The Bible And Morality

[nailit]

why do christians claim to derive their morality from the bible?
My own reading of the bible led me to believe that it is a grotesque, immoral, unjust and disgusting piece of work. I honestly fail to see how people in the 21st century can claim that the bible is a 'manual for living.'
If theres any bible believers reading this can you explain to me why you think a work choc full of unjust laws, genocide, racism, homophobia etc is in any way moral. I'm genuinely curious.
Thank you.

[Duncer]

Stand well back and wait for the storm.............

[sandyRoe]

The essence of all that's good in the bible can be summed up in these five words: Love thy neighbour as thyself.
What other do we need to lead a moral life?

[LoftyLottie]

Morality and Religion are not linked in my opinion. Far from it. You are right Sandy. 'Do unto others and you would be done unto' or something! A written code is not necessary.

[starone]

The Sermon on the Mount, given by Jesus in case you don't know, is quite good. I agree with your assessment though and I am an atheist but I have been brought up in the Christian faith although I made my own judgment about the possibilities of Christianity, or for that matter any other faith. Some people need it to get through life so I would not deign to take it away from them. Whatever it takes, I reckon - it is a hard life whoever and whatever you believe.

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with you Starbuck. I would never criticise anybody for having religious beliefs, each to his own. I have good friends with strong religious beliefs (not just Christian). I am I suppose an Atheist, but verge on being an agnostic. I don't believe in a supreme God. I presume my morals were formed by my upbringing. It does depend on upbringing of course, which is why I wonder why so many people who have led immoral lives change their lives after 'discovering God'. It is a set of beliefs that were perhaps not installed by parents.

I disagree with your views on the bible though nailit. It contains good and bad. It is not however a manual for living in any way.

[nailit]

lofty, just curious here but have you read the bible (all of it, including the old testament)?
Ive no desire to disparage believers...each to his own...but I fail to see how someone can say they believe in a book while at the same time ignoring large parts of it. The bible does have some 'nice' parts but overall its grotesque.

[LoftyLottie]

A lot of it Nailit, but not all. I agree that there are some immoral and grotesque things in it, but not all of it and it isn't a 'disgusting piece of work', in any way. It's just a book, made up of stories and experiences and gives insight into how people thought thousands of years ago. I have said I agree with you that it certainly isn't a manual for living.

Unfortunately those people who live 'by the rules of the bible' are often the most biggotted people ever who cannot actually see anybody else's points of view. Same, in my opinion, as anybody who has fundamental views!!

[starone]

There are some good stories in it here and there, nailit. To my thinking, that is all they are - stories. I am thinking in particular about the ones that have been made into films - great action sometimes especially the ones that Charlton Heston acted in, he was verygood at that sort of thing.

[RATTER15]

I agree with you nailit however there are a few nice little snippets in the bible for the cherry pickers.

Morals and the bible should not be used in the same sentence.

[nailit]

I have to go now but will look forward to checking back on this thread later. Thanks to those who have already replied so far.

[Old_Geezer]

Do they claim to derive their morality from the bible ? I'd hope they'd simply find they are in agreement with some of the stuff in the book, as otherwise it would imply they just accepted things 'hook, line, & sinker', without consideration. And just because you can distill a basis in which you agree from something, doesn't mean that something has to be perfect throughout (even if fundamentalists may claim it is anyway).

[mibn2cweus]

Any morality based on commandments, not derived solely through a process of reason, should remain highly suspect.

[jomifl]

where else would they get their morality from? the pope?

[naomi24]

//why do christians claim to derive their morality from the bible? //

Selective reading.

[Duncer]

"where else would they get their morality from? the pope?"

Now he can tweet it to them........and he is infallible.

[sandyRoe]

I fear His Holiness has shown a degree of fallibility if he thinks that sinking into the depths of Tweeterdom will do anything to enhance the Churches appeal.
Too many there value the medium more than the message.

[Duncer]

Having never been on it I can't comment, now will I ever be able to.........

Signed, A. Luddite.

[wildwood]

To a decent level of moral philosophy you need to be honest take the feeling of others into consideration. It has nothing to do with the bible, just good manners.

Religions are consistent in that the followers are all hypocrites and none follow their sanctimonious book to the letter, even the pope.

[Khandro]

widwood; //Religions are consistent in that the followers are all hypocrites//
Are you as an atheist exempt from hypocrisy?

[wildwood]

I don't understand your meaning, Khandro... anybody can be an hypocrite. what does that have to do with being an Atheists?

If you consider yourself to be a Theist and don't follow that religions' teachings than you are a hypocrite. Even the pope doesn't follow the ecclesiastical teachings.