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Q: Questions about the Bible
hi western friends here,
Today I was watching TV, it says a piece of history there happened which described in Bible, then I have very curiosity to the Bible
In China, and in Chinese translation, the name of your Bible was translated as "The Holy Scripture".And in our expression, your Bible describing the history of your God. It's like a kind ancient fairy tale in western world but not a true story.
So, now I have 4 questions for you:
1.What is Bible?
2.Who wrote the Bible? (the author of Bible)
3.What did Bible describe and is it true happened?
4.Is Bible a most influenced book in western world and why?
Can you tell me?
Thanks in advance. xiexie!
Don't you hate it when your long thought-out post disappears???
For each of those answers, you need to be aware that you will get 2 types of answer - the answer from the (strong believer) Christian's perspective; and the answer from the not-so-strong or realists Christians or at least agnostic's or atheist's perspective. There are many Christians who are 'realists' about the Bible, but still believe. One simple example of this is Genesis - some Christians take Genesis to be literally true, others do not. (There are some members of this board who will take offence at what I'm writing here - even though it is a) true, and b) quite rational.
So....
1 - As Delphine says. I'll also add, to those who are Christians, it describes a way to ensure you get to heaven to sit in (their) god's grace after you die.
2 - For many 'true believer' Christians, it was written by their God through 'his' agents on Earth, and thus is totally 100% true (see Q3 below). For Non-Christians or Realist Christians, it was written by human beings - some made mistakes, some put in their own interpretations. (hence why there are so many different versions of the Bible available now - a different version means different phrases. Simple example, in the King James version, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live amongst you". The word 'witch' should be more accurately translated from the original as 'poisoner', and usually pertains to someone who spreads gossip or slanders people. Having the 'witch' meant tens of thousands of people have been killed and tortured. You should note that the Bible does refer to witches, and even some of the greatest leaders in the Bible consulted witches for their advice and magic - ie, not killed or tortured!)
3 - Some fundamentalist Christians will try to convince you that the Bible is 100% literally true, including Genesis. This means that they believe the Earth (and the rest of the universe) and all life is only 6000 years old, science is so flawed that radio-carbon dating doesn't work, women were made out of Adam's rib etc etc.
Less fundamentalist Christians will say parts of the Bible are metaphors, while others are literally true.
Some other Christians, and some non-Christians will tell you that some parts may not be true, and other parts are definitely not true (ie, some parts *may* be true).
And, lastly, some non-Christians will tell you that no parts of the Bible are true at all.
There are MANY books that have been written discussing this topic. Even the evidence of historical events have been challenged where presented, for example, the account of the exodus from Egypt. That's to say, some will tell you that there is evidence of this, and others will say there is not.
4 - Probably, yes. However, you do need to realise that this is because millions (billions??) of people have been killed and tortured to make it so.
It should also be remembered that there were other books that came before the Bible that has a great many similarities, and that the Bible obviously draws upon - the Code of Hammurabi, for example. You will also find that most of the stories (all?) are similar to other stories in other books -ie, the story of Jesus Christ is found, in one form or another, in other religious texts.
And, lastly, you should be aware that even the current plethora of Bibles available now - while all being different in some areas (eg, phrasing, as I mentioned above about witches), that during the course of history, the contents of the Bible have changed. The current contents were actually agreed upon through various congresses and councils. These decided what was to be included in the Bible, and what was not to be included. There are a number of other 'books' and gospels that are available that were not included, for example, the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. These accounts differ somewhat from the other 4 Gospels that were included - and in quite significant ways! Also, the Book of Enoch was another that was left out. Do a search for "Council of Nicea", for example, as well as "history of the Bible", and "history of Christianity".
During the history of Christianity, many interpretations and assertions have been made - and discarded. At one period of time, reincarnation was asserted as being a part of Christian teaching. So too was the idea that God was the sun.
