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

Cookoo

I'm starting to think the description of Tarantinoesque might actually be appropriate for both testaments. There is a LOT of foot washing in the NT.

I think that's probably enough blaspheming for me for one evening. Toodle pip.

It's all bullshit but a lovely storeys first if you like that kind of stuff.

yes you are probably right about Genesis. Those stories are similar in most of the ancient religions of Europe / Africa / Asia (including Hinduism) and are probably based on an ancient common religion that didn’t necessary view good and evil in simplistic terms.

@HouchinBawbags

Hang on a minute some PPs. So the bible should be read and understood in context and was applicable only to its time. So the word of god applied only when owning slaves, killing Male children and married women but keeping the untouched girls for yourselves, beating wives, chopping limbs off and stoning people to death was absolutely fine? So god, being omnipotent, knowing everything that was, is and will come to pass was unable to comprehend that humans with the absolute basics of morality find the bible instructions abhorrent and disgusting? Is he omnipotent or not then? And why the NT revision? Is god in fact fallible? If so is he a god?

I'm sorry but the bible(s) are works of fiction written by MEN and men alone. Primitive, stupid, nasty men at that too. And the same goes for most of the other religious books too.

The God of genesis is similar to the Gods of ancient greece / hinduism / egypt - is probably omipotent but disinterested or actively using humanity as entertainment.

The snake in the garden of eden probably represents another knowledge / healing based (possibly athiest) religion that was active across the Middle East and Asia in ancient times. It’s one of the reasons why many Hindus still worship snakes.

I like that one where jesus smote a fig tree to show it what's what.

There is certainly a lot of wisdom in it, indeed. There's also quite a lot of shite. If you find it helpful, then read away.

I'm sure that there is both wisdom and nonsense in most holy books. As long as people read them with some degree of critical thinking, I'm sure that they can be very helpful.

I read most of the bible as a child into my early teenage years. That's why I'm a pagan.

Although, I really do enjoy reading some of the stories, and I always found Revelations to be good fun to read. Song of Songs is genuinely good though. I like the stories where Jesus does magic and rebels against society.

Those stories are similar in most of the ancient religions of Europe / Africa / Asia (including Hinduism) and are probably based on an ancient common religion that didn’t necessary view good and evil in simplistic terms.

That might be because they are Abrahamic and have shared roots. Three of the major world religions are very closely related in their origins and their holy scripture. They also have similar beliefs about morals and ethics.

I went to a lecture once where the lecturer discussed whether God was benevolent, or malevolent. It was very interesting. ie, does God sent disasters to hurt us, or does he save us from them.
I found it very thought provoking, and I'm not even religious.

I don't believe in god so not read it all. I have read parts but found it boring.

The psalms have some really beautiful poetry.

God botherers have started up in my town too. I find having such complete nonsense pushed at me very annoying.

I love the lyricism of the bible - and seeing so many everyday phrases and expressions that we use originating from there. I totally get why people read it for fun.

Dear Poster @Lardlizard

You are certainly NOT unreasonable to think that.

The bible is an amazing compilation of books that reveal two main things.

1. Human nature - origins, what it's like and where it leads to
2. God's nature, God's Love & God's plan to renew creation.

The bible clearly tells us the best way to live according to God's design and it's very clear that when we go outside of it, it leads to brokenness, which a lot of the bible covers, yet even in the brokenness God loves us and desires to save us all from ourselves.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
"

Also, our modern-day society ideals of human rights, justice, fairness and love is built on the Bible, Tom Holland is a good author to read on this and he is an Atheist.

"The Bible has had a massive influence on literature and history, especially in the Western world, where the Gutenberg Bible was the first book printed using movable type.
According to the March 2007 edition of Time, the Bible "has done more to shape literature, history, entertainment, and culture than any book ever written. Its influence on world history is unparalleled, and shows no signs of abating." - Wikipedia

Poster, your openness is a good thing. Keep reading, you will be truly transformed

Arguably the most influential book of all time...so not really sure why you seem surprised!

@Lardlizard

I don’t think I’m actually really religious, although I guess I hope it’s all true, but I think I’m fairly spiritual

What does this even mean?

I don't believe in god so not read it all. I have read parts but found it boring.
So you only ever read non-fiction?

@totallyyesno you must admit it could have used a better editor.

*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 !*
I learnt it from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! I agree, it's often very apt.
I read the bible when I was a teenager as I was interested and wanted to study English Lit at uni (although it seems that it's not considered essential reading now bizarrely). I only read the Catholic bible more recently though - loved The Book of Tobit /Tobias and it has inspired amazing art too.

@porcupineinwaiting - oh definitely- there are some bits I am sure I will never read again eg Deuteronomy. Of course, it has been heavily edited which is why there are so many different versions and translations. It makes no sense when people claim they believe "everything" in the bible as there are so many contradictions and different types of text. That's what makes it fascinating.

If you want your children to become atheists, send them to a catholic school. Children are very good at questioning inconsistencies and unreliable sources. It worked for mine .

Some parables have excellent advice fir us all.
E.g jesus refusing to condemn an "adulteress" saying he who is without sin cast the first stone.
That's a great one to live by.
And the story of the prodigal son

Water into wine = epic
Sermon on the mount = wise
Zombie Jesus rising from the dead = WTF?
Four horsemen of apocalypse = Aaaarrrgh!

Love me even though I will never show myself to you or come round to your house for tea but I will bring plague on the lands and kill people and give them horrible diseases, just for a laugh = no, this whole thing is mental.

Which version - there are over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts, over 10,000 Hebrew Old Testament manuscripts and over 19,000 copies in Syriac, Coptic, Latin & Aramaic languages?
You can pretty well pick and choose your own version, presumably to meet your own prejudices and bias, as many churches have done.