To think there’s actually so much wisdom in the bible

[Lardlizard]

I can see why it’s so popular
Almost like an early age self help book in some ways
Also hymns

Yes I agree. Lots of wisdom in the Old AND New testaments. If you’re planning a reread I’d recommend the Bible in one year app - it gives a bit of OT, a bit of NT and a psalm or proverb each day, along with some commentary from Nicky Gumble which is really helpful for context etc.

Lin I’ll check that out, thanks

Yes op I agree. Some great stories and morals in parts of it.

Super helpful if you ever need to understand the finer details when it comes to slave owning. Or the wearing of mixed fabrics.

Although if NT is more your thing I very much enjoy that one time Jesus made a demon inhabit a herd of pigs and they all then ran off a cliff. That was a good one.

Broken down many primary religious texts say good things, the problem usually arises when religions get hold of them and start using the contextualising stories meant to make the message more understandable in the era in which they were written to control others, usually through fear and make political advancements.

Of course the Bible has been heavily edited (both in terms of which texts have been included/excluded and also how they have translated. Eg Arguably the Book of Enoch and the Gospel of Judas offer a more rounded view than relying on Genesis and the synoptic Gospels.

But pick up many religious texts, take away the organisational element you can take something to improve life. In fact reading as many different texts as possible (rather than studying the religions) would be a far better use of RE lessons, people might then learn something valuable.

I won’t pretend to have read it all, but I have read a lot of it (at one time was considering studying theology)
I mean...there is some basic morality and kindness which is good, and there are a lot of bits that are sort of irrelevant and rambling/perhaps historical...Some bits that are fiction, to put it plainly, some are conjecture (Revelations)...and some bits that are completely bonkers and wrong (mainly OT)

To be perfectly honest it’s a huge work that was written, revised and edited by a LOT of different men, and it shows. I don’t think any sweeping statements can be made about it.

My favourite story is the one when Jesus turns water into wine and basically orchestrates a massive piss-up. That was the bible reading at mine and DH’s wedding

Considering the messages of morality & kindness it’s strange that those who follow it most closely tend to be nasty pricks.

I didn’t know the story about the herd of pigs ! I want to read that one
I remember reading the little red one you get given at school as a kid in my bedroom and my dad finding me reading it, and wasn’t too happy about it

Angelo sounds good

No book people are violently forced to read can be good.

Perhaps it should be taken like any advice, listen to the parts that make sense and resonate with you

@CareBear50 maybe it is because the people you talk to are more familiar with the contents of the bible than the Verdas or likewise? Maybe they've have been oppressed by a society shaped by Christianity rather than, say, Buddhism.? Maybe its because, living in the UK, it is safer to voice dissent than it is in to criticise Islam in Islamic countries?

I love it. But it really does need context. A good commentary or study Bible is worth the investment. If you’re reading passages without any idea of the historical context, social conditions at the time, or style of writing then it’s very hard to get the true meaning.

For example the start of Genesis about creation is written as a (non rhyming) poem with symmetrical patterns. But some people just read it like a scientific textbook! Once you understand some of the layers it gets even more fascinating.

Of course! I'm astonished how many people disagree. I'm an atheist, but the bible is very moving. Even just its history, generations of people passing down the stories and proverbs aurally and then carefully recording, translating, copying by hand before it was printed. Amazing. How can anyone be indifferent to that? But also, the different parts are fascinating. The stories are so concise and evocative.and there are bits of wisdom as you say. Even the weird rapey parts are kind of interesting because like what. We're so lucky to have such an ancient document so well preserved and accessible. I'm going to make all my kids read it cover to cover (skipping some of the boring books perhaps) even though they'll probably grow up atheist, although who knows.

I have read quite a bit of the bible (Catholic school!) but often think 'was that the bible or Shakespeare?' about various sayings

DS1 is starting Catholic school in September and I'm gutted he's probably going to miss out on lots of hymns this year due to the Coronavirus. Tuesday afternoon hymn practise was my favourite bit of primary! I was well behaved so often got trusted with a tambourine

Lardlizard

This too shall pass
Is so apt

It's also not from the Bible.

Which considering the worse atrocities are done in the name of religion.....

I agree with ‘treat people how you would like to be treated’ ie not patronising, with respect and probably humour.

“But my brother Esau is an hairy man, but I am a smooth man.”

Never were truer words written. Such wisdom.

@Lardlizard it's in the synoptic gospels but not John if I'm remembering rightly. Revelations is a hoot too. Deffo my favourite book (Leviticus being a close second).

I really, REALLY enjoyed religious studies A Level. Despite being told repeatedly that I shouldn't be treating Bible study like an English Lit exercise. Apparently I was supposed to be listening to the underlying truth not nitpicking the stated number of soldiers and pointing out that the whole thing is riddled with continuity errors.

@ShinyMe

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Best. Response. Ever! Mike drop.

@Lardlizard

I do really like aesop's fables and Greek mythology too (And various inspirational quotes etc)

Well hats all right then

Don't cast pearls before swine
Tomorrow will worry about itself

Don't cast pearls before swine

One of my favs, learnt that one from someone that not popular in here Jordan Peterson
But it’s so so sensible !

Freezerbird that is so impressive that you knew that.