My only suggestion to you regarding this as possibly taking it on as a faith... a) read.. A LOT! And read lots of different things. B) don't just accept it because it sounds nice! What is YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE in life? Does it relate?
To do evil a human being must first of all believe that what he’s doing is good, or else that it’s a well-considered act in conformity with natural law. Fortunately, it is in the nature of the human being to seek justification for his actions.
Macbeth’s self-justifications were feeble – and his conscience devoured him. Yes, even Iago was a little lamb too. The imagination and the spiritual strength of Shakespeare’s evildoers stopped short at a dozen corpses. Because they had no ideology.
I just want to say that I really enjoyed this thread (Even though it came from a fake account it seems). But i have been having too much fun (at the expense of Shining, I'm afraid). If I ever do decide to follow the Bible I will have to make some changes. Anyways, I've been accused of being extreme 
Apparently my statements about the Bible having the only reasonable, logical explaination for life's important questions is a bit fanatical. Perhaps I was a little hasty. Surely there are others who have answers. So why don't you share？ I will start:
Where did we come from？ We were created from the dust of the earth
Why are we here? Because our Creator wanted to share life with others.
Why is this world so bad? Because some of God's creation rebelled against his authority. They challenged that they could have a better life if they were allowed to rule themselves. God gave them time to prove their claim. The world you see now is their (the rebels') version of how the world should be. It is a world free from God's interference..
Where are we going? When it becomes obvious to all that mankind is unable to successfully rule themselves, God will step in (before we destroy ourselves) and re-institute his righteous rule. He will destroy the rebels and put mankind back on the right course. Incidently, there is no teaching of eternal torment in a fiery hell in the Bible. This was a dogma adopted by religion, probably with the purpose of controlling the masses.
Well, that's my summary of the Bible's answers. I would love to have a lot of fun and do one on Evolution, but that would be evil 
. Since these answers are obviously extreme and fanatical, I would like to hear of a more reasonable world-view. After all, these are the important questions of life.
Oh, I forgot the BIG question: What is our purpose? Our original purpose was to fill the earth, making it into a beautiful garden paradise and enjoying our perfect lives the way our Creator intended. Of course we have “slightly" deviated from that course.
Janosik:
Your thinking looks to be close to "Qatars" in France long time ago.Not bad for history kessson, otherwise ...
xinyuren:
What? Nobody replying with their reasonable answers to the burning questions in life? I'm shocked! This is shockingly shocking!
Shining_brow:
Firstly (and at this time of night - only) I would have suggested a separate thread. We've had souls, bibles, ghosts, etc... shouldn't be a problem having a new thread.
I don't have a problem with your believing what you do - only in the insults and mockery, and unwillingness to accept that people see things differently to you.
I'll look back over this post when I'm more awake.
xinyuren:
@Shining - Why do you think I don't accept that others have different beliefs? Of course I accept it! It is illogical not to! If everyone believed the same as me, there would be no reason for this discussion. But I doubt anyone else has more logical and reasonable answers to life's questions. I doubt anyone has more reasonable explanations for the world's situation today. Could I be wrong? Let's see what anyone writes here in response. My cards are on the table. Where's yours?
Shining_brow:
Simple question deserves simple answer - your "acceptance" is limited to "so, they think something else" - rather than "you know, they could actually be right... however, I don't believe so".
The fact that you make comments about no other book (religion??) offers up logical and rational explanations to those questions says you do not think that the believers for those religions are logical and/or rational (or, at least, don't bother to really think about those questions).
And the fact that some people do not accept your explanations for the contradictions in the bible.
You are right - I am not one of those Biblical scholars who avidly read (and re-read... and re-re-read that book). I knew from a fairly early age that it wasn't right. Therefore, I didn't bother with it (except those bits which have affected me - "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live amongst you"... doesn't go down well in a coven - and knowing it's due to a mis-translation makes it even worse!!!!) So I'm sure you are far more versed in said book than I. However, just because you've studied it in more depth doesn't actually mean that the answers you provide are actually good!
