How do YOU interpret the Bible today?
By hellcord
@hellcord (673)
Romania
October 13, 2008 7:19am CST
Today I was having a discussion on religious topics with a friend, and we reached the topic of violence, bigotry and all sorts of intolerance being encouraged in the Bible.
Since my friend said she did not know any cases thereof, nor did she believe there could be any, I went on some searching, and found the actual verses. I found them here: http://www.evilbible.com/Murder
Now I am not a christian, nor do I have any other mainstream religion. I only look for anything that leads to harmony, peace and understanding among people, and brings balance in an unbalanced world.
After reading some verses on that site, I must say I wonder how the people of Israel even survived to this day, given the strong violent nature of some of their prophets.
Personal oppinions aside, I do know some good christians as well. My question is: how do YOU interpret the bible? Ignore the 'bad' sections altogether? Or do you try to find some constructive explanation on ideas like
- Kill all adulterers (Leviticus 20:10)
- Kill children that curse their parents (Leviticus 20:9)
- Kill girls that are not virgins on their wedding night (Deuteronomy 22:20)
- Kill anyone that works during Sabbath (Exodus 31:12)
.. and many more like it. I know that some of them may be improper/ inexact translations of the original texts, but surely the violent/ intolerant state of mind is clearly present. What do you make of this sort of content?
1 response
@BubblyIan (750)
•
13 Oct 08
I am not a member of any of the organised religions. However I have spent much time discussing these sort of issues with religious people.
In simple terms everyone 'cherry picks' those aspects of their religion that they find appropriate. Some denominations make a big deal out of certian aspects of the bible that they consider more important. You can see a huge difference in worship between say a catholic and a baptist minister.
Similarly for other religions around the world. You have extremists in all fields. The basic beliefs of all religions are pretty much common and not unique to religion since they were common sense long before the latest organised religions took hold.
I think the big problem is with people who having rejected religion have no morals or values at all. There needs to be a kind of secular moral structure for the non-believers of the world.
1 person likes this
@hellcord (673)
• Romania
14 Oct 08
You're right, a moral structure outside religion must exist.
Personally I let my herbs do most of the moral guidance - Ever since I found the proper herb to use, I am about 100% nonviolence, 100% live and let live, 100% follow your fun, talents and enthusiasms in life, and make the best of your potential :D
Wish I could spread this herb in the world some more, so we could all allign to such ideas, and then pursue our different interests in peace and tolerance on this planet. I'm hoping that time will come, and soon :)
