When you're reading the Bible, does it ever occur to you that it's just a weird old book?

Question

LJ: No. I'll investigate this so-called "movie" you and the other proletariat are obsessing about. :)

Answer 1

Then you ... 1: feel guility 2: apply more faith 3: try not to think so much.

BTW, have you seen any still of Jim Carrey in this new movie? It graced the front of yahoo news when I woke up this morning. He looks exactly like your avatar now. Lucky you :)

Answer 2

Historical and Archaeological Reliability

Many critics have challenged the historical accuracy of the Bible and have been proven wrong. Here's one example. Historians questioned the accuracy of the accounts surrounding Pontius Pilate's crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate found nothing wrong with him and was reluctant to crucify an innocent man. The Jews put pressure on Pilate saying if you refuse this "you're no friend of Caesar" (John 19:12). At which point Pilate gave in to the Jews. This did not fit historical records we had of Pilate who was a cruel and dominating man, not likely to give in to a group of Jews whom he hated. Many believed that this account was historically inaccurate because of the way in which it portrayed Pilate.

Later it was discovered that Pilate had been appointed by a man named Sejanus who was plotting to overthrow Caesar. Sejanus was executed with many of his appointees (Delashmutt, Sejanus, p. 55, 56). This demonstrated that Pilate was in no position to get in trouble with Rome. The Jews had him in a corner. If word returned to Rome that Jerusalem was in rebellion, Pilate would be the first to go. The gospel account was confirmed as accurate.

Many parts of the Bible have been challenged with the same result. Later archeology confirms the reliability of the biblical records down to the smallest detail. A respected Jewish archaeologist has claimed that,

"It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference"
(Shelly, p. 103).

This is a strong statement for any archaeologist because if it were not true, he would quickly be condemned in his own field.

The conclusion that one draws from this material is that the Bible is a reliable historical document. Its accuracy has been proven numerous times. Its historical inaccuracy has never been demonstrated. So that when we approach the Bible, we do so with confidence that it records what actually happened. In which case we need to come to terms with the Bible's claims. We can't dismiss it out of hand because we were not there.

How do we know anything historically?
There is no "scientific" proof that Lincoln was the president. We cannot recreate him, bring him back to life or reproduce the experiment. We cannot calculate an equation that tells us that he was. But we can assert with a high degree of probability that Lincoln was indeed president and was assassinated in 1865. We do this by appealing to historical evidence. Many people saw Lincoln. We have some of his writings and even his picture, not to mention his face on our pennies. But none of this "proves", scientifically that Lincoln ever lived or was the president.

The kind of evidence used in historical research is the same used in a court of law. In a courtroom case certain kinds of evidences are appealed to in order to determine what exactly happened, eyewitnesses are questioned, motives are examined, and physical evidence is scrutinized such as fingerprints or journal writings.

The evidence we have for Christ's life, death, and resurrection is not as great as that for Lincoln, nor as recent But it is better than we have that Plato ever lived, or Homer, or many historical figures that we take for granted.

Answer 3

No it is not weird and i am sorry you feel that way because it is God's word....The Bible gives us God's commands, which are not to be changed. It's in the Bible,Matthew 5:18. 'I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter:not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear, from the law until everything is accomplished"

Answer 4

Not at all.It's 66 different books,40 different authors, written over a 2000 year period,on 3 different continents,by guys that didn't (for the most part) even know each other existed.But the mission,message and nature of God is consistent.Can't be coincidence or collusion.

Answer 5

I just treat it like a book the same as any other not a divine revelation. The old testament belongs to the same genre as the epic of Gilgamesh and other ancient mythology.

Answer 6

It may seem weird, but it's true if you don't read it out of context! People don't like to hear or read the truth because it's not what they want. But the truth will set you free. I agree completly with Rod C.

Answer 7

I read the bible once, just to see what all the hubub was about. It's great fiction. They had some good yarn spinners in the old days.

Answer 8

It is strange and fascinating! So much information, it's like the best mystery puzzle ever. Then there is the fact that it is a completely true and accurate account of our lives ;)

Answer 9

Oh, what living in the desert does to people...
=0)

Answer 10

A weird old collection of oral traditions and mythology...Fair tales for the weak minded masses.