2006-09-02 04:57:50 · 47 answers · asked by Charley G 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, some hocus pocus, a big cross...thats about it, the longest fairy tale ever.
2006-09-02 05:01:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 5⤋
The Bible is anything BUT a fairy tale! If you believe people who try to tell you that, you are making the biggest mistake of your life. And you cannot sum up the Bible in a few paragraphs. It is not only the history of God's people and the story of His undying love and His plan for us, but it is the only instruction book for life you will ever have. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for you, and that will never change. If you are serious to hear the whole story, find a good plain language Bible. I've heard the best way to BEGIN reading the Bible is to start with John, that tells the whole story of the life of Jesus. Then go to the beginning, to Genesis and Exodus. There are good resources on the internet, too. Even a very old movie, The Bible, would be good to watch. But the best thing is that you are asking about the Bible. That's the first step.
2006-09-02 05:27:57 · answer #2 · answered by magnolia 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This should help you out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bible_and_history
The Bible is divided in to two parts: the Old and the New Testament. It is historically accurate in some places, but archaeology has proven that it is inaccurate in others (although Christians may deny this). The Old Testament is the portion of the book that occurs before the time of Jesus, who Christians believe to be the messiah, and believe to have been resurrected from the dead. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew originally, so it is from them. The New Testament was written in Greek and Aramaic (a form of Greek from ancient times) and was written over a period of about 100 years, with each "Gospel" being written in a different city along the Meditteranean shore approximately 20 years apart. Each gospel reflects the time in which it was written. There are many online references to the Bible but many of these websites are posted by Christians with their own beliefs and their own "agenda" so you need to be aware that they don't all say the same thing. The Bible was written as a metaphor, but about 150 years ago someone decided that it had to be interpreted literally, which is problematic because if you do this the Bible contradicts itself in numerous places. There is a lot to know, so this is only a a very brief introduction to it. Enjoy your learning.
2006-09-02 05:34:13 · answer #3 · answered by Paul H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible is the main sacred text of Christianity. It is comprised of two main sections - the Old Testament (mostly focusing on the history of Israel), and the New Testament (focused on Jesus' life and the growth of the Christian church). The Old Testament in the Christian Bible is also part of the sacred texts of Judaism.
Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew with some portions in Aramaic; the New Testament was likely written in Greek. The Bible has been translated to many languages, including English. Furthermore, there are many different translations that differ slightly in the style that is used (i.e. "old English" or more contemporary wording), but not so much in what is being said.
2006-09-02 05:06:49 · answer #4 · answered by nbarb99 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've had some good answers, and some really crap ones. Don't try to read The Bible by starting at the beginning and working your way through. I think it would be easier for you to understand if you could find a bible study partner.
There are many 'characters; in The Bible.
Before you start to read The Bible, it is a good idea to pray a very simple prayer asking God to help you, and reveal His word.
2006-09-02 09:45:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bible is a Wonderful book full of people just like you and me who screw up all the time. the bible could also be used for an acronym
B asic
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth
It teaches us to live in a manner which is pleasing to God, which is why we were created in the first place. Someone who does not know anything about the bible should start reading in the new testament Starting with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This is the gospel, (by which we are brought to salvation). it is filled with People who like King David, who was called a man after God's own heart, yet he was a murderer, same with the apostle Paul, one of the most infulential people in the new testament (writing over 1/3 of the new testament) started out killing Christians thinking he was doing the right thing for God. Peter, (who was given the keys to the Kingdom of heaven) denied Christ three times because he was a chicken and afraid they would take him captive and kill him too. everone down here is a bunch of screw ups, the bible is intended to help us learn to live to bring God pleasure, and as a result live in complete joy ourselves (jn 15:11).
2006-09-02 05:12:07 · answer #6 · answered by setfreejn836 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Bible, is "Holy Book" for christians. Its devided into the Old and the New testament.
the old testament is Before the time of Jesus and the New is from the time of Jesus, to the time of the beginning of the Church.
The old testament starts with the book of Genesis- which talk abou the creation of the world, and continues to give an account of history for the time of creation, to the time just before Jesus came, while highlighting all the improtant events along the way.
The new testament starts with the book of Matthew, it gives an account of the birth/lie/death/ressurection/ of jesus.
The new testament ends with the book of Revelations, whih records a vision of the end of the world, and teh return of humanity to God.
2006-09-02 05:10:37 · answer #7 · answered by Voice Maxed 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out The Father's Love Letter -
The Cry of a Father’s Heart from Genesis to Revelation
Father’s Love Letter
My Child …
You may not know me, but I know everything about you
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ……. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ……. Genesis 1:21
In me you live and move and have your being ……. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ……. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived …. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ……. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake ……. Psalm 139:15-16
For all your days are written in my book ……. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ... Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ……. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb ……. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ……. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …1 John 4:18
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ……. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father ……. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ……. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ... Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ……. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ……. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ……. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ……. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes
Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
Revelation 21:4
I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus
John 17:23
For in Jesus my love for you is revealed ……. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ……. Hebrews 1:3
And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ... Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love
Romans 8:32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen … Luke 15:7
I have always been Father and will always be Father
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is … Will you be my child? ……. John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ……. Luke 15:11-31
… Love Your Dad
Almighty God
Father Heart Communications Written by Barry Adams Copyright 1999
Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com
2006-09-03 01:47:57 · answer #8 · answered by JOYfilled - Romans 8:28 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are very lucky. some of us know more that we would like.
The Bible is a collection of stories which are based on lies, deceit, contradiction. It was compiled on more than one occasion to convince the poor and iliterate masses to believe in what the men in power wanted. Ignorance is bliss. Even the Jews don't accept it. How can anyone believe in a book when no-one knows who wrote any of it. Moses is credited with writing 5 books in the old testament, but most of the events happened 200-300 years after he died.???????
Do yourself a favour and forget it.
If you wish to know more try reading 'The Age of Reason' by Thomas Paine'.
I have nothing to gain by saying these things unlike Christians who will tell you anything to get you to believe.
2006-09-02 08:33:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The old testament is the family tree leading up to Jesus birth. It is also based on the old laws. In the old testament, you ask yourself so many times "How could God be so cruel". He wiped out a lot of people for not obeying the old laws.
The new testament is the life of Jesus from the view point of the people who knew him. It is the birth of the new laws. The laws that surplant the old laws, when God, through the son takes flesh, and experiences the weaknesses of the flesh.
If you stick to the "golden" rule, you will be okay. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". If you wouldn't want to be killed, don't kill anyone. If you wouldn't want to be stollen from, don't steal from anyone. If you don't like being lied to, then don't lie to others.
2006-09-02 05:07:40 · answer #10 · answered by diane_b_33594 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like the Torah to Jews, the Koran to Muslims, the Tibetan Books of the Dead to Tibetan Buddhist, the Vedas to Hindus, the Bible is the sacred text of Christians.
Have fun but be safe.
2006-09-02 05:06:27 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