So, when people throw beliefs telling me and mine how wrong and bad I am, I'm likely to fight them with their own poor material, glossed from those who have made it a study.
Your 'faith' in the Bible rests upon one simple assertion - the God in the Bible actually exists. Remove that assertion, and the house of cards comes tumbling down.
As for those questions - please, new thread! Otherwise, it's just one long series of comments - which will get really confusing when one comments on C after E has commented on B...
xinyuren:
@ Shining. My, you're being sensitive. Somebody hurt your feelings? I know I don't ever remember calling you wrong or bad. All of my comments were directed at your attempts to find contradiction in the Bible. For me it was a game. I already knew what you were going to come at me with. Geesh, throw a little trash talk your way and you fold like a girl. You definitely don't come from the streets. you said a lot of stuff there. Lots of talk. But the proof is in the pudding, as they say. As of the time of this writing, my answers are the only ones posted. I studied the religions thoroughly (including Scientology). They have nothing. This is why I am so confident. I already know what will happen. I already know everyone has nothing. Even you have failed to meet this challenge. Because all of y'all are still searching for them! My vitriol hasn't been aimed at you specifically. It has directed at all those who scoff and mock the Bible, yet have no substance to support their own ideas. If you can't answer the basic of these questions simply and logically, why should I even consider your beliefs? They only have ignorant talk. So you can hem and haw and justify, but all I have to do is point to the board. It says, Bible 1 Others 0
I rest my case. Get back with me when you have some answers. All you have is questions.Shining_brow:
You do know that you're the only one who accepts this 'winning' position of yours - right? You choose to believe that your responses were 'accepted' by us, and you have effectively countered all challenges.
If you actually bothered to ask US (you know, the members of this board that you claim acknowledge your victory - and obviously those involved in the discussions - or at least looking at them) then you'd find a VERY different score! A number of people on here have already indicated that you are blind to your 'logic and rationality', and thus, do NOT accept your responses.
Please - don't tell me you are so blind to what's been written that you fail to see this.. The fact that a person has come on here, read through the 'debates' and still thinks you're 'blind' says a lot (IMHO).
I gave because, as i said, you were rude! Also, because you will attempt to justify everything that you choose to believe, and often ridicule others for things they don't (or do). You have chosen to accept the 'answers' to the contradictions cited... we don't! The answers you supply are not necessarily correct - they are an interpretation. They are assumptions, they are presumptions. They are guesses (where possible). This "Bible 1: Others 0" is your ego
"Arguing" with a person who will find a way out of any answer by invoking such faulty reasoning, assumptions, presumptions, guesses and interpretations is usually a waste of time and effort. ESPECIALLY someone who believes 100% in the truth of the Bible, states that there are categorically NO contradictions.. and yet says they are NOT a Christian... I'm wasting my time with! If you follow the 'teachings's of the guy called "Jesus", and if you accept that he was the son of god, and that to get to god's side, you need to follow those teachings - then by definition, you are a Christian! If I missed something significant, please elaborate.
As for other beliefs and their 'effectiveness' - as I said before - start a thread! You only 'win' that particular argument if you start a thread, and no-one replies! (obviously, presuming it doesn't get shut down). I suspect you'll actually find a number of people on here may respond (although, it seems like a couple have disappeared - coincidentally, after your attempts to justify your contradictions...).
Q: What does 'TR' stand for? What's the first? And who is it meant for?
xinyuren:
@Shining - It seems you need a lesson on Face Value and Open Minded Objectivity. Taking something on face value means that you accept something as it is presented to you. Open minded objectivity means you accept something at face value unless something it says presents a logical B.S. flag. I posted this before, but apparently you didn't get how it applies to the Bible. So I will explain further. The Bible presents itself as a book authored by God. It says that it has no contradictions. So you are in effect (contrary to what you may believe) arguing with the Bible, not me. God doesn't contradict himself, he hasn't changed. This is it's FACE VALUE.
