Quoting the Bible

[naomi24]

Why do some people who have found religion continually quote the bible? Do they think it authenticates their belief, or do they quote other people's words because they feel their own won't stand up to scrutiny?

[luna-tic]

One of the many temps that started in my previous work place was frequently regurgitating biblical verses interspersed with his own wisdoms (If you can call it that).
You could of been talking about what you were going to make for dinner that evening and this would prompt him to bombard you with spiel about loaves and fishes.
I tried to accomodate his religious leanings by asking questions about his faith but soon realised what a mistake that was.
In the end, while listening to his constant ramblings of Jesus this and God that I really felt like just shouting, SHUT UP ! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! but found it was much easier to either ignore his waffle or humour him.
I was convinced that he had been brain-washed or he was just a nut-case or both.
As much as I like having lengthy conversations about this subject and all the connected debates, I find that just putting forth biblical text or talk may be used as a comparison to the point in question but lacks personality.

[wizard69]

And dont you find it nauseating when, after quoting from the bible, they also have to give chapter and verse. Whats that about? If I quote from a work in conversation I dont give page number and what line its on.

[luna-tic]

Yes wiz,
"I Knoweth exactly what thou meaneth"
(Lunaticus 1:1)

[mibn2cweus]

I think what they are attempting to convey without actually coming out with it and blowing their cover is "Hey, I've got God backing me up. Who can dispute that?" But then again this is exactly what some do say, explicitly.

[chakka35]

That bloke at work,luna-tic. He wasn't called Theland, by any chance?
naomi, I think it's a mixture of both. Firstly, they seem to think that the words of the bible have magic powers to stun the rest of us into silence. Secondly, since religious people are, by definition, irrational they cannot summon up reasoned argument of their own, so they peddle second-hand thoughts by ancient unknown people who cannot be challenged.

[luna-tic]

No and although Theland and some others who follow the Christian faith have had their moments of biblical intermission amongst the many conversations on here, at least they can enter into a debate and when need be, continue throughout the subject discussed.
The individual I referred to in my first post was in my opinion just ranting in an excessive way: one, because he didn't really have much else to offer in the way of conversation and: two, to provoke a reaction from those who didn't follow his ways.
He got a reaction alright ! Most people tried to avoid him at all times.

[luna-tic]

I suppose we all at certain given moments throughout our lives have used others words or phrases whether in our speech or written form but to offer up lengthy passages of someone elses work on a too frequent basis may suggest the user lacks the philosophical attributes to convince others of their theology or they may not be that articulate to convey the message.
There could be many reasons why certain individuals feel the need to recite biblical passages.
It may look good on paper, sound clever to some but if you can't back it up with some of your own thoughts, words or ideology then for me and probably others, it's credence can be slightly or hugely diminished.

[naomi24]

Luna, I'm with you there. The problem is the more they quote, the more ludicrous their beliefs seem to become. I think they do it in the hope of convincing non-believers, but I'm sure it has the reverse effect - well, it does for me anyway. I feel my eyes glazing over as I read. Would they be more successful if they put forward a reasoned argument? (And I know some here will say believers don't have a reasoned argument, but they think they do, otherwise they wouldn't believe it).

[naomi24]

Well, prophet, nothing comes between you and the lord except a wonky keyboard, eh?

[chakka35]

Brilliant, naomi!

[naomi24]

Thank you Chakka.

[wizard69]

This "care in the community" aint working is it?

[Llamatron]

I wonder if The Prophet has a mind of his own.
He's actually rather creepy.

[naomi24]

Certainly doesn't seem to be Wiz. Still, who needs a caring community when you've got the lord?

[naomi24]

Don't know about creepy, Llamatron - more like a creep!

[luna-tic]

Hey ! Let's all do "The Prophet" (No nothing kinky ! It could be a new dance craze but it isn't)
Ready?
Here Goes:-
I talketh cr@p and fill thine ears with twaddle
Let not thy keyboard speak wrongly of the Lord
For thy keyboard is the work of Satan
And all thou who curse me will be driven to distraction by my words
I haveth not a mind of thy own and can only communicate with robotic fervour for I liveth in a land of make-believe

I'm getting the hang of this.

[naomi24]

Luna, I'm trying to get into this. It's got to be Rap, eh?

[luna-tic]

Groovy !

[Mammar]

Thank you Lunatic and Naomi!
Spot on and cheered me up no end.
Blesseth you both