Tanya
New Member
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Post by Tanya on Jan 25, 2002 0:11:42 GMT -5
I wanted to find out everybody's take on the Bible. Feel free to express your experience on it, and please answer these questions: Were you disenchanted by it before you read Bach, or after, or not at all? and What is the biggest mystery about the Bible to you? If you'd like, let me know what you think about my take on it: As far as the Bible is concerned, I have to concede to a big, fat, agnostic "I Dunno." I don't trust the translators to be both honest and accurate. I can't read the language it was written in. If I could, I still wouldn't be allowed access to the original scrolls and tablets that it is written on to check for myself. And I don't know that the authors are accurate because frankly- I wasn't there. (At least I can't remember in this space time.) Since I have zero faith, the Bible's validity is a mute point to me. Everybody can make up their own interpretations, and they have been doing so since the Renaissance, so frankly- it's been done to death. (Although I do like some of RB's more original interpretations, like the one for Thou Shalt Not Kill.) I can't even choose to support or oppose the Bible for its effect on Humanity. Humans have been both wonderful and wicked in the name of the Bible. I don't see the Bible as a reliable path to righteousness. Courage and kindness may be inspired (by the Bible or anything else) but I believe it is the Individual that chooses to be inspired, or enlightened or influenced or even manipulated into being kind. (Or into being cruel, for that matter- or whatever else they admire and choose to be like.) I was disenchanted after I read RB. I started reading RB at 12. And the biggest mystery to me would be that there isn't anything in there written by Jesus. I can't believe for a minute that he wasn't a writer, and his work wasn't treasured and saved with everybody elses. For me it's just a book with an interesting and mysterious history, and it has interesting effects on peoples' lives.
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LL
Junior Member
Posts: 15
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Post by LL on Jan 25, 2002 7:09:40 GMT -5
hmmm the bible?, never read it. So I cant say either way. What I will say is when a book has a hundred? (alot anyway) different translations and versions and people fight and kill over which one is the right one....well I just dont see the point in any of it. Further, if I have to put something ($) in a collection plate to listen to someone preach his/her interpretation of some version of the translation of the bible...Geez! No, not for me. I wonder what would happen if the preachers, bishops, cardinals, pope and whoever else I've left out all got together and said "Hey everyone, this book here, the bible, its a pretty good read and you may wish to give some of the concepts in here a try. YOU make your own interpretations of what you read and see if it works for you." Ha! wishful thinking I guess. I've come to know that each day that I open my eyes is nothing short of a miracle. As Chuck once made clear(this is not a quote but what I got out of it) Do you know how many things (millions? perhaps billions) must conspire to happen just for someone to open their eyes?...to walk?...to SPEAK?...etc etc etc. This is an incredible little world we have here. LL
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Post by ethelash@yahoo.com on Jan 25, 2002 15:49:17 GMT -5
Hmmmm. Interesting comments. Actually, you are searching for spiritual answers.
I have a power living inside of me that I am aware of every minute of the day. It's not really faith, it's not really believing, it's that I actually, truly "know." It is this strength and power that gives me the courage to continue to live. I've had a very difficult life.
One must experience it. I did not know about this thing called the "Holy Spirit" until I was married for 10 years. I even graduated from a Bible college! I searched into the occult and all over before I found my answer. Why did I not hear these words? I probably did, I was not ready.
I can't seem to get into the board. Using the same name and password, but did not work. But I wanted to reply to Tanya. lehte is actually Ethel
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Post by LCoontz on Feb 24, 2002 17:46:17 GMT -5
I've been working pretty diligently to find my own answers to this question. I was born and raised a Baptist, so I have some very distinct concepts of what the Bible is and what it means, but I also have some pretty serious misgivings about organized religion on the whole. When push comes to shove, the only thing that (I believe) matters is my own personal relationship with my Maker. It is to him that I will have to answer. Reading and understanding the Bible is a daunting task. My Grandmother swears it's the most difficult thing she's ever done (She's read it cover to cover over 10 times), but it's also the most rewarding. The one important thing that you must possess in order to read/understand the Bible is FAITH. And sometimes, that's harder to come up with than anything on the planet (or beyond) Just my 2 cents worth.
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Post by Bishop on Feb 25, 2002 5:14:52 GMT -5
I think the bible, as a way of trying to make sense of it all, is a great tool if you need to reduce the existence of life, in all its glory, to a narrow, man-made and joy-denying experience.
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Post by LCoontz on Feb 25, 2002 7:17:41 GMT -5
I think the bible, as a way of trying to make sense of it all, is a great tool if you need to reduce the existence of life, in all its glory, to a narrow, man-made and joy-denying experience. Really? I'm a little surprised. May I ask why you feel this way, please?
