, that was kick ass!
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Abandoned
In other words, if you can find a few errors in the bible, will you throw away the whole notion of the bible being "inspired by God"
Example: If you find any error in the bible, will it take away the notion that killing is wrong, or stealing is wrong,
So where do you draw the line, and accept certain biblical teachings and reject other biblical teachings?
Well, there isn't an either/or answer here. If there are errors, then one can't conclude that it's the unfailing word of God, but it doesn't necessarily mean that everything in it is crap. I think it's a collection of stories and motivational articles from various religious writers throughout the history of this one nation. Some of the stuff is motivational and some of it points out how violent and backwards these peoples were throughout various epochs of their history.
I think the best part of that book are the teachings associated with Jesus. The idea of loving your neighbor, loving your enemies, and doing onto others as you'd have them do onto you are very impressive principles. The problem I have is that most of the writings aren't like that. Most of the writings give either open or tacit approval of biogotry, male-chauvanism, intolerance, fear, judging people, and other negative behaviors.
So, I don't think it's an issue about whether there are some errors that could be attributed to sloppy copying and such, I think the issue are the parts that have support among oldter manuscripts but teach highly dysfunctional teachings.
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Terry
I think the best part of that book are the teachings associated with Jesus. The idea of loving your neighbor, loving your enemies, and doing onto others as you'd have them do onto you are very impressive principles
Loving your enemies makes no sense whatsoever.
Where is the justice? Getting what you deserve is justice (and mirrors the basis of the law of the talon.)
Love is an appraisal of the worth of the object of your affection. Appraising an enemy as valuable enough to merit your strongest approval indicates mental problems of the highest order.
Turning your cheek to somebody who intends you great harm only invites more abuse.
Jesus' teachings are not even mildly practical and that is why nobody seriously practices them!
Even the most fundamentalist right-wing evangelical loves his enemies or turns the other cheek.
It is a "pretty" belief we like to pay lip service to--but-it is anti-survival, illogical and impracticable.
Don't you agree, honestly?
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Abandoned
Don't you agree, honestly?
You make some good arguments, but I don't agree. Where does hating my enemies get me? How does hating anyone benefit me? Hating is just taking valuable energy and tossing it out the window. I don't really care to do that. Loving my enemie, however, paves the way for reconcilliation that will benefit both of us in the long run. Even if the person I'm loving doesn't get it or respond in kind, those around can see who is taking the high road and who isn't. That can be very valuable when whatever is involved comes into the public arena.
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Brother Apostate
No.
Why?
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- All scripture is given by inspiration of God....
So it is inspired by God. Yet there are Scriptures (especially those written by Paul) that clearly state they were his, not the Lord's teachings:
- 1 Corinthians 7:12
- But to the rest speak I, not the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 7:25
- Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment....
If there are errors in the Bible from mistranslation, ambiguity, etc, then I have faith that God still got his point across.
There are those things that are necessary for salvation, which is a short list.
There are those things which are not profitable for salvation, which is a long list.
BA- A short list kinda guy.
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Terry
Where does hating my enemies get me? How does hating anyone benefit me? Hating is just taking valuable energy and tossing it out the window.
What does hating cancer, poverty, child molestation or war get you? It properly calibrates your sense of values; that's what. Valuable energy, indeed!
Right thinking commences with understanding what benefits you and what destroys you and taking sides with what benefits you while opposing what destroys you with every available ounce of energy you possess.