Favorite character in the Bible

chozometroid

Other than Jesus the Christ.....

I'm not sure(as I type this), because I just thought of this question. You have David, with whom we almost get to experience a life-long journey from being a young shepherd boy to a mighty king. Then of course there's Noah, Moses, Elijah, Boaz, Ruth, Saul, Solomon, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and the list goes on.

I will have to go for: Job. This man is truly an inspiration. I have to say Jesus is the perfect example of how to live, but Job's faith and perserverance are absolutely astonishing. His character is definitely an example to follow as well. He made it through the worst you could experience in life.
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him."

After asking God to remove His protection from Job, Satan ultimately failed in his efforts to bring Job down. Job was very pious, and had great wealth and a large family. Satan destroyed his family and everything he owned, and cursed him with boils from head to toe. His wife suggested he curse God and die.
Job did not sin. He made it through, and proved that his faith was rooted in more than flesh and material things.
In the end, Job had more children with his wife, and God restored all that was taken from him.

Jesus Wept

Satan

philologos

The-Rigger wrote: »

Satan

I hope that this thread won't be derailed like the last one.

As for Biblical characters I like King David, truly human. Samson and I also like Daniel. There's quite a few that I like because they tell us so much about human nature. These people help us to understand humanity more.

kelly1

Probably best to ignore the trolls and hope they go away....

Off the top of my head, I'd say St. Peter. Sure he made a few big boo-boos but he was ultimately transformed by Christ's grace. He's a character I can relate to.

PDN

The-Rigger wrote: »

Satan

Banned for a week.

JimiTime

Like Kelly1, I can really relate to Peter, doesn't do things by halves, wears his heart on his sleeve, and shows such moments of both strength and weakness.

As a kid, I must say Samson was a favourite for obvious reasons:) So many of my OT heroes had such tragic sides too. The aforementioned Samson. Solomon, David etc.

David for me is a great great story though. I absolutely love when he gets to the Goliath scence. His absolute faith. His, 'but what are you afraid of, we have God on our side' faith. Brilliant! I remember, and this is not to be boastful, but rather its my own tragedy as I've since lost it, having a certain amount of that kind of fearless faith as a child. Probably what Jesus referred to when he was talking about us being childlike. Anyway, the disappointment then, when he falls for Bathsheeba and has Uriah killed. Then his child been taken away from him, has me in tears everytime. Even his mourning for his rebellious son Absalam. Up unto death though, he remained a faithful servant of God. I hope to meet him some day, he'd be some man to share a pint with:)

Job has to get a mention too, but its Davids story that brings me personally on the rollercoaster.

PDN

For me it has to be Paul. He saw something that the other apostles didn't appear to realise - that fulfilling the Great Commission and preaching the Gospel to all nations could not happen if the Church just remained a subsection within Judaism. I've recently been filming a series of DVD teachings on Galatians, and I was once again greatly impressed by Paul's clarity of thought and his ability to see the big picture.

JimiTime

PDN wrote: »

I've recently been filming a series of DVD teachings on Galatians, and I was once again greatly impressed by Paul's clarity of thought and his ability to see the big picture.

Are these dvd's for public audience? i.e. Can we get ourselves a copy?:)

PDN

JimiTime wrote: »

Are these dvd's for public audience? i.e. Can we get ourselves a copy?:)

PM me. There might be a slight conflict of interest if a mod is pimping his wares in the forum!

Zamboni

I'd have to go with Zacchaeus! Zacchaeus!
Hell even the Beetles wrote a song for him.

Phototoxin

PDN wrote: »

Banned for a week.

In fairness Satan is an interesting character... its quite dramatically tragic really. A monk and I once had a discussion about making the book of revelation into a film and having arnie as satan and st michael as stallone..

Anyway my choice would be Ezekiel as he got to see God making skeleton zombies in his book. But that's more of a book so maybe Bel who explodes a dragon with buns. It's pretty cool

JimiTime

Zamboni wrote: »

I'd have to go with Zacchaeus! Zacchaeus!
Hell even the Beetles wrote a song for him.

Zacchaeus was a greedy little man,
he cheated all the people in the land,
for the rent they coudn't pay
he would take their land away
oh zacchaeus was a gredy little man.
Zacchaeus, Zacchaeus.:D

Didn't know the beatles wrote that.:) (NB: Just in case the humour was not detected, i know you were referring to 'Taxman' rather than our old school song above:))

Oh the memories...

