i caught this show about the story of david and goliath on one of the bazillion christian channels on cable. now, is it me, or is there more to this story than just overcoming adversity? what seemed evident in this show was that they pointed out how the bible made sure to mention that david did indeed believe in god, or at least the right god, and that goliath didn't. is this really what's taught in the bible? if it is, doesn't this somewhat equate to promoting a slaying of the non-believers?
2007-10-29 10:37:40 · 18 answers · asked by just curious (A.A.A.A.) 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
perhaps, but there are numerous examples in the Bible where that suggestion is much less subtle.
2007-10-29 10:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by Brendan G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, throughout the Old Testament is the theme that the Israelites are God's chosen people. Again and again, those who follow and submit to God eventually are rewarded for it. A huge topic in every book is "idolatry." If you worship some other God (such as an Asherah pole or Moloch, to name two), you can expect God to pour down wrath (storms, earthquakes, floods, famine and conquest and exile from invaders). Goliath is sort of a teaching tool here. The story of Samson also. The relationship between God and the Jews is equated with a marriage, and God is a jealous husband indeed.
2007-10-29 10:44:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it doesn't .today do you see Jews or Christians going around the world and killing unbelievers of their faith . No You don't ,you only see one false religion doing that .What it shows is no matter how big your problem is God can get you through it , and safely .Every one was scared of the so called giant but with almost nothing David faced him and won , because he put his faith in the right place .But as usual there will be bashers and trashers on to blame Jews & Christians for something. But ask this how come the Jews are back in Israel as a Nation ,after being scattered around the world . Do you think it has anything to do with the promise given by God to them starting with Abraham?
2007-10-29 10:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by the only 1 hobo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In response to your final question, YES, the Old Testament is rife with similar stories where non-believers were smitten by the other prophets of their time. Among them are Moses and Joshua as they entered the Promised Land, when they slew by the thousands, according to tribes mentioned, in order to take over the real estate for themselves.
Read also about what the Prophet Elijah did to 400 other non-believing prophets when they had a showdown in Mt. Carmel one fine day.
The Bible, after all, is an anthology of the Twelve tribes of Israel.
Peace be with you.
2007-10-29 10:52:09 · answer #4 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was a fight between champions. In those days, the winner of a combat was often thought of as having been the one favored by God. Given the context that isn't surprising. Goliath wasn't a non-believer he was likely a follower of Dagon the God of the Philistines.
2007-10-29 10:44:37 · answer #5 · answered by Todd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is also emphasized in hte bible. It is most certainly not a story to encourage slaying of non-believers. This story is used to illustrate that even teh smallest or least signifigant person can do great things with God's help or faith in Him. This is a great children's story since it encourages them to think that even though they are small and young they can still be successful in life if they trust and believe in God.
2007-10-29 10:42:22 · answer #6 · answered by Avodah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read the actuall bible story and you will see it was actually Goliath that challendge the armies of Isreal to war and to a one on one fight winner take all. Isreal did not go to war without the philistines actually challenging them in the first place. To many people take literally what others say without reading the stories for themselves.
2007-10-29 10:42:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you have to realize, is that all history is written by victors.
So it's their interpretation which is used to validate the results.
Stories like this get embellished as they are re-told orally.
The Jews were convinced of the rightness of their position.
So naturally they attributed their successes to their GOD.
They also attributed their failures to not following GOD.
Incidentally, that's why they had trouble accepting Jesus.
Because to their viewpoint, the crucifixion meant failure.
2007-10-29 10:46:06 · answer #8 · answered by Robert S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been happening for ceturies dude, I my self do not see the piont in religion but I know a little of all of them and they all or most of them say to do something cruel to other religions, and that is why their are so many wars. I think the chinese have good religions, confucianism, buddism, daoism, they all relate to one another and they do not mention killing others, plus there is not a lot to bicker about in them, do to all three of them are all so theories,
2007-10-29 10:47:27 · answer #9 · answered by cac c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it promotes killing of non-believers, rather what is does promote is no matter what your weaknesses are, If you have a relationship with GOD then you can overcome anything in the long run.
2007-10-29 10:45:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They were at war with the Philistines already so no it doesn't promote slaying of non-believers.
2007-10-29 10:47:13 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