Do you think people take the bible too seriously? (page 2)

Blueblades

There has been so much bloodshed over the Bible,what do you think that tells us?

Sirius Dogma

Well, its not like people have been killed over it. Wait, millions have been killed over it for centuries.

Ok, the answer is yes

Bryan

Two problems I have with the authenticity of the bible.

1. Bible says man is only 6,000 years old. We know for a fact man has been here for over 20,000 years.

2. This may be personal, but I feel it makes sense: I look at the extremists of the middle east (Jews & Muslems) and I think... These are the people who wrote the bible! I don't think they've gotten worse over the centuries, if anything they have lightened up. They believe in stoning women for adultry but of course not the men. Don't eat this, do that, cover your face... bla, bla, bla...

I would never follow people like that.

My 2 cents,

Bryan

Double Edge

1. I think the Bible was inspired by our Creator to be used as one of life's roadmaps. HOWEVER,

2. Some people, instead of living life and being 'guided' by the map, they are totally wearing blinders and are focused on the map, missing out on their life journey. There are many positive and inspired things in the Bible... there are also many man-made writings. Personally, I think God has 'allowed' the Bible to come forth as it is so that we could use our God-given brain to reason out which writings are "treasures" and which are not.

Narkissos

Yes.

And no.

The Bible (with earlier, contemporary or later texts) is an essential part in understanding who we are and what we are. In that sense it has to be taken seriously and critically...

Edited to add: DantheMan, your new avatar reminds me something great, stupidly lost over 30 years ago in a JW autodafe...

Purple

I agree with you dustyb. Especially when you look at how wide the interpretations are and what is done in the name of the book! I mean just look at the catholic church. I can't see any evidence of the qualities talked about in that book displayed by its leaders. What about the squillions it has and what is the percentage of world's riches it holds????????? I was raised a catholic so I do have an incling of what I am talking about. Like growing up I literally had one set of clothes because mum and dad had to give to the church and it took all their spare cash. I know I should be greatful to have had one set of clothes when many in the world have nothing. But my point is when did you ever hear a priest or a nun complain of only having one set of clothes? Or when did you last see a priest or nun not live in plentiful circumstances in the west or sacrificing what they had to share with anybody????? Now I am not even going to start with the Borg becasue that has been done to death! I wish there was an org that would have the guts to stand up and say "basically the bible is the world's most used and misinterpreted book. Basically it can mean whatever you want it to mean, depending upon the influence you want to influence over what type of people!" Of course then we have a tv evangelists who millions folllow and support. They are the smartest users of this book. Look at the squillions they make. Gosh it is a wonderful marketing tool if nothing else!

MorpheuzX

Umm...yes and furthermore yes! People need to lighten up. It's only a book. Here's a great satire on the topic:

http://www.theonion.com/onion3525/fundamentalist_aesopians.html

If the link doesn't work, here's The Onion's story

Fundamentalist Aesopians Interpret Fox-Grapes Parable Literally

MONTGOMERY, AL?A controversial new bill pending before the Alabama Legislature has deeply divided the state along theological lines, sending right-wing fundamentalist Aesopians into an uproar. HR 1604, if passed, would broaden nutritional guidelines used in the state's school-lunch program, permitting a wider variety of fruits and vegetables to be served, including grapes, the consumption of which is a sin according to Aesopian doctrine.

"The state of Alabama is trying to bully us into submission," said Herman Bray, Pastor of the First Universal Church Of Aesop in Huntsville. "They're trying to rob us of our most cherished beliefs and send our children the message that grapes are acceptable for eating."

Clutching a worn, leather-bound copy of Aesop's Parables, Bray explained his congregation's strict opposition to the law.

"The Holy Writ of Aesop makes it plain that the fox, in his anger at the unreachable grapes, cursed the offending fruit and made all grapes sour forever," Bray said. "It is common sense?and a core belief of the Church Of Aesop?that this is a directive from Aesop Himself against grape consumption. Grapes are plainly exposed as a foul, sour-tasting fruit which dirties both body and soul, and this is a strict tenet of our dietary code." Alabama Aesopians are threatening to take their children out of school if the bill becomes law.

"Our beliefs and history have been laughed off by the secular media as fiction, as 'fables,'" Bray continued. "But the fox-and-the-grapes incident is not just some fantasy concocted by the Aesopian Right. Our research has determined that it most likely occurred between 605 and 602 B.C.E. in the province of Phrygia, was witnessed by a young Aesop and ultimately recorded in what became the Holy Book of Aesopians. Our church's archaeological and historical data all confirm the details recorded in the Aesop account."

The Aesopians' claims have provoked strong reaction among academics. "They think what? That this is a directive not to eat grapes?" asked Darrin Schmidt, professor of folklore and mythology at NYU. "The whole point of the story is that the grapes aren't sour at all. I think that's pretty unambiguous." Bray dismissed Schmidt's comments as "heretical anti-Aesopian hate speech."

Curtis Milner, president of the Birmingham-based Aesopian Coalition, said his organization is prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court if Alabama passes what he calls "an openly hostile, blatantly anti-Aesopian piece of legislation."

"These lawmakers are attacking our most closely held beliefs," Milner said. "Not only is it disrespectful; it is a clear violation of the Constitution of this land."

According to Milner, the beliefs of the Aesopians are simple and direct. "We honor the courage and the noble sacrifice of Aesop, who gave His life to educate the world, not backing down even to the day of His execution by the wicked Athenian despot Peisistratus," Milner said. "That event, though tragic on the surface, was actually a day of exhilarating triumph over evil, for as a result of it, the histories painstakingly recorded by Aesop gained immortality."

"He died for us all," Milner added.

heathen

My point was more to the fact that people don't take the bible message very seriously . I think people will fight to the death over just about anything including the bible but seem to miss the point when it comes to the actual message of love thy neighbor as yourself .

Do you think people take the bible too seriously?

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