"It's possible to believe in aspects of religion (and Jesus) without following every single word of the Bible to the letter of the law (nobody does that, not even the most devoutly religious)."
I disagree. If you believe your God is PERFECT, you CANNOT throw out some of the rules, simply because you don't like them, such as killing disobedient children (something Jesus approved of btw).
I'll have to disagree. I think following the Bible to the letter of the law is such a difficult and unusual thing to do that people have written books about their attempt to do so. For instance, A. J. Jacobs with "The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible".
I know people who "believe" but I don't know anyone who follows the bible literally and entirely. I would never say they are non-believers, though.
It is indeed virtually impossible to follow the Bible entirely, since it contains literally HUNDREDS of contradictions (quite a lot of which involve the most crucial aspects of Christianity btw). See: http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/by_name.html
"I know people who "believe" but I don't know anyone who follows the bible literally and entirely. I would never say they are non-believers, though."
Same here. I also wouldn't say they are non-believers. What I WOULD say however, is that they are being kinda illogical. Don't they believe a PERFECT being inspired their book?
As an irreligious person I think I can cherry-pick the good stuff (yes that is subjective, I know) from the Bible (as from any book) WITHOUT being hypocritical. However, when you claim to follow a specific religion, I honestly think you HAVE to follow EVERYTHING in said religion (which isn't even possible in Christianity's case, because of the contradictions).
It's an interesting point. I suppose everybody has to find a way of dealing with the texts of their religion. A friend of the family (who is a Methodist minister) always recommends a common-sense approach (as opposed to an anal and literal approach). I'd never thought about it until now but there's a relationship between holy books and those who follow the religion and it's a different relationship for each person. It's personal.
Strangely, I suppose, there can be a relationship even between atheists and holy books. Parts of the bible make a lot of sense to me. Why would I choose to ignore them just because the book as a whole alludes to some things that I don't believe? There are parts of Islam, and many Eastern religions that I feel similarly about.
I do believe there's a global truth and many religions tap into it, but are also abused by writers who want power, control or a tourniquet for their insecurities.
I think what is important to remember is that a good part of the Bible is about how to live together in harmony, in communtities where there is respect and consideration for others and how to live as a family and raise your children to respect you. Many of the other stories teach you to believe and have faith in God. Almost all religions promote this so there must be some sense in it at least.
"Strangely, I suppose, there can be a relationship even between atheists and holy books. Parts of the bible make a lot of sense to me. Why would I choose to ignore them just because the book as a whole alludes to some things that I don't believe? There are parts of Islam, and many Eastern religions that I feel similarly about."
I totally agree. For example, though I despise Christianity as a whole as an absurd and immoral religion, I think (tiny) bits of the Bible contain precious gems of wisdom.
Is it normal to wonder why people don't believe in Jesus?
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"It's possible to believe in aspects of religion (and Jesus) without following every single word of the Bible to the letter of the law (nobody does that, not even the most devoutly religious)."
I disagree. If you believe your God is PERFECT, you CANNOT throw out some of the rules, simply because you don't like them, such as killing disobedient children (something Jesus approved of btw).
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dappled
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I'll have to disagree. I think following the Bible to the letter of the law is such a difficult and unusual thing to do that people have written books about their attempt to do so. For instance, A. J. Jacobs with "The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible".
I know people who "believe" but I don't know anyone who follows the bible literally and entirely. I would never say they are non-believers, though.
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BLAh81
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It is indeed virtually impossible to follow the Bible entirely, since it contains literally HUNDREDS of contradictions (quite a lot of which involve the most crucial aspects of Christianity btw). See: http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/by_name.html
"I know people who "believe" but I don't know anyone who follows the bible literally and entirely. I would never say they are non-believers, though."
Same here. I also wouldn't say they are non-believers. What I WOULD say however, is that they are being kinda illogical. Don't they believe a PERFECT being inspired their book?
As an irreligious person I think I can cherry-pick the good stuff (yes that is subjective, I know) from the Bible (as from any book) WITHOUT being hypocritical. However, when you claim to follow a specific religion, I honestly think you HAVE to follow EVERYTHING in said religion (which isn't even possible in Christianity's case, because of the contradictions).
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dappled
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It's an interesting point. I suppose everybody has to find a way of dealing with the texts of their religion. A friend of the family (who is a Methodist minister) always recommends a common-sense approach (as opposed to an anal and literal approach). I'd never thought about it until now but there's a relationship between holy books and those who follow the religion and it's a different relationship for each person. It's personal.
Strangely, I suppose, there can be a relationship even between atheists and holy books. Parts of the bible make a lot of sense to me. Why would I choose to ignore them just because the book as a whole alludes to some things that I don't believe? There are parts of Islam, and many Eastern religions that I feel similarly about.
I do believe there's a global truth and many religions tap into it, but are also abused by writers who want power, control or a tourniquet for their insecurities.
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bigtoy
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BLAh81
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I think what is important to remember is that a good part of the Bible is about how to live together in harmony, in communtities where there is respect and consideration for others and how to live as a family and raise your children to respect you. Many of the other stories teach you to believe and have faith in God. Almost all religions promote this so there must be some sense in it at least.
"Strangely, I suppose, there can be a relationship even between atheists and holy books. Parts of the bible make a lot of sense to me. Why would I choose to ignore them just because the book as a whole alludes to some things that I don't believe? There are parts of Islam, and many Eastern religions that I feel similarly about."
I totally agree. For example, though I despise Christianity as a whole as an absurd and immoral religion, I think (tiny) bits of the Bible contain precious gems of wisdom.