I am not sure why people study the bible if they are so sure that is is a book of myths, or just a classic story? While I enjoy the classics and have read mythology, I don't really study, teach from them, or debate them.
Just curosity here, nothing mean intended.
2006-08-28 04:30:24 · 27 answers · asked by 2ndchhapteracts 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are two vitally important rules in war:
Nosce Tipsum: Know Thyself.
Inimice Tipsum: Know Thy Enemy.
If you have followed these two rules, victory is assured, even if you must accept a lesser victory than you might have desired.
2006-08-28 04:39:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why is it that a person much take the stories in the Bible literally in order to take it seriously. Taking the Scriptures literally is a new phenomenon in Biblical interpretation - even early interpreters and many of the early church fathers understood that there was allegory, myth, and symbol present in the Bible.
What if many of the Biblical authors didn't intend for their texts to be taken literally? Aren't some then distorting the author's intentions by taking literally?
Also, since we do not have access to the originals, and depend on copies of the originals, it makes it even more difficult to take the literalist approach to the text. There are thousands of different copies of the different books of the N.T. and O.T., and none of them agree, all of them are different in some way (sometimes even in major ways among the earliest copies). So, how can we even know what the original form of the text said? It is a difficult problem.
I both appreciate and respect the Biblical story. I've loved it all my life and find deep, meaningful theological truth woven into stories that, to me, are allegorical and mythical (in many cases) or exagerrated from what really happened.
Please don't think that all of those who don't take the Bible literally do not appreciate or respect it, because many of us non literalists do.
2006-08-28 04:42:08 · answer #2 · answered by Tukiki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do it for the same reason I read the ancient writings of other cultures... they're interesting. But I don't have Pagans who are screaming at me telling me I better believe in their writings or I'll end up in Hades (yep, Hades is Greek Myth). When confronted on that level, it's good to know just what kind of ammo the other side is using... WHEN they approach me that way. There's a huge difference in Christianity and Islam compared to all of the other religions, (Judaism is included in "all of the other religions, because they do not proselytize nor threaten ppl in any way if someone doesn't believe as they do). Most ppl of other religions have no problem with what others believe... while certain Christians and Muslims get angry if someone doesn't agree... or calls the Bible or Koran a myth. So, we study it... usually to find out what truth there is to it... then, when we still don't put faith in the books themselves, we use them against the ppl who use it against us. *Judge not lest you be judged... and with the same measure you give out*... i think that sums it up pretty well.
2006-08-28 05:27:26 · answer #3 · answered by Kithy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Most of them "studied" the Bible extensively before deciding it was fake, thus ending the study.
2. Some are very interested in the psychology of it all.
3. Some people are interested in religions in general, but do not follow Christianity.
4. Some felt they should at least give it a chance before openly calling it fake.
5. Some feel it is important to know your enemy, and to know your enemy's weaknesses. So they study the Bible to find them.
2006-08-28 04:39:33 · answer #4 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was raised catholic, but realized very early that it was impossible for there to be a god, so i abandoned god and never felt better. I studied the bible because i had to, but i have read it again as something i felt i should read, to educate myself, so i could understand the mind of a believer and what makes them tick. Its kind of like knowing my enemy. I feel all the evil in the world today exists because of religion, so i feel that i should know how a religious person thinks.
2006-08-28 04:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because regardless of its questionably origins, or questionable practices, it is still a major work of literature. It does not always have to be looked at as holy writ, or the final say. People tend to forget that the bible was written by Humans. Not some anthropomorphic omniscient, omnipresent being. ;)
2006-08-28 04:39:07 · answer #6 · answered by sanguinehuman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These people are out to prove that the Bible is a lie. But you know what, God is Almighty God. Who was and is and is to come.
These unbelievers think they can convince themself that the Bible is a lie, but when they read the Word of God, God will reveal Himself to them and don't be surprised when you see these people converted.
God is good. Amen!
2006-08-28 05:44:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have studied many religons, only for the interesting history. I may not believe everything in the bible verbatum, but it is very interesting to go back and study what happened to Jesus, and his mother Mary. So basically, I do it for the history lesson.
2006-08-28 04:38:20 · answer #8 · answered by Christina H 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Although some people don't believe in what it says, some enjoy the writings, and enjoy learning about what others believe. The better to poke fun at us who do I guess.
2006-08-28 04:36:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well i got tired of having the bible thrown in my face everytime i asked a question so i read. It only confirmed my idea that it is evil and that god cant exist
2006-08-28 04:41:10 · answer #10 · answered by locomexican89 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