In order to examine the Bible objectively, you should at least accept its premise (initially), in order to appreciate its value. This is what I have done. You, on the other hand, have already rejected the Bible. Your views are not objective. When you present an apparent contradiction, I will look at the issue from all aspects. You will only look at the issue from a contradictory view. My viewpoints on your "contradictions" are entirely reasonable. They take into account the context of the scripture, human nature, as well as the local customs of the time. Are you making the claim that my "alternate" viewpoints of the scriptures you presented have logical faults? You didn't say so then, why do you say so now? I find that funny. My interpretations of the scriptures were completely logical. I challenge you to prove otherwise! So, I have taken the Bible at it's face value. I have examined it thoroughly. And I have concluded that, yes, these things could have logically happened. Then I examined the answers and advice the Bible gives. I found it was completely logical and reasonable.
Can some of the material be viewed in a different, contradictory way? Of course. Much of what I have just written in this post can be interpreted to have different meanings! But I have no reason to doubt or reject the statement the Bible makes about not having contradiction. Everything it says allows for a harmonious, logical interpretation. The only way you win this argument is to present a contradiction that can't be reconciled with the rest of the Bible. You have yet to find one. So whether or not you agree with my interpretation of scripture, you have failed to find a contradiction. You just interpreted one.
So, as you see, I don't need anyone's acceptance. It's just pure logic. Does the Bible have the answers to the fore mentioned questions? Yes. Are the answers illogical? Noone has come forth and challenged them! Furthermore noone has come forth with any competing answers. Starting another thread won't change that fact. Everyone who's interested in this issue is already watching this thread. Therefore, as I said, Bible 1 Others 0
As for my religious affiliation, I thought I explained this thoroughly in other posts. I don't see how it has any bearing on the facts. One needs not be practicing Christianity to believe in the Bible or even to examine it honestly. In fact, it could be argued that a person without religious associations can examine the matter more objectively than a so-called Christian., I examine the Bible with intellectual interest. I wanted to see if its claims were true from a logical standpoint. Therefore, I am not tainted by religious fervor or dogma. It's just a matter of reason. It is the only book that answers questions, logically and reasonably, that I expect the Creator of the Universe to know. The Bible's message stands up to the test of logic and you haven't proven otherwise. In fact, you haven't shown much of anything in regards to an alternative source of answers. You have no answers. This is the main reason why I mock you. Because you have nothing, yet you open your mouth to reproach the only book that offers something. The Bible is the only horse in the race! So, again, I rest my case.
xinyuren:
BTW, I'm not going to answer your Scientology questions too. I presume you know what you believe.
Shining_brow:
You should know - I do actually laugh - often out loud - when I read through some of your posts - like this (second) last one!
Firstly, you (your ideas) have been called illogical and irrational a number of times - you probably should have taken that as "you have faulty logic" - I seriously don't understand how you didn't read it that way!
Secondly, when you say 'objective', do you mean to accept something totally without requiring any form of proof, or at least confirming evidence, from other sources? It certainly appears that way! This is the problem with religious extremists - they take a book, do away with thinking and what they actually know about the universe (if there was much), and then blindly accept what was written in the book (because, you know, god wrote it!) And then, liking the message contained within, they ignorantly attack anything that doesn't agree with them - such as science! YEC's attack on evolution, fossil remains, carbon dating, etc etc etc is ludicrous!
Thirdly, you stance on contradictions is logically faulty! (there, I used your words for you!) You keep asserting that there are NO contradictions, but you are failing to understand that interpretation is key! (until your post above). Biblical enthusiasts will interpret and explain away any 'apparent contradictions', saying they know better. To deny any apparent contradictions, and to state that EVERY apparent contradiction is not, is intellectual dishonesty! What's true is true - regardless of which side of the line you stand on for interpreting. Those on the side of the bible need to interpret those "apparent contradictions' to clear them up.. those against the Bible don't need to - they just do it for fun :D (and often laugh at the bible enthusiasts with their ridiculous attempts. Even those who are defending those particular versus are using the word 'interpret'.
