because you believe what the Bible says OR do you believe what the Bible says because you believe in the Bible... and do you understand the difference?
2007-10-30 01:45:22 · 23 answers · asked by I'm an Atheist 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Stop! You're confusing them! They'll take this as one of their circular arguments and go on a rampage!
2007-10-30 02:13:19 · answer #1 · answered by River 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I see the difference, but I believe neither. I see the Bible's value as some other people's experience of God, translated through the filter of their time and culture. There is truth and beauty in it, but there is also foolishness and falsehood. Just like any other book I read, there is no requirement that says I must buy 100% of it for it to have any value for my life--especially if it were written milennia ago.
The Biblical literalist's argument that it's either "all true" or "none of it is true" is too black and white, and causes most rational people who can see the inaccuracies in the Bible to decide none of it can be "true" (meaningful for one's life).
2007-10-30 01:52:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe in either sense, but yes, I understand there is a difference. Too many Christians treat the Bible as a sort of idol, worshiping it rather than God or Jesus or whomever it would be better they worship.
Personally, I agree with Isaac Asimov: "Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived."
2007-10-30 01:53:25 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I do understand the difference. And I believe the overall message of the bible, "Love God, people and self" because I've come to believe that is the best way to live and the only hope of saving ourselves as a species.
2007-10-30 01:47:43 · answer #4 · answered by Acorn 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I believe that the Holy Bible is God's Word, and that there are a great many lessons in it. I also believe that it contains quite a few answers to many of life's questions.
So, yes, I believe in the Bible.
2007-10-30 01:54:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Bible is a good story book and it has some wisdom in it, as do many writings , but I wouldn’t worship it or pray to it!
2007-10-30 01:55:01 · answer #6 · answered by alterdragon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't.
Do I beleive that the overall (and I stress overall) message of the Bible is good, that kindness is for the betterment of the species?
Yes, I do.
I'm atheist. But the bible does have *some* valid points.
2007-10-30 01:52:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
One can take only so much "hoopla" from the professional religious ministers and priests. They need to either get real or quit! I think the bible was put together by a bunch of men who wanted social control. If you threaten someone with hell and burning that immediately puts things in some sort of order - but nothing more. I don't know what I am these days, but religious, I am NOT!!!!!
2007-10-30 01:50:35 · answer #8 · answered by Mary W 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋
yes ! i believe in the bible :)
2007-10-30 02:22:08 · answer #9 · answered by RK 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your not an atheist. If you question the bible and beliefs then you unintentionally acknowledge the existence of God, or else you wouldn't be questioning. Belief is based on accepted facts. Your belief obviously needs more facts.
2007-10-30 01:53:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Actually, I believe the "bible" has contained within it stories which teach us how to live good lives. Are all the stories perfect? No. They were written by the hands, and have been filtered through the minds and languages of men, however inspired. However, are they useless? no. It doesn't have to be one extreme or the other.
2007-10-30 01:49:41 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