Soul Winner

Paul because through Him God unraveled the mysteries of the Old Testament. Without Paul I fail to see how the church would have grown.

Others in order to preference:

Peter - Because if God can work with the likes of Peter then there is hope for us all.

David - Same reason as Peter. An oft failing human being whom God called a man after His own heart which I think is very encouraging.

Thomas - Because Jesus submitted to his test and showed him his wounds. That should encourage all doubters. Jesus did not condemn him, he just said that it is more blessed to believe having not seen, but still submitted to his test.

Jacob/Israel - Again a failure at times embodying every human frailty and yet God still strove with him.

Samson - No airs or graces. A bit dumb at times but very lovable also.

Gideon - A normal Joe Soap who did great things by God's power

Elijah - Great great faith.

Joseph (Son of Jacob) - Probably the most perfect man in the Bible after Jesus and possibly Job. There is only one flaw recorded for him and even that was nothing compared to most of our normal failings. If he were the only character in the Bible then his life would not encourage me very much. Give me Peter or David any day for that but you have to admire Joseph for his character.

Jeremiah - Because he's buried in Ireland

Abishai - Because he wanted to cut off Shimei's head for cursing God's anointed king. :pac:

There are others but the above sort of stick it out the most.

jaffa20

The word "character" has connotations of fictionality. I'd choose your wording carefully if you're a strong believer.

But i guess, we can never really prove or disprove whether the bible is fictional or not. But something has to be proven before it is disproven...

Mickeroo

I always liked samson and king david. When i was a kid i always enjoyed the old testament stories, I don't think i even realised they were all from the same book at the time!

dang it,i cant get the youtube link workin but heres url http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKZ5XSKRBJ0

Soul Winner

jaffa20 wrote: »

The word "character" has connotations of fictionality. I'd choose your wording carefully if you're a strong believer.

But i guess, we can never really prove or disprove whether the bible is fictional or not. But something has to be proven before it is disproven...

Something would have to be proven before it is disproven? Now who's not choosing their words carefully?

The word "Character" has many meanings see here

jaffa20

Soul Winner wrote: »

Something would have to be proven before it is disproven? Now who's not choosing their words carefully?

The word "Character" has many meanings see here

Hence, why i said "connotations" which is particulary clear in these definitions

10. a person represented in a drama, story, etc.
11. a part or role, as in a play or film.

1. an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story); "she is the main character in the novel" [syn: fictional character]


Which are the only relevant definitions that can be associated with what the OP is asking as we are talking about "people" in the bible, not the characteristics of the people in question.

philologos

jaffa20, Biblical figures then if that makes you happy.

Nodin

As this thread has already devolved, I don't think I'm lowering the tone by suggesting Charlton Heston.

chozometroid

Nodin wrote: »

As this thread has already devolved, I don't think I'm lowering the tone by suggesting Charlton Heston.

It could actually get back on track, if it weren't for posters like you.

To get back on track, I will give another Biblical figure(s).

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: the Hebrew boys who were captured and brought to Bablyon, and put to work under King Nebuchadnezzar. They refused to eat his unclean food, and proved themselves to be more healthy than the locals by eating vegetables only. Daniel eventually interpreted the king's prophetic dream, when none of his wise men could. The king made him ruler of the province. His three "friends" are thrown into a firey furnace after refusing to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's idol, but are saved by God.

Soul Winner

jaffa20 wrote: »

Hence, why i said "connotations" which is particulary clear in these definitions

10. a person represented in a drama, story, etc.
11. a part or role, as in a play or film.

1. an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story); "she is the main character in the novel" [syn: fictional character]


Which are the only relevant definitions that can be associated with what the OP is asking as we are talking about "people" in the bible, not the characteristics of the people in question.

What about this one?

A notable or well-known person; a personage.

jaffa20

Soul Winner wrote: »

What about this one?

A notable or well-known person; a personage.

Depends how much you read into that definition literarly.

He's a right character Jesus, i'd love to get to know him better. I think is the sense the above definition gives.

Soul Winner

jaffa20 wrote: »

Depends how much you read into that definition literarly.

He's a right character Jesus, i'd love to get to know him better. I think is the sense the above definition gives.

