Christians, isn't it great to be able to defend the violent and nasty parts of the bible by.......?

Question

1) saying that it has to be taken in context

2) saying that it has to taken in the context of the time it was written

3) saying "oh, but that's the old testament that doesn't count anymore ......... except of course when it can back up our arguments"

4) being able to randomly choose which bits are to be taken literally and which bits are to be taken as a metephor.... as the need arises.

The same excuses could be used for any document.

Answer 1

amen

Answer 2

This is the VERY reason I cannot believe that the bible accurately describes who and what god is.

If I have to make up excuses for why God did and ordered so many HORRIBLE things, then it isn't the god I would want to worship or influence others to worship.

I can not honestly use those excuses... nor the "Whatever god does is good" excuse.

If right is right and wrong is wrong... it works the same for those who are all powerful... in fact, the all powerful should be held to a HIGHER standard, as they are... ALL POWERFUL.

There is no context where killing entire civilizations is a good thing.

There is no context where killing entire cities for vague wickedness is a good thing.

There is no context where destroying the inhabitants of the entire planet is a good thing.

There is no context where killing children for disobedience is a good thing.

There is no context where god making a bet with the devil and allowing the complete destruction of a man's lifestyle to prove a point is a good thing.

There is no context where chopping the end of penises off to allow god to know who you are is a good thing.

There is no context where asking a man to "sacrifice" his child to see how much he loves god is a good thing.

I could go on for hours.

I just can't justify those things that god did, or had others do. I can't make up excuses for him. I refuse.

Instead, I choose to believe that none of it is true and the ancient hebrew mythology is no different than any other culture's mythology.

Answer 3

You are correct. But please don't throw every Christian in the same pot man! I do my best to never twist the Bible to my own good, and when I see others doing it, I shun them like the plague. Maybe this is the reason I have few Christian friends and have not been part of a "so-called church in many years. I seek the Lord and His word daily. I also mess up and make some dumbasss mistakes, but that has never stopped me from pressing on and it has never stopped God from loving me. But the bible has some very harsh and strong words for those who twist and manipulate the bible! God is love and has so much mercy and patience. But never forget God is a God who is jealous for our love and He is a vengeful God, which will come at the appointed time. Yep, no Ned Flanders here!

Answer 4

Blind faith is what christianity was reared on. Search and doubt was not encouraged. Inexplicable areas were accepted as dogmas. Organised western Christian religion was built upon the prerequisite that you don't question god and that the divine source can explain all the unjustice in the world by blaiming it on :
lack of faith
the devil
a mysterious hidden plan ...
So the various churches can go about their business of brainwashing their naive victims and making money by selling hope and afterlife to the most needy, sensitive and insecure (thus gullible) groups of people, those who need religion to grab onto like a walking stick, in our troubled times...Its just like everything else that gives people a false boost of wellbeing and temporary happiness - drugs, money, fame, sex, the pursuit of the 'celebrity' lifestyle promoted by media...Anything that stimulates the endorphines!

Answer 5

God doesn't need the defense of Christians. I think you missed the whole point God is God he does as he pleases. He is the creator of what righteousness is. judge him that errs....There is a way that seems right to a man and this way ends in death. With no value in god and without seeking him you choose to think he should grant you total spirtual revelation. You see that is your problem the horse goes in front of the cart. Now when you work that out it will all start to become a little clearer.First you seek God than comes revelation. You want the revelation first. Greedy might work in this world but not in God's. We come humbly before God and then is when the revelation starts on His terms not ours.God is not in submission to you he never will be he doesnt owe you anything. You come to God in submission to him or not at all. but when you refuse to do that don't freak out because you don't understand.

Answer 6

Are you aware how many times the bible has been translated? Of course there will be discrepancies! Jesus may really be called Bob and he was a plumber and not a carpenter.

If you dont believe, thats your choice. Dont try and upset those who do believe.

Answer 7

It's much harder to convince a reasonable person that the God who commits or orders or allows such immoral acts as are described in the Bible is a moral being.

Answer 8

The Bible is a book of history. It shows the violent history of the world and why we need a savior.

Answer 9

The Bible is truth, even if you don't like some of the calls that God made. You know, like the ones to kill all pagans, the women and children too. He doesn't need our approval. His ways are not our ways.

Answer 10

Humanist, isn't it great to be able to excuse atheist behaviour by saying oh well we are only human, or, its what is politically expedient, or it caused the least amountof harm to the least amount of people?

If you wish to be selective about your criticism of people of faith then you are in no position to claim ethical purity.

Answer 11

The Bible tells about people, warts and all, instead of making them all heroes. This authenticates the Bible.