Non-Bible Believers: What verses still have value to you? (page 2)

bluecanary

Matthew 6:34 HCSB: " Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Though, I liked the way the NWT phrased it, "Stop being anxious."

I'm with OTWO on eastern thinking.

Open mind

OTWO:

"I have read a bunch of eastern thought. "

Brooklyn is East of Illinois isn't it?

I've been listening to a fair amount of Zen lectures as of late.

So Jerry, do you have any Biblical kernels for this thread?

om

OnTheWayOut

· “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11)

· “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 17:28)

I would rather just keep quiet on Biblical kernels.

The eastern thought I mentioned is from Asia. Even though I find just as much wisdom in it, I am not becoming a Buddhist or Taoist or Confucionist. I can read wisdom from the Bible and refrain from being a Jew or a Christian.

Chalam

Cool thread :)

Proverbs is great for all. Also 1 Corinthians 13 for sure.

I've been mulling this one over recently

Proverbs 19:11 (New International Version)

11 A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

All the best,

Stephen

Gregor

The Proverbs hands down. Most of the Christian homelies are so basic ("do unto others...".duh) that it seems silly to credit the Bible as the source of such common human observations.

I do like Hezbollah 2:13 "If anyone refuses to believe exactly as you do, you must fuck 'em up."

New Ebonics Translation

WTWizard

Even though the Bible lies, if the witlesses claim to abide by it (and have the monopoly on doing so), and then they blatantly do not, they too lie. Any scripture that contradicts a major or new Washtowel teaching has value to me, because this exposes the discrepancy between what they claim to teach and what they actually teach. And Ephesians 2:8 and 9 do just that.

Additionally, Luke 2:10-14 proves that it is scripturally proper to celebrate Christmas. Even though the witlesses twist it around to make it seem improper or to downplay it, it still proves that it is acceptable to observe the birth of Christ. It matters not that Jesus was born in early fall--the common date for observing his birth is December 25, and so December 25 is the day that we observe Jesus' birth. This serves mostly to demonstrate how the witlesses will consistently alter the Bible teachings to their advantage--so they can get people when they are at home, and require witlesses to go in field circus during Christmas.

1Thess 4:11 also has something to say about people that meddle with others' business. If people abided by that scripture, there would be so much less stumbling of others going on by people listening to "bad" songs, singing winter-themed songs around Christmas, or the latest: holding hands during the prayers.

Georgiegirl

The day I lost my fear that the bible was the ONLY book inspired of God (and ergo, by leaving JWs I was leaving God and the Bible - and I've moved on from fear, but that was part of the process) was the day I discovered that the major proverbs/beliefs, etc - had all been in existence and written down thousands of years before the bible.

Take for example, the golden rule (to bring my post back on topic - grin), which I think has enormous value. Observe:

the Golden Rule.

Bahia
And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy
neighbour that which thou choosest for thyself.

Hindu Faith
This is the sum of duty: do naught to others which if done to thee would cause thee pain,
The Mahabharata

Zoroastrian Faith
Whatever is disagreeable to yourself do not do unto others.
Shayast-na-Shayast 13:29

Buddhist Faith
Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.
Udana-Varga

Muslim Faith
No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.
Hadith

African Traditional Religions
One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.
Yoruba Proverb (Nigeria)

Do not do unto others what angers you if done to you by others.
Isocrates 436-338 BCE

Tzu-kung asked, 'Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one's life?' The Master said, 'It is perhaps the word shu. Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.'
Confucianism. Analects, 15.24

A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated.
Jainism. Sutrakritanga 1.11.33

Try your best to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself, and you will find that this is the shortest way to benevolence.
Confucianism. Mencius VII.A.4

Comparing oneself to others in such terms as Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I, he should neither kill nor cause others to kill.
Buddhism. Sutta Nipata 705

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah; all the rest of it is commentary; go and learn.
Judaism. Talmud, Shabbat 31a And finally, the bible catches up with: All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do
ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
The Gospel of Matthew ( Matt 7:12, Luke 6:31) Fascinating. Truly the truth sets you free. :)

om

Non-Bible Believers: What verses still have value to you?

bluecanary

Open mind

OnTheWayOut

Chalam

Proverbs 19:11 (New International Version)

Gregor

WTWizard

Georgiegirl

chickpea

JWoods

Open mind

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