by zeroday 55 Replies latest jw friends
People can be passionate about the Bible even when you reveal to them that the early Catholic church Fathers collected copies of the Apostles letters and the Hebrew religious scrolls to make the first Bible, years after the Apostles died. They look at you with disbelief.
However, I do believe myself that 80% of the Bible Canon is inspired by God's Holy Spirit.
Define "authentic"?
It exists as a historic document. Millions of people derive some benefit from it. It doesn't cover every eventuality, but no text does. It was suited to its time and still retains some use.
I view it as a bunch of spiritual diaries. As such I find it often resonates with my own experience, as a "spiritual life" tends to have transcended the changes of modern corporeal living. As such it is as authentic as I need it to be.
Just my 2p.
I agree with Jaguar Bass in that I really don't understand why someone would escape from one religion and submit to another. It seems pretty obvious to me that religion developed not only as mankind's attempt to understand the world around them, but also as a pretty useful way to control people. It no longer serves much purpose as far as understanding the world around us, but it is still quite useful for controlling people, raising money, creating a power base.
As for whether or not god exists, I don't suppose it matters. We have to deal with the world we know, and that is complicated enough. What happens when we die? Well, we'll find out when we die. But I seriously doubt that there is someone keeping score somewhere, who will punish or bless us at death, as he/she/it sees fit.
What's this business of "submitting to a religion"? What's wrong with just going and enjoying what you get out of it? Are you sure its not some residue of WTS belief that makes you think that by walking in the door of a church / synagogue / temple you are submitting to something??? Its worth trying sometime - it can be very cathartic!
yes, 'why are people so afraid to question the authenticity of the Bible...'? I personally prefer to hide behind a clown mask and hurl virtual water ballons at lurkers!
A collection of ancient writings that unapologetically endorses the solution of genocide is bloody hard to ignore. I can almost recite the teeming verses from memory about who is to be killed once the promised land is invaded...children, babies, old men and women.....the perfect solution to a messy problem by a terrifyingly perfect monster, YHWH. Ah, if it's YHWH's orders, it must be right? Indubitably!
I'm still scratching my head, though, in trying to see what modern-day principle Bible believers can derive from the Bible's cool-as-cucumber genocidal bloodbaths.
Superstition and Fear causes people not to question the authenticity of the Bible.
When I question Christ's divinity, I was told by my mother that God was now going to 'get me and my children and make us suffer' just for thinking what I thought!
Does that answer the question simply enough?
What's this business of "submitting to a religion"? What's wrong with just going and enjoying what you get out of it? Are you sure its not some residue of WTS belief that makes you think that by walking in the door of a church / synagogue / temple you are submitting to something??? Its worth trying sometime - it can be very cathartic!
I agree with you there Ross.
I haven't been to church much since I left the watchtower, just a couple of times to support my friend Marion, and the first time I went, about 6 - 7 months ago, I must admit I had what I now recognise as a completely irrational fear of becoming involved again. Actually,I've enjoyed both visits, and would probably go again. In some ways, going there like taking another step along the way of my journey away from the wtbts. The congregation were very friendly, happy to see me, but made no attempt to coerce me into getting involved, which was what I was afraid would happen when I initially agreed to go.
Looking at it now, I guess it was some residue, as you put it, of my watchtower experience that caused the feelings I had about going there. There was nothing to fear at all, as it turned out.
Linda
Linda:
I remember you posting that, and was so pleased that you'd supported Marion.
For a long time I've been of the opinion that we need to face down our fears. Often they prove to be irrational, e.g. questioning authority, religion, the bible, cuss words, little old ladies with large handbags!
Even when they aren't irrational they seem to be diminished somewhat by facing them. Hence one of the axioms that I live by is "fear only fear itself".
The Wanderer:
The book of proverbs for instance carries sound advice
and guidance if an individual is willing to apply it
in their lives.
Unfortunately, the book of Leviticus provides such appalling and inhumane advice that anybody following some of its more extreme measures would rightly be imprisoned and ostracised from any civilised society.
In addition, governments such as the United States and
Great Britian have inpart used the Bible as a foundation
or cornerstone for making laws.
And as they have progressed, they have removed more and more biblical laws from their books. Few remain except those that are common to almost every law code ever devised (prohibitions on murder, theft etc.) and a handful of quaint anachronisms
I use the Bible because I think it is practical and time tested.
In what way? Could you give me an example of where the bible would be useful, moreso than any off-the-shelf self-help book, at least.
