What I think About the Bible...

[CcolTonS7]

The Bible is a record of the evolution of Human Reasoning.

[ObServant]

Not a very good record - where are Socrates and Plato, or Confucius and Buddha? Similarities of course, but not a 'record'.

[Shekinah]

Originally Posted by CcolTonS7

The Bible is a record of the evolution of Human Reasoning.

Much of it was plagiarized from earlier Egyptian Book of the Dead assembled and conceived by a powerful priesthood as a tool to influence the masses by fear and intimidation with myths of a jealous and vengeful God. Not very reasonable reasoning and an antagonist for wars and acts of inhumanity throughout many ages. Today it and it's twin sibling the Koran (both fostered by the tribes of Abraham) influences affairs of State and international relations that have led us to the brink of Armageddon.

[lemex]

Originally Posted by ObServant

Not a very good record - where are Socrates and Plato, or Confucius and Buddha? Similarities of course, but not a 'record'.

Does the poster mean the OT or the Torah. The original stories of the OT were borrowed and it was and involved a style of writing. I'm certain all know how religions and society borrow from each other. You can't look at the original and try to explain it as objective. Here's a few things you may not know about the century written style. I know I'll forget to mention a few things, a fascinating subject.

First we are trying to treat religion the same, but the context was different. Look at the writers, how outlandish the stories were, they were trying tell information in and as stories. In fact they were so well written some people believe they are literal, though they were real. This is were much confusions lies. Language and usage was very different and the original served and included poetic and many messages and had hidden meanings, there was a lot symbolism. The original was a one source writing. The original book was more then one book but even topics. It included the things about tradition and the people and society as well. It was ritual, was religious, a history book, tradition, certainly it gave guidance, and even gave laws, it was a cultural document, even as a political document. No there are certain parts of the bible that cannot be thought of as just this or that. Some information was given, wasn't suppose to be challenged, and not be precise, so no matter what you do it can't be, if it is these thing. So history yes, but written in a particular style. All things written were a style and story telling.

We accept and can strip away the poetry and language and a lot facts which have lead us to where we are are concerning concepts. Personally, I like many of the new theories about God we find here.