OK enough with the linguistic for now, I'm sorry I opened my mouth :rolleyes: Anyway who is your favorite character in the Bible? You don't have to believe in any of them to answer.

MatthewVII

Although I'm an atheist, when I read the Bible I think I admired Jonathan from the Book of Samuel the most. Took a lot of guts to stick by David when Saul was being a prick.

postcynical

Soul Winner wrote: »

Jeremiah - Because he's buried in Ireland

:eek: Tell me more:)

postcynical

My two favourites are both popular ones:

OT: Job. I usually keep Job in my prayers. One spiritual paradox which I'll share here is that I would love to have Job's faith and the opportunity to demonstrate it. But I'm terrified of losing any of the wonderful blessings God has given me in this life. At the moment, Job is the main character for me to ponder as I grow spiritually.

NT: Paul. Two aspects not mentioned earlier: Firstly, he started out as a persecuter of Christians and did an about turn which gives all of us hope; secondly, he was a learned person rather than a simple chap like most of the other characters. As a city person, much of the poetry and wisdom of the Biblical stories are lost on me, being rich in Earthy metaphor as many of them are. Paul's work brings everything together in a very intellectually satisfying manner. Oh, and thirdly, his writing is beautiful.

gaynorvader

My favourite charater was Judas. I always felt he was misrepresented by the gospels. It always seemed to me that Christ planned to die, in order to forgive sins.

JimiTime

gaynorvader wrote: »

My favourite charater was Judas. I always felt he was misrepresented by the gospels. It always seemed to me that Christ planned to die, in order to forgive sins.

So you reckon he didn't betray Jesus, but rather Jesus told him to go to the Jewish priests and sell him out? Obviously the fact that Jesus met his destiny through Judas' betrayal, takes away nothing from Judas' guilt unless Jesus himself ordered him to do it. If this was the case, I'd wonder where you get the evidence for this?

Mickeroo

JimiTime wrote: »

So you reckon he didn't betray Jesus, but rather Jesus told him to go to the Jewish priests and sell him out? Obviously the fact that Jesus met his destiny through Judas' betrayal, takes away nothing from Judas' guilt unless Jesus himself ordered him to do it. If this was the case, I'd wonder where you get the evidence for this?

wasn't there evidence for this in The DaVinci Code??

gaynorvader

JimiTime wrote: »

So you reckon he didn't betray Jesus, but rather Jesus told him to go to the Jewish priests and sell him out? Obviously the fact that Jesus met his destiny through Judas' betrayal, takes away nothing from Judas' guilt unless Jesus himself ordered him to do it. If this was the case, I'd wonder where you get the evidence for this?

You're asking for evidence for something which is written in the bible? That seems a little unfair. I was just saying that it's easy to paint someone bad, to blame them. I think I heard from someone that it says as much in the gospel according to Judas. Although I'm not sure, because last I checked the gospel or whatever you want to call it was in bad disrepair.
Personally, the fact(according to the bible) that Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, and the fact he went willingly with the soldiers, at least points to some sort of collaboration between the two, as Judas also threw away the coin and hung himself afterwards.

JimiTime

gaynorvader wrote: »

You're asking for evidence for something which is written in the bible?

Eh, no. I'm asking if your assertion, re-quoted below, is based on something more than a hunch or feeling:

'I always felt he was misrepresented by the gospels. It always seemed to me that Christ planned to die, in order to forgive sins.'

That seems a little unfair.

Why? You come along and say that Judas is your favourite biblical figure, stating that you have a 'feeling' he is misrepresented. I think its quite fair to ask if you have some evidence to back up this feeling.

I was just saying that it's easy to paint someone bad, to blame them.

No you weren't, you were saying that he is your favourite biblical figure, based on your feeling that he was misrepresented. This seems odd to me, and tbh, seems like you were just trying to be controversial. If your 'feeling' is wrong, then your favourite biblical figure is a greedy liar who can't be trusted. Again, I think it fair to ask why you think he was misrepresented.

I think I heard from someone that it says as much in the gospel according to Judas. Although I'm not sure, because last I checked the gospel or whatever you want to call it was in bad disrepair.

Ok, the question still stands if you don't know the content of the book or its origins, have you any basis for your 'feeling' of misrepresentation?

