Think christian science for example. Usually they come up with all sorts of how it could have been scenario's with many maybe's and wild unsupported assumptions.
Indeed. These particular individuals you refer to often quote others as well without background research. In many ways I used to be this way myself 10-15 years ago. So desperate to cling to a belief, that I would deny the faith involved and simply direct a person to another source of information without my own study & insights. It is very silly and certainly unwise/unfair to preach in this way.
The bible endured many hardships but so did countless other religious writings like the Koran and Veda's. Also don't forget the writings of ancient greek philosopher's that were sometimes atheistic/agnostic in nature that have endured persecution from religious people. This is a well known fallacy known as argument from tradition/persecution. If one really believes a book can save your life it is not remarkable to see it getting passed on despite persecution. Besides, the bible did not survive intact. There are many lost books, gospels and writings that are refered to in the bible that are no longer in existance (some fragments are found though). Even today there are many different versions of the bible.
True - there are many gurus out there, that through the ages have pressed their minds to find Godly wisdom. I argue that the accepted texts of the Bible have covered a greater percentage of the planet than any other set of spiritual works and do not exclude nations from adherance and worship of the one God. Christianity goes beyond other faiths in terms of a lack of idolatry and lack of focus upon material worship & gain. Of course, if applied correctly. As a Christian the principles and practises guard ones own mind from excessive bouts of ego bolstering.
The glory within the faith is directed towards the highest source and not an earthly guru or gurus. Or indeed, spirits of the dead.
Shoot me down in flames please
There are different versions of the Bible, but if you own several and cross reference, the message remains pretty much intact throughout.
not all's well but claiming a moral degradation takes place requires a bit of doomthinking.
Here we part. To accept that the very foundation of our society is somehow firmer than it was 100 years ago is to deceive ones mind. The arms race alone is out of control and continuing to be so (check the annual figures). The environmental issues facing the earth are dreadful (again, a search over the internet reveals the truth). The lack of trust within society among people is apparent (take a walk through a large city and simply look at people, the undercurrent of fear should be apparent). To quote an elderly member of my family, "I remember a time when you could leave your house for 1/2 a day, leave your door unlocked and come home safe and sound". Rank materialism is pushed into our faces daily. So to, hightened sexuality. I have had around 20 emails today offering penis enlargement. Another dozen or so offering me drugs. Several aimed at expanding my bank account through easy loans. I think the degradation is there if you look. It isn't hard for me to see. I accept that you choose not to see it that way. I am not a 'doom & gloom' merchant, simply a realist IMO. Although I have my darker moments
Gaps in current knowledge should remain just that. "We don't know at the moment" would be a better thing to say then "God (or some other supernatural entity) did it"
I do not think those gaps exist, I simply believe that the explanations are now denied and hidden from the common psyche (the ultimate tool of control). The malevolant forces are simply aware of fashion and the time we live in at any given moment. They adapt their techniques accordingly. Many ancients were aware of spirit beings and did not deny their existence and influence. May I suggest a study within the works of John Dee or a look at the modern Shaman? Although I would not usually advise looking into occult practise, if you simply take an overview, you'll see the patterns emerge. Spirit creatures manifest themselves in very similar ways, yet use different techniques. Often within the guise of being light bearers. I am currently reading a book called "The Dark Gods / Anthony Roberts" which studies the UFO phenomenom amongst other areas. Very interesting.
I hope you do not feel like I am bashing you here. May I ask you in turn, how you view the bible? Literal, symbolic or something in between? (Partly) Inspired? Errant or Inerrant?
Hey, no problem. Something inbetween and definetly inspired.
