It has been demonstrated time and time again that we, as humans, are drawn to tragedy. The longevity of Shakespeare is a great example of this.
Every night on the news, tragedy sells over good news. There is hardly room for any uplifting or inspirational stories.
We watch the public meltdowns of celebrities with significantly more interest than we pay to their careers.
Even movies like 'Titanic', in which pretty much everyone knew the tragic ending before they bought their ticket, became one of the most successful movies of all time. During it's theatrical run, many people paid to see the movie over and over again.
Bottom line : we love tragedy.
One could argue that the Bible is the original tragedy. If the Bible had presented a happier ending, would it have become as significant piece of writing as it has?
2007-06-18 02:05:54 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
excellent point and no
2007-06-18 02:07:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
Deke, you truly amaze me sometimes.It not
"just" the Bible that has withstood time.It is God,Its Jesus Christ.Yes they may be "old" stories BUT, They are about a amazing and awesome man and All powerful and loving Father.Not to mention US,we are his people his children. And as far as the "ending" goes.What is greater than eternal and blissful life? Life away from all that you have described above? Tragedy is what we are making in this world.It not that we love it.Its that people refuse to see the way past all of it is to believe.Would you like a God who would sugar coat everything for you? For every action there is a reaction.I'm sure you know that one.If they had wrote a book with nothing but good and no evil.But still the loving God we have.It would still be a best seller through the ages.It is God that is significant . He has withstood the test of time.
God Bless
2007-06-18 09:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by Christal 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I always considered that the Bible has a happy ending, at least for believers. Even though Revelation is the end, what is in between is very important. This is how we are to live. I personally enjoy "happy stories".
So if the Bible ended with something like everyone goes to Heaven no matter what, then I'm sure more would like it, and there wouldn't be any reason to read it. But Hell would be on earth.
2007-06-18 09:18:02 · answer #3 · answered by RB 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure what you consider to be the ending of the Bible, but it it is the Revelation, what could be a happier ending than the ultimate battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil in which the forces of good win?
And what could be a better ending that a judgement in which those who are saved spend eternity with God and His Angels? And what could be a better ending than one in which all of us can be saved and even our worst sins forgiven?
I don't see the Bible as having an unhappy ending. The fact that you do seems to answer your question better than I can.
2007-06-18 09:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by Warren D 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You said or asked "would it have withstood the test of time?"
In reference to the Bible.
Guess what? it has.
It's still here, The longevity of the Bible today is it's own proof.
Yes there is Room for uplifting and inspirational stories, you just refuse to hear them out of bias.
Bottom Line : Tragedy is a result of Adams rebellion against God
(Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: )
But you because of your bias and hatred against Christians will refuse to accept that answer and will undoubtedly give a "thumbs down" for it with considering the answer from a non-bias non-emotional point of view, this is typical
2007-06-18 09:19:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Deke, I hate to disagree with you but.....
The bible does have a happy ending. There are some tragedies along the way within.......but in the end, God wins and sin loses.
I'll admit......in a way....we do love tragedy. I too, bought my $9.50 ticket to go see Titanic back in '96 knowing fully well what the outcome would be (well actually, I take that back....I think it had everything to do with my huge crush on Kate Winslet back then)
2007-06-18 09:13:30 · answer #6 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
From a non-theistic perspective, I guess it probably wouldnt have. If it was just happy go-lucky it would unreal and no one would believe it, and a religion with no followers is dead.
New King David, your wrong. The Bible has much sorrow, as well as much Joy. It is a reflection of the duality of Life. Life is cruel. Life is Fun. Neither can be without the other.
2007-06-18 09:13:09 · answer #7 · answered by goatman 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The last verse of the Bible, Revelation 22:21 says: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" This is a very good ending. All can enjoy God's unmerited and unearned favor!
2007-06-18 09:18:49 · answer #8 · answered by seekfind 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You must not know the Bible. It has a wonderful ending. All sin will be ended and those of God will be in a wonderful place with God forever and ever... called Heaven, where there will be no more sin, sorrow, pain, sickness, not of it, no more tears.
But it has a sad ending for those that wont obey God, that live in sin, and wont leave it. For they will have to go to Hell, after leaving God no choice. WHat else would He have to do, let them go to Heaven with His true follwers??? WHere they could then ruin Heaven like they do here on earth with every type of debase , violent, disgusting sadist act they can think of? No, but altho noone want to see anyone end up that way in hell, Nor does God. I dont know you can call it sad. I used to think that. BUt, God gives us all a choice and when ppl refuse to follow Jesus and obey, making life a wonderful place for them and others, they have made the choice for a life of continual hell, like they truly have in a small way right now. Always, chaos, confusion, strife, all of it. If that is appealing , then they surely have a right to make that choice. How do we truly pity someone that made that choice? But, yet we do in a way as we dont want any to be lost, as God does. But, God says He will wipe their memory from our hearts, so we wont ache for them in Heaven, even our loved ones that arent saved. God is an awesome God, and the ending can be pretty awesome, its up to you how your ending comes. Choose Jesus and be saved. Refuse JEsus and be lost. YOUR choice. But we all have to chooose before we die or Jesus returns to take us home. Your choice is?????\
I pray you will seek a happy ending to your life story, as its sure what God wants for you. PPl can be drawn to tragedy, it tends tob e a human nature. But when you take on the character of God, you are revolted by it , and seek only Gods perfect love, joy and peace. Nothing on earth is worth losing out on that for. NOONE truly is born to love tragedy and drama. Its what the devil gives to us, and ppl will drink it in unless they know God. But again, that is a choice, huh?
Make yours wisely and soon, for Jesus is coming SOON> The reason the Bible has continued to exist all this time and still be such a popular book all over the world, is because it tells of God and His love for us all, and many ppl do want that, its real and true, and many of us dont want the tragedy and drama the devil sends. cant wait for heaven to leave all this nonsense. BUt again its choice...
2007-06-18 09:19:10 · answer #9 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to get to know the Bible a little bit better. It *does* have a happy "ending". I put the word ending in quotes because we really haven't seen the end yet - it's still an unfinished story that's in progress ......
The Bible chronicles man's relationship with his God. Yes, that story is filled with apostasy, betrayal, all sorts of sin, and God's righteous anger at it, but the Bible is also a chronicle of hope - the hope of final redemption and eternal life for all who accept it. I don't see it as a tragedy by any means - It is a compilation of God's love for humanity, His saving of us from ourselves by becoming one of us and suffering and dying for us to atone for our sins. A very positive story indeed.....
"Gospel" - a Greek word meaning "good news"
2007-06-18 09:14:11 · answer #10 · answered by the phantom 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Your premise is faulty, and your conclusion does not follow the premise. Also, at the end, you alter your conclusion.
The Bible does have a happy ending; the redemption and salvation of mankind.
The destruction of death and sin.
The triumph of good over evil.
What better ending is there?
2007-06-18 09:31:14 · answer #11 · answered by Hogie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