Personally, the fact(according to the bible) that Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, and the fact he went willingly with the soldiers, at least points to some sort of collaboration between the two, as Judas also threw away the coin and hung himself afterwards.

I would say thats very poor reasoning, and is a huge assumption, that doesn't actually make much sense. As I said, this seems like more of a 'controversial' choice than you actually having a genuine favourite figure. If I'm wrong, then apologies. I just totally don't get how you arrived at your assumptions.

Ickle Magoo

My favourite character is Noah...

I think you've got to be pretty special to build an enormous boat to house your family & two of every animal and then let everyone else drown & have your sons repopulate the earth. Good Dad & a fantastic animal lover - AND he invented wine...Noah gets my vote!

Noble Knight

Ezekiel and his book. (Old Testament)

The author of the Epistles of John (New Testament)

getz

MARY MAGDALENE is the woman who was present at the crucifixion was present at the burial and was the first to meet the risen jesus, and as history has proved the church because she was femail ,tried to link her to the prostitute that is also mentioned in the new testament ,the pope in the 1980s admitted they got it wrong,[[she was told like the disciples to go out and preach]in 60 AD any history of her was then removed/

boringteetotal

I think Job is amazing. He still praised God in spite of the storm he went through. What an example for all christians to follow.

gaynorvader

JimiTime wrote: »

Eh, no. I'm asking if your assertion, re-quoted below, is based on something more than a hunch or feeling:

'I always felt he was misrepresented by the gospels. It always seemed to me that Christ planned to die, in order to forgive sins.'

It's a feeling, just like you feel that god exists.

JimiTime wrote: »

Why? You come along and say that Judas is your favourite biblical figure, stating that you have a 'feeling' he is misrepresented. I think its quite fair to ask if you have some evidence to back up this feeling.

Quote(Wikipedia): according to a preliminary translation made in early 2006 by the National Geographic Society: the Gospel of Judas appears to interpret Judas's act not as betrayal, but rather as an act of obedience to the instructions of Jesus. This assumption is taken on the basis that Jesus required a second agent to set in motion a course of events which he had planned. In that sense Judas acted as a catalyst. The action of Judas, then, was a pivotal point which interconnected a series of simultaneous pre-orchestrated events.

JimiTime wrote: »

No you weren't, you were saying that he is your favourite biblical figure, based on your feeling that he was misrepresented. This seems odd to me, and tbh, seems like you were just trying to be controversial. If your 'feeling' is wrong, then your favourite biblical figure is a greedy liar who can't be trusted. Again, I think it fair to ask why you think he was misrepresented.

I would counter that if people's 'feelings' have been wrong on the subject of God, which some people's probably have been, then many people died needlessly for religion or because of religion. I was saying he was misrepresented and that's why he's my favourite biblical figure, the underdog kind of.

JimiTime wrote: »

Ok, the question still stands if you don't know the content of the book or its origins, have you any basis for your 'feeling' of misrepresentation?

I had a jist of it, more info above.

JimiTime wrote: »

I would say thats very poor reasoning, and is a huge assumption, that doesn't actually make much sense. As I said, this seems like more of a 'controversial' choice than you actually having a genuine favourite figure. If I'm wrong, then apologies. I just totally don't get how you arrived at your assumptions.

Wow, accused of poor reasoning for believing some old text written on behalf of a disciple of Jesus Christ by a Christian. That's kind of contradictory. Sorry if this is a bit snide, but your replies have been too and I'm a little immature on the tit for tat front. Hopefully the above quote will help you understand where I'm coming from better.

JimiTime

gaynorvader wrote: »

It's a feeling, just like you feel that god exists.

I see where this is goin'.

Quote(Wikipedia): according to a preliminary translation made in early 2006 by the National Geographic Society: the Gospel of Judas appears to interpret Judas's act not as betrayal, but rather as an act of obedience to the instructions of Jesus. This assumption is taken on the basis that Jesus required a second agent to set in motion a course of events which he had planned. In that sense Judas acted as a catalyst. The action of Judas, then, was a pivotal point which interconnected a series of simultaneous pre-orchestrated events.

I would counter that if people's 'feelings' have been wrong on the subject of God, which some people's probably have been, then many people died needlessly for religion or because of religion. I was saying he was misrepresented and that's why he's my favourite biblical figure, the underdog kind of.

I had a jist of it, more info above.

