That's true, but doesn't that just mean that the Bible is the ultimate vanity book? You know, keep it on your shelf so people think you're pious?
Surely, that has to be the explanation because no one would read such a poorly written, fanciful, self-contradictory text for pleasure!
2007-02-04 04:26:10 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yeah, best-seller if you count the Gideons and other religious groups who by them in bulk then give them away for free to people ,and by people I mean kids, we know how they like to get them young...
I remember when they used to come round schools handing them out, throwing their religious net out to see which kids they could ensnare.. Im sure it's the Christian equivalent to paedophile grooming tactics..
I think most Christians are pious. Thats why when you ask a serious question on religion on here all you get is religious rhetoric and irrelevant quotes from the Bible.. what they are saying is, "im not interested in what your asking, I just want everyone to know im a good christian, im the best christian in the world..".
As they go to sleep each night they must be thinking "I praise the Lord the best!!, he will favour me". pmsl rflmao
2007-02-04 04:41:10 · answer #1 · answered by Im a killer 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Have you actually read it? Or are you quoting other atheists? Keeping a Bible on your shelf doesn't make one anymore "pious" than keeping a cookbook on your shelf makes you a good cook.
My question to you is: Why do anti-Christians continue to be bothered by what "Christians" say and do? It amazes me that since you feel the Bible is such a farce, you would even take the time and make the effort pose such a question. Could it be that you desperately need others to reinforce your own shaky stance because you are a bit afraid this "poorly written, fanciful, self-contradictory text" just may be right about the fate of the unbeliever?
2007-02-04 04:38:13 · answer #2 · answered by arcticsunshine 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
First, the bible is the best seller of all time. Printed in Germany in around 1455, the bible was the first substantial book to be printed using moveable type. The bible (translated into vernacular languages) is the corner stone of Protestant belief.
The Christian bible consists of the Holy Scriptures (Jewish bible) and the New Testament. It is a collection of scrolls (books); both Jews and Christians (Protestants) believe to be God's word as spoken through the prophets. It is a difficult book to read since it is an Eastern religious book.
The bible is not poorly written; does not deal with fantasy; and definitely does not contradict itself. It is written in two languages over a period of 1600 years. The Holy Scriptures consists of the Torah (first five books of Moses), the prophets, and the writings. It documents the covenant God made with Israel and his descendants. The 613 commandments are observed by the Jews today.
The Christian bible also contains the New Testament, which consists of the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelations. This book is written in Greek against a Hellene culture. If you want to understand it, you need to make use of the language and the culture.
Oddly enough, the bible interprets itself, which means if you find a contradiction, you can definitely find a meaning. However, you must want to find the meaning. Protestantism differs on what the bible requires, so practice has created many denominations.
Bibles that are on shelves are not for show, but a reminder of how Christians are to live. At one time, almost every manager's had a copy of the bible, the Prince, and the Art of War on his/her desk. This does mean that bibles on desk makes one pious, it merely means people have books on their desk that they use.
The bible is a book for the believer. Sometimes people use it as a conversion manual, which it is not. The bible documents a revelation, which you can believe or not. In your case, not. I will not try to teach (not preach) the Christian message since you seem to have heard it already.
You are what you believe; your beliefs are your own. If you truly believe something, no amount of books sold will change that belief. I do believe the revelation and I have a bible at my desk not for show but for focus. My copy of The Prince and The Art of War are no longer on my desk.
The bible is the best seller of all time. Not everyone reads a best seller. Christians who point this out, need to reexamine their focus. Jesus never cared for the quantity but the quality of teaching. Aren’t Christians supposed to follows Christ?
2007-02-04 05:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by J. 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
"poorly written, fanciful, self-contradictory text"
It is very obvious that you haven't done your homework.
Now, granted there may be some that own a Bible because they think of it more as a "good luck" charm than communication from God, however, there have been people throughout history that have put their lives on the line to translate the Bible.
You didn't mention that the places where the Bible comments on scientific information it is completely accurate.
You didn't mention that the Prophecy contained in the Bible has been validated many times by secular history.
You didn't mention that the Bible took about 3,500 years to complete and that the candor of the Bible text is the same.
Also, just because someone is waving around a Bible spouting something that is obviously in contradiction with what the Scriptures contained does not nullify the authenticity of the Holy Bible it nullifies the false messenger that is in opposition to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
If you put the effort into learning what the Bible Really Teaches and less into trying to prove something that you personally feel is true you would benefit greatly now and in the future.
The same way in spreading the message of God's Kingdom in Jesus day is going on now by over 6.6 million volunteers in 236 lands around the world. The next time they knock on your door you might consider asking them what God's Kingdom is doing now and what it will accomplish in the future.
"11 “Into whatever city or village YOU enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until YOU leave. 12 When YOU are entering into the house, greet the household; 13 and if the house is deserving, let the peace YOU wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from YOU return upon YOU. 14 Wherever anyone does not take YOU in or listen to YOUR words, on going out of that house or that city shake the dust off YOUR feet" -Matthew 10:11-14
2007-02-04 04:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by Livin In Myrtle Beach SC 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
fisr of all its not poorly written, its just poorly translated. It had to have made a lot of sense to the people in ancient times. Or people wouldnt have believed it. And yeah i agree, some people think that just because they read the bible, that makes them a good person which is not true. And yes some parts are contradictory, but that doesnt make the entire book, and that a big book with thin pages. false.
2007-02-04 04:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by YouCannotKnowUnlessUAsk 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Though you are wrong on your final points, you are right in that many only buy a Bible for display purposes and not for use.
But, in the Jehovah's Witnesses, they wear out a Bible every 5-10 years, from use, and every member of a family has their own copy, from the time they start reading, on up. They have been encouraged to read it, repeatedly, since the beginning, and for the first 50 years, it was the King James Bible. This is why they began producing the NWT, as it eliminated the contradiction that were found in the King James as a result of the repeated revisions of it before the Church of England would Authorize it.
Perhaps you should read it, instead of listening to what others say about the Bible.
2007-02-04 05:16:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I would imagine that you haven't spent anytime reading the Bible by your comments. It's not a book for entertainment, and keep in mind, the various books are written centuries ago, and centuries apart. I am one of the Christians that can actually say that I've read it cover to cover, more than once and I don't find it contradictory at all. Best of luck to you.
2007-02-04 04:32:11 · answer #7 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Good point! Except for the vanity part. Read Ecclesiastes. It is only 12 chapters long. It speaks in-depth on vanity.
But what I do not understand is why it is being sold. God gave his word freely. Why should I have to pay for something that God gave for free?
2 + 2 does not equal 7 here.
2007-02-04 04:38:50 · answer #8 · answered by אידיאליסטי™ 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
People read it for comfort, strength, faith and enlightenment. Reading the Bible doesn't automatically make you pious.
What you believe to be poorly written isn't exactly the last word on it is it? The Bible is read and re-read many times. Favorite passages are quoted. Its wisdom and solace comfort many. Why would you find that objectionable? There is so much misery in the world, let the people find their peace where they will.
2007-02-04 04:34:33 · answer #9 · answered by Firespider 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The better question would be "Why is the Bible the best "seller" of all time?" It wouldn't be for sale if people actually followed what they sold. You have to look pretty hard to come up with a free one, but it can be done. The Mormons give them away for free, but only 1 per household.
2007-02-04 04:31:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