So, it's not about "reconciling" with the rest of the bible, - it's about (needing) reconciling with a particular interpretation
One of the first contradictions is the universe creation story - 6 days???. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, and I'm sure you'll say "but you're not reading it right' - this 'right' is your interpretation. YOU pick and choose how something should be read! This is NOT 'face value'.
The simple fact is - those who see contradictions don't accept the Christian interpretation. Bible 0: Others 0.
(Then we add in corroborating evidence, and we get Bible negative lots: Science positive lots of points.)
In some ways, the above is like your response about your religious affiliations - you suggest it's not relevant, I do! To me, I clearly see your defense of the bible as coming from a devout believer, who will brook absolutely NO challenges to his holy book! You're happy to label us as unobjective due to our backgrounds, but won't allow yours to come into things.. hmmmmm
And, thank you for helping me clarify something in my head...
A (you, btw) "I offer a challenge!"
B (others) - "Sure, just do this".
A - "No, I won't - ha! You haven't met my challenge. I WINS the INternetz!!!!"
This is called 'trolling'.
" Furthermore noone has come forth with any competing answers. Starting another thread won't change that fact."
I bet you 10,000 internetz that it will! (after all, I've been suggesting it, don't you think I'd post?)
I am taking yous guys advice to study myself
Shining_brow:
If I may also suggest - read a few other books as well.
I'm not sure exactly what you're after. One of your OP questions suggests your trying to get a look at western ideology. If so, then you have a LOT of reading to do... and I wouldn't envy you that!
If your curiosity is about Christianity only - then you still have a lot of reading to do :p
You will also need to choose a bible to read. There are MANY different versions, each with their own slightly different take on things - differences in word choice, translation, interpretation. These can be significant. (especially if the book you read contains commentary).
xinyuren:
I have 6 different translations of the Bible. It is safe to say that you can learn the same truth no matter which Bible you choose. As long as it uses modern English and not an outdated translation, you will be fine.
This message is for Shining. His thread is difficult to find with my cellphone. So I am putting your reply at the end so it is handy for me to reference:
I have to say, There is not much I can understand from your last post. Were you on medication? You seem to be saying that my IF's require proof?
That's very odd. If's are not exclamatory but rather a supposition. By definition it expresses uncertainty or doubt! Why would I need to prove an if? I find your whole reply confusing and without focus. I have no idea what you're trying to say. But at least I gather that your answer to my question is that you want me to continue. So I will continue....
Let's focus on a little girl in the land of Canaan. Canaan is one of those places where God instructed the Israelites to kill women, children and orphans that you are so opposed to (did i mention lots of cattle too?). This little girl isn't real. There is no such girl mentioned in the Bible. But for the purpose of my illustration, she will represent the "innocent" women, children and orphans. She will be your bleeding heart. This little girl is pre-adolescent. She was raised among a tribe that worships "pagan" gods and practiced the customs that are associated with such worship. maybe she will reach the age of 50 years old before she dies. Maybe.
Now let me interrupted the Canaanite girl's story to discuss the first man, Adam. He was created perfect in every way. He was given a satisfying job, a pretty human companion and a bright future. If he remained obedient, he would have had endless life. This is the life that our Creator had in mind for us. An everlasting life full of happiness. But Adam used his free will to rebel against his Creator, thus forfeiting his spiritual connection with God. He would no longer have access to the spirit that gives him life. He became imperfect (perfect means you meet the manufacturer's specifications) and began to die. Because he and Eve were the only human pair alive at the time of the rebellion, this imperfection and death sentence would affect all the offspring on Earth. In effect, Adam is responsible for that poor Canaanite girl's plight. He is responsible for why we all suffer and die.