Ok, so all and all, it is a rather non-chalant feeling. Can't say I'm convinced its any more than you trying to be a bit controversial on the christian forum. However, if a book you've never read, of which you know not its authenticity or content gives you an idea of a charachter that you can call 'favourite' then fair enough. Still seems odd.

Wow, accused of poor reasoning for believing some old text written on behalf of a disciple of Jesus Christ by a Christian.

Even removing your petty pot-shot, you have said that you haven't even read this text your spouting about, so..........

Sorry if this is a bit snide,

No you're not. You were quite purposely snide. Why apologise about it, you just delete and don't be snide. I think its rather plain that you just wanted to be snide, so don't say sorry for it. Becomes a bit oxymoronic.

but your replies have been too and I'm a little immature on the tit for tat front.

Indeed. Thing is, I made a valid point. A point which your reply has once again highlighted. Would you like to admit that your 'Judas is my favourite biblical figure' post is little more than you looking for a bit of a reaction from the locals?

Hopefully the above quote will help you understand where I'm coming from better.

I'd understand it a bit more, if you had actually read this book you base your 'feeling' on, and presented us with your reasonings as to why you feel its a more accurate account. I may still disagree, but at least it would appear to be a thought out reasoning. My last post left it open for you to redeem your 'reasoning', as something more than some blasé 'feeling'. Instead, you attacked quite ignorantly my belief in God, as if that somehow strenghtened your position. No offence taken btw, I get it all the time. You should really think about it though, and ask yourself why you feel compelled to big up Judas on a christian forum armed with only a feeling based on a book you never read.

gaynorvader

JimiTime wrote: »

I see where this is goin'.

Ok, so all and all, it is a rather non-chalant feeling. Can't say I'm convinced its any more than you trying to be a bit controversial on the christian forum. However, if a book you've never read, of which you know not its authenticity or content gives you an idea of a charachter that you can call 'favourite' then fair enough. Still seems odd.

Not every Christian has read the bible, I know many who have not. I fully admit I do not know for certain the authenticity of the Judas Gospel, but I also can't know for certain the authenticity of any other Gospel. I always thought Judas might have been meant to betray Jesus. This is because of several factors, the main ones being Jesus' willingness to go with the soldiers, the fact that he forgave our sins by dying on the cross, an event brought about, in part, by Judas and the fact that Jesus knew he was going to be betrayed and so could have prevented it.

JimiTime wrote: »

Even removing your petty pot-shot, you have said that you haven't even read this text your spouting about, so..........

It wasn't meant as a pot-shot, it was meant to be a comparison. Even though I presented it in a sarcastic manner.

JimiTime wrote: »

No you're not. You were quite purposely snide. Why apologise about it, you just delete and don't be snide. I think its rather plain that you just wanted to be snide, so don't say sorry for it. Becomes a bit oxymoronic.

You're right, I wasn't really sorry for being snide, but it was late and I knew I'd be sorry in the morning, which I am, whether or not you believe me.

JimiTime wrote: »

Indeed. Thing is, I made a valid point. A point which your reply has once again highlighted. Would you like to admit that your 'Judas is my favourite biblical figure' post is little more than you looking for a bit of a reaction from the locals?

It was perhaps partially to get a rise, but honestly, after Jesus, I find Judas the most interesting character. The fact he didn't have a gospel always seemed disappointing to me. Again sorry for the bluntness of my post, I claim sanctuary under the 'latness of the hour' excuse.

JimiTime wrote: »

I'd understand it a bit more, if you had actually read this book you base your 'feeling' on, and presented us with your reasonings as to why you feel its a more accurate account. I may still disagree, but at least it would appear to be a thought out reasoning. My last post left it open for you to redeem your 'reasoning', as something more than some blasé 'feeling'. Instead, you attacked quite ignorantly my belief in God, as if that somehow strenghtened your position. No offence taken btw, I get it all the time. You should really think about it though, and ask yourself why you feel compelled to big up Judas on a christian forum armed with only a feeling based on a book you never read.

I did have more than just the book, but couldn't articulate it correctly last night. I was afraid of it coming out all muddled and making me look like a fool, which I apparently succeeded in doing anyway.:D

Otaku Girl

My favourite Biblical character has to be Satan.Anyone who has the neck to take on God and his divine army with only a third of the angels has to be pretty bad ass:D