me_right_one wrote: » Yes and Yes. You have to remember that the Bible is not one book. It is a volume of books, each telling a different story. The volume is split into 2 halves, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. The Old Testament was basically the collection of books outlining Jewish law at the time, and the New Testament is everything from when Jesus was born (well just before, actually) up to about 400AD. AFAIK Jews still follow the OT, and Christians follow the NT. Of all the books in the Bible, the 4 Gospels are taken to be factual. These are the books telling the story of Jesus's life. The main events, placenames, rulers of the time etc. can all be corroborated from other historical sources, so the Gospels are taken as fact. Hence the phrase, the Gospel truth. And Yes, it is soooo worth a read. Its not nearly as hard or as word-y as people think. Each chapter is about one computer screen long, and the longest book I have come across yet was only 25 chapters. Yes, some parts are tedious, but overall, its a good read. Jesus was a complete revolutionary. If he was around today, he would be disliked / liked the way Paul Murphy is. He didn't give a sh1t whose feathers he ruffled and in the end, it cost him his life. Its refreshing to see that life may have been less technological 2000 years ago, but people had the same problems as today. Jesus was the original hippie and he had the right attitude. The media today has the most completely wrong perception of Jesus / religion imaginable. Read the Bible for yourself and see. Here's a link to the one I've read. Have a look, and make up your own mind:http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=47
Birneybau wrote: » Best piece of fantasy until Lord Of The Rings came about. And then Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials'.
Grayson wrote: » I didn't notice that but I probably missed it and can't be bothered reading back. I don't know if there's much moral knowledge in the bible. If you include the old testament then there's far more nastiness in it. I do think there is a lot to be gained from it as an understanding of human nature. It's a big part of our history. Probably the most recognisable book in western culture (although harry potter and fifty shades are giving it a run). I'd recommend reading it. I'd say the same for the holy books of most major religions.
captbarnacles wrote: » The Qu'ran is repetitive nonsense as opposed to the bible which is less repetitive nonsense.
Lantus wrote: » I'm fairly sure it didn't cost him his life? Didn't he magically spring back to life? And then floated off to heaven after a short respite.
Grayson wrote: » I forgot to mention the mormon theory. After the Crucifixion (in which he died) Jesus legged it to the US. But Mormon beliefs are crazy even by christian standards.
Riddle101 wrote: » A bit off topic but, you know The Silmarillion which was written by JRR Tolkien and edited by his son Christopher was influenced by the bible.
Roger Mellie Man on the Telly wrote: » Is the Bible classified as factual work? Also, is it worth a read?
Pawwed Rig wrote: » Was an awful book though. The Narnia books would also be very heavily based on the bible - creation ressurection talking animals etc
VinLieger wrote: » Anyone who believes its factual and that all teachings and or stories from it should be applied to modern day life should just go straight back to the caves as theres not much hope for them Its worth a read if you want to be horrified and reinforce any doubts you have about the church
Kamari Round Unit wrote: » What teachings would you like not to apply? Maybe, don't murder or don't commit adultery or perhaps love you're neighbour and live at peace with him.!
solodeogloria wrote: » Good morning! By a cave, do you mean a terraced property on the outskirts of a large city? :pac: On a serious note - I'm keen to understand others with whom I disagree and if the question is what do you make of the Bible of course saying it is the living Word of God is an answer. Let's not prejudge one another. Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ, solodeogloria
brickmauser wrote: » There is a passage from the Bible that says if two men are fighting and a woman steps in amd grabs one of the men by the scrotum her hand shall be cut off. There will be no pity.
Advbrd wrote: » Is the Bible classified as factual work? No. Also, is it worth a read? No. Did a bloke called Jesus, Emmanuel, Yeshua, Brian exist? More than likely. Was he the son of God? No. Did he perform Miracles? No. Is it the most exaggerated piece of nonsense ever written? Probably.
Shenshen wrote: » Stoning adulterers, selling your daughters into slavery, killing women when they've been raped, or, you know, just not killing people generally? Or will we start with the basic ones, like not being allowed to make pictures of what you think god may look like?
solodeogloria wrote: » Good afternoon! I think this is a misconception of Christianity. Christians read the Old Testament Scriptures in light of Jesus and what He has said and done. All sin is truly deserving of death (Romans 1:32). Jesus Christ offers mercy to those who believe and if Jesus has done that for me, how could I expect death for someone else without being an utter hypocrite. Mind you. The Old Testament law is good. (Deuteronomy 4:2). I don't believe that it does encourage death for women who are raped. It is also a category error to conflate slavery in the ancient world to the 17th century slave trade. We'd love for you to ask more on the Christianity forum. Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ, solodeogloria