As a consequence of the rebellion, God decided to not interfere with the activities of rebellious mankind. They wanted independence from him, and they would discover first hand the consequences of their independence (as we are today). But it would be unfair to withdraw from all of his creation. After all, it's not their fault they were born under Adam, thus born imperfect. It's not their fault that they fail to meet God's specifications. Realizing that He would need to keep an example of His righteous rule as a witness, God chose Abraham's family line to be a torchbearer of his way of thinking, ruling, living, etc.... In other words, the Jews, in their own imperfect way, would be a model nation to the world. In the same way that we have model homes, prototypes of new cars, and movie previews, the Jewish nation was God's way of bringing in those who didn't want to join in Satan's rebellion and teaching them his righteous standards. The rebels had left those standards. God was keeping them alive in the Israelites. He was keeping a door open. Now, what has this to do with those dead women, children and orphans? Be patient, Mr. Shining, be patient.
So hopefully, I have setup the scenario in a way you can picture. On one side are the rebels (led unknowingly by Satan), those who chose independent rule. By the time our Canaanite girl is born, they had long left behind and forgotten God's standards and requirements. In fact, their religious practices were depraved and disgusting (do you own homework on that). On the other side is God's model nation, the Israelites. They have taken a pledge and adopted God's standards. This sets the stage for a clash of ideology.
Remember when I told you God had decided to have a non-interference policy in regards to human affairs? Well, that was true unless human affairs started interfering with His affairs. And this is what happened a few times in Bible history. One such case was when the Israelites tried to take possession of land that was promised to them by God. This is where our Canaanite girl enters the story. Her people, the Canaanites, stubbornly occupied this land. They knew about the promise but continued to occupy it with their disgusting Bal worship as well as their many other gods. There was not going to be any compromise here. Canaan's false worship would corrupt the true worship of the Jews. It would contaminate God's purpose for reuniting mankind under his rule, which was the ultimate purpose. If the Canaanites wouldn't leave, the Israelites would need to take the land by force. So war was necessary. And lots of bloodshed. This leads to the question:
Q: Since God is leading this war, couldn't he have spared the lives of the innocents. Why did he condemn everyone to death? It was not without warning that this bloodshed occurred. The Canaanite had plenty of opportunity to join the Jews or vacate the land. They knew very well of the Jews and their God by reputation and prophecy and they were warned ahead of time. The obstinate leaders decided to fight, although some Canaanite cities were spared (for various reasons), most of them perished. What about our little Canaanite girl? What kind of life would she have had as a refugee, without parents or guidance? If she were allowed to live, how would her life be like, banished from the only home she has ever known? She could very well have become a human sacrifice to one of the pagan gods that were so prevalent in that time. This is what happened to orphans back then. Apparently there were no adoption agencies. Also, keep in mind that death is not a permanent condition in God's eyes. Anyone who is truly innocent, will be resurrected. In the future, they will have an opportunity to prove that they deserve everlasting life. Death is not a barrier for the Almighty God. It is just a nap. But be careful of who you judge as "innocent". We are just humans. What do we know of innocence? In reality, no one is innocent. We are all born imperfect. Life is a gift, not a right.
Who knows how many people died as a result of clashes with God. It doesn't matter. If he is our Creator, only he can read the heart and only he can decide who deserves to die. Which brings us to the point about human rights and free will. You seem to be a little confused about this point. Really confused. You say humans will one day face this issue with our creation? I laugh heartily at that sentiment. Humans can barely keep themselves alive, let alone create life. That's just crazy. Funny, but crazy. Human rights are the rights that the creator bestows, end of story. Our puny ideas about human rights are irrelevant. Nobody on earth created humans so our standards are meaningless. We have been given free will. We are free to make our own choices, but we are not immune to the consequences. The Canaanites learned this lesson. They were free to practice any gross form of worship of their choosing, but when their activities clashed with God's purpose, they met their end.