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Post by Bishop on Feb 26, 2002 11:39:38 GMT -5
I realize my last message was a bit blunt, but let me try to explain: I see the bible as an historical document. The document has been re-written several times in 2000 years, and the original stories and messages has been altered. This is something we know for a fact. The bible speaks of a judging God who will strike down a vengeance on those who do not live by or respect his "commands". At the same time, the bible speaks of God as "perfection", "all there is", and God being "pure love"!! First of all, I think the greatest "sin" of all is to reduce God into a sensitive lunatic who sends his children to hell if they do not "behave". God created everything, us, himself, the universe, in divine, absolute perfection. Why would God need sanctions in a universe that is all he is? When we are all he wants us to be? It`s beyond comprehension how a religion (like for instance christianity) can survive at all with this kind of view on the world and the human race. The bible further reduces the masterpiece that is life, universe and earth by stating that humans are the only beings with a soul, and all other living creatures are less than us. The reason I speak of the bible (and I mean the messages it contain, not the book ) the way I do, is because I feel it is reducing the incredible miracle that is life, freedom and joy, and I suspect the bible - like many other historical documents - is, and has always been, a political tool for the use of controlling through fright. HOWEVER: I do believe in God, and I believe him to be the most magnificent, radiant "all there is", and I believe God, being love and nothing but love, is way, way elevated beyond the point where judgement, fright, anger and the existence of "hell" is nescessary. We are made of God, he is in us, and we can not expect to fully understand the miracle of God/Life in this world. That is; we can, in this life, if we work for it! What we can do, however, is to respect the miracle of it, and live the way God/Life/Is wants us to live: To the fullest of our potential, be all we can be. **PheW** Any of this make sense at all....? For further information on the subject, please see CWG !! ;D ;D
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LL
Junior Member
Posts: 15
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Post by LL on Feb 26, 2002 13:25:13 GMT -5
Nice writing there Bish, couldn't agree more!
Absolutely and undeniable.
Living in fear is hell, right here on earth Living in love is heaven, right here on earth Most seem to be anticipating/fearing the experience of heaven or hell in the afterlife, not realizing that they are already in one or the other, or both, shifting back and forth between them. Living like this leaves one stuck waiting and never truly living in the moment of now. If you sit back and notice once in awhile...life is truly a miracle.
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Post by LCoontz on Feb 26, 2002 14:53:14 GMT -5
Although I disagree, I will have to spend a little time thinking of the words to describe why. But I must agree, Bishop, that your words are eloquent and your thought process fascinating. Will get back to you with my own not-so-eloquent words.
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Post by Bishop on Feb 27, 2002 2:32:55 GMT -5
Thanks, guys, for the kind words. Remember, I am more or less quoting CWG. The words and views do, however, reflect my own point of view, but CWG took me there in the first place. I totally agree with LL in the heaven/hell on earth. It`s simply too true to ignore. Luckily, we can have heaven if we want to, right now, right here ! ;D
Peace
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Post by flyboy1 on Apr 14, 2002 14:09:27 GMT -5
There is no hell as many religions depict it. Check out the historical aspects of the Hebrew Sheol and the Greek word Hades. They both refer to mankind's common grave.
The earth will be restored to a paradise condition, the wicked and the Devil and his demons will be destroyed and be no more, nor will there be death, wars, sickness, or evil, as they will be all done away with.
144,000 will reign in Heaven as co-rulers with Jesus, and the remainder who have everlasting life will live forever on a beautiful earth fulfilling the purpose for which God created it.
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Post by ray on May 2, 2002 4:42:15 GMT -5
Hmmm I have read the holy books as a kid, now they are no more appealing!I do still have lotta reverence coz i got to learn a few morals from it, everyone morn in the school, i had the hymns - choir which made a good start for the day. i DO NOT sit and pray anymore though. For me I talk with that higher power and derive energy anywhere I am. *smiple isnt it* With so many complexities I wanna keep this issue a lil straight, helps me live a better life.*smile*
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Post by LCoontz on May 2, 2002 4:49:12 GMT -5
144,000 will reign in Heaven as co-rulers with Jesus, and the remainder who have everlasting life will live forever on a beautiful earth fulfilling the purpose for which God created it. I have been reading the "Left Behind" series of books and feel I'm getting a better idea of at least the book of Revelation. Has anyone else read these books? I've read 8 of them in the last 3 months, and must head to the bookstore for the next 2.
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dzimmerm@columbus.rr.com
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Post by dzimmerm@columbus.rr.com on May 25, 2002 23:06:22 GMT -5
I do not like to say that belief or non belief in the bible is a good thing. I only can say that belief in the bible for me is NOT a good thing. For other people belief in the bible may be a good thing. Each of us is inspired by different things. To say that one path of enlightenment is good for all is like saying a fish should breath air and a bird should breath water. I am dismayed sometimes, by others who think their startling revelations will have the same meaning to me as they do to them. My own belief is that we create our reality from our own stream of conciousness. I was delighted to see an aged physicist in Discover magazine state that he thinks the universe exists only if we are watching it. He goes on to say that our observations of the universe affect that universe. This can be scientifically proven by the experiments where the performance of a photon of light is changed by whether we are observing the light or not. This physicists views are so simular to Richard Bachs statement of reality in his "Running from Saftey" book that I was delighted. Because of this apparent ability of humans to change the universe by their observation and posible humans ability to modify the universe by their conciousness I think that if one truly believes the writings of the bible then they are creating a reality for themselves were those beliefs will be true. If someone believes in multiple existences then that will also be true for that person. In such a reality the utmost level of choice is available to all conciousnesses. Of course, if you bother me unduly and you believe in the bible, don't be surprised if a fiery pit opens up in the ground in front of you when you are attempting to convert me, ( ). Sincerely with a small amount of tongue in cheek; David
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Post by ray on May 29, 2002 12:01:42 GMT -5
Hi David! Welcome to the site! We have all the choices, even what we wanna believe !!!!!!!!!!!!
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