The Bible, the pick 'n' mix of books?

[flobadob]

Why is it that so many people quote certain passages from the Bible to back up their claims against homosexuality, birth control, women priests etc. Why is it that these people don't follow the other passages of the bible forbidding eating seafood, certain haircuts, or even allowing slavery. Also, why aren't these arguments put to these bible bashers to see what their arguments are?

[DrFilth]

naomi don't think i have heard it since the sixties

[naomi24]

Well, it's a new one on me.

[DrFilth]

in the sixties you could see signs on some b & b 's saying no blacks no irish

some people on this site seem to be stuck in a time warp

[ummmm]

And 'no dogs'

[DrFilth]

some still have no dogs ( or pets )

[jomifl]

Because they get very angry and want to hit you, and as that is not good for their soul it is best not to say anything.

[ummmm]

I meant more the signs outside pubs.

[beso]

///You'll find that *those* bits of the bible are parables, or allegories, or not to be taken literally............. /// (jackthehat)

Typical apologist rubbish. If it doesn't fit your own model of the dogma then it is not meant to be literal. If it does fit then it is meant to be literal. There is no objective way to tell the difference so the whole thing is utterly worthless at best and profoundly dangerous.

The Bible is littered with all kinds of incomprehensible and contradictory rubbish which makes it a useful tool for nutters of every kind. All things to anyone.

I am still waiting for someone to explain how to allegorically interpret the genocidal massace of every man, woman and child in dozens of tribes that lived in "The Promised Land" before the Hebrews invaded and took posession in the Name of God.

The Bible is not candid wisdom or even subtle wisdom. It codifies the model used by primitive mankind to justify avarice and mindless violence.

[ludwig]

I was quite surprised when Gromit came out with that. It seemed out of character. I'd like to think it was some kind of atttempt at irony that went horribly wrong.

[naomi24]

Beso, I think you'll find that Jack's tongue was very firmly in cheek - hence the asterisks around 'those'. ;o)

Ludwig, I think you're right.

[jackthehat]

An apologist ?..........moi !.............how very dare you ! :o)

I think the irony-button on my keyboard is not functioning..........

[fredpuli47]

The more embarrassing bits of the Old Testament get ignored by everyone including the Jews. For example,stoning for adultery was practised (as in the story in St John's gospel of the woman taken in adultery) but the Jews stopped doing it.
.
Much of what we have from the New Testament is not Christ's instruction but St Paul's.That covers 'certain haircuts' and 'against homosexuality', among other topics. Paul took it upon himself to give a lot of advice and a lot of directions in Christ's name but some bits are patently ignored, or explained away, by Christians who e.g like long hair on men or gay marriage.

But I'm an atheist and such puzzles do not concern me. The Churches love them.

[flobadob]

I've never actually read the Bible so I can't really give too much of an opinion but what I mentioned in the post is things I've picked up along the way. It's quite infuriating that holy people can make reference to passages to suit their own beliefs but do not acknowledge other parts of the bible that may contradict the passage they are preaching. Furthermore I think if anyone can pick out a few contradictory statements from the Bible, should that not be enough to discount it as a non relevant piece of literature?

[naomi24]