So God is not bloodthirsty. But he created this Earth and he has a purpose for it. He is not going to allow some rebellious creatures to ruin the prospects for the ones who are faithful to him. Rebellious humans are vermin. Look at the world today. We are like cockroaches (did u see The Matrix?). A world independent from God is a world I barely want to live in. And, yeah, Scientology is weird.
Well, Leo, since you're still here... (4 posts now!) I will give you my personal take on this book.
1> What is it? It's a book that is actually a compilation of other books. The first 'half' called the Old Testament was written about 2500 years or more ago. The second, called the New Testament, is made up of writings which date from less than 2000 years ago. The earliest of those was written at least 30 years after the events described in the Gospels as given in that book (there are other gospels that aren't in the Bible - they also make for some interesting reading!) Some have speculated that some of it could have been written as late as more than 100 years after the events described! Those first 4 books have had modifications made to them throughout history. The rest of the New Testament is other people's opinions.
The Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the first 4 books of the NT, and are really the most significant for Christians (without them, Christianity would not exist). They tell the story of Jesus' life (and bits afterwards). However, we have NO original copies of any of those 4 books, and subsequent translations/copies have alterations in them. NONE of the authors of those books were around when Jesus was born - that is, they weren't eyewitnesses to what happened. Nor were they witnesses to virtually ANY of the things that actually happened during his life, and instead are (at best) taken from stories OTHER people told.
Therefore, what follows after those four books is opinions on hearsay. - at best, as well as a goodly incorporation of other mythologies in the Ancient Near East (there is nothing new in the story of Jesus - all elements can be found in other religious texts).
Looking at it from a different perspective - the book was written for (and by) very ignorant people - not in a nasty way, but a very accurate way. They knew about the world around them, in ways that they understood them.
This universe is about 13.4 billion years old. There are stars and galaxies that are so far away that we cannot (literally) actually (effectively) imagine it. There are things that we humans will never, ever know... even if humanity manages to make it through to the end of the universe (which would actually be impossible...). Naturally, in amongst that enormity, there is life.. and there are and have been and will be civilisations far in advance of what we have now - by incredibly sentient creatures.. that we will never ever know about!
Life on planet Earth is only a few billion years old. Humans only a few million years (at best). If you map the history of this universe onto a 365-day calendar, humans have been around for about the last minute! (actually, not even that long!)
And yet.. this book suggests that a divine being created all of that above only for humans. AND, that same being's ONLY concern is how you think of him. (13.4 billion years after 'creating' everything else that we'll never get to know anything about...). While we can't really prophesise too much about the future, astrophysicist will tell us that our (humanity's) actual time in existence will be much much much shorter than that 1 minute mentioned earlier - probably in the order of nano-seconds. (although - that will actually depend on whether this universe is actually expanding or shrinking...).
2> who wrote it? Different parts were written by different people, at different times. Confounding that, different parts were mis-translated and mis-interpreted by different people at different times. AND, there have been a number of attempts to manipulate this book into its (relatively) stable present form by various political intrigues. (google "Council of Nicea" as one example). Even when we have names of authors, that does not necessarily represent the real author.
3> Historical accuracy. Most of the significant events mentioned in the Bible have NO archeological or historical evidence to support them. Other than the Bible and a few scraps of other Biblical-type writings even support the idea that Jesus even existed at all, let alone anything else attributed to him. The Jewish exodus from Egypt - NO historical evidence (without making some BIG assumptions...) For that matter, archeological evidence clearly indicates that some things mentioned in the Bible did NOT happen (the way described)! The "Flood" is one blatantly obvious example (although there is evidence of 'floods' around the same time, it did NOT cover the whole earth, and it did NOT wipe out all life other than those on a boat).
There is a group of Christians who believe that the entire bible is 100% literally true and correct. By this, it means they think the world (the entire universe) is only about 6000 years old! Therefore, they almost categorically and absolutely believe that science is seriously flawed (and fossils in the Earth are Satan's attempts to push us away from 'god's grace'...! Go figure!))
4> Influence - possibly. I can't immediately think of any other single book that can so easily be ascribed to western influence - good, bad and ugly.
If you are going to read the Bible (and take it at 'face value' and be 'objective'), I'd quickly suggest you watch Cosmos by Neil deGrasse Tyson first. - just to put some things in perspective. (or any other good series on the universe we inhabit - eg, http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNzUwMDk5OTEy.html?from=s1.8-1-1.2)
The Old Testament is the book of the Jews. The Torah.
The New Testament is the story of Jesus and all thereafter.
I can't claim to know history perfectly, or have definitive evidence. But I know society and governments.
In pre-Christian Rome, religious worship was free, and tithes were only collected from Roman and Greek temples. Believers of other faiths could pay offerings to foreign temples if they wanted. Christianity was a Roman story written to consolidate church taxes.
Historical authors living in the Judea region at the time, made no clear mention of any figure like Jesus, or a followers, or a trial. It is likely 100% fiction.
My gut tells me it was a scheme to consolidate church taxation, through a false flag regime change. Rome had a single religion afterwards, and less religious tolerance. After their so-called demise, a christian governing body known as the Holy Roman Empire continued to exist, and the capital of Christianity has always been Rome. Its earliest orthodox offshoot was Byzantium/Constantinople/Istanbul, old capital of eastern Roman Empire. Smells like state meddling to me.
The Jews got massively shafted and forced into exodus. Serves them right for introducing us to the "One God" monotheism crap. Their organized religion was subverted and used against them China-copy-style.
My favourite Bible story is the story of Passover. In this story God plays the role of a racist baby murderer. He kills all the Egyptian first born babies and lets the Jewish babies live. Call it post term abortion. Fantastic story.
Exodus 11: 4-6
ScotsAlan:
Excellent.
This story also answers the age old question about what does God think about pre- Jewish of Christian people, such as the cavemen.
But here is the thing. If Christians are so pro life and anti- abortion, does this story not suggest that God has no problem with killing babies....
Scandinavian:
@iWolf. No, not every time, mostly he just make them suffer a bit.
iWolf:
Phew!! That's a relief I was worried. Not for me you understand.....
http://huzlers.com/valentines-day-tragedy-teen-masturbated-56-times-straight-dying-heart-attack/
1.What is Bible? Word of God
2.Who wrote the Bible? (the author of Bible) God wrote it through Saints
3.What did Bible describe and is it true happened? A LOT! google OR Baidu please
4.Is Bible a most influenced book in western world and why? YES! The bible saved me 11 years ago!
Can you tell me?
iWolf:
1.What is Bible? A bunch of writings arbitrarily thrown together and changed depending upon the political climate of the day
2.Who wrote the Bible? (the author of Bible) A bunch of shills being paid by the church
3.What did Bible describe and is it true happened? It occasionally described actual events viewed from a supersticious mindset that were designed to manipulate the populous. More commonly, it just made up stories.
4.Is Bible a most influenced book in western world and why? YES! It taught me the difference between documented fact and fiction (the bible)
First there was nothing written about Jesus ( New testament) until he had been dead 30 years? The IQ of the average person of that era was probably about 35. It is all hear say. Jesus definitely had a message for us that mostly went unheeded. The bible was translated by friends of King James, who no doubt had a say in what was translated. Most people accept what is in the bible??? Because they want to. The whole thing is basically a fairy tale. I mean look at Adam and Eve. God created Adam first, but give him breasts?
iWolf:
How can an omnipotent being be unable to find the only two people in the world who were hiding in a garden?
If we are all supposed to be godly then why doesn't he make it so?
If the devil punishes evil doers (sinners) then isn't he a good guy??
I'm so confused!!
after 2000 years plus, science is finally doing the job, better late than never.
icnif77:
Rory Breaker: "If the milk turns out to be sour, I ain't kind of pussy to drink it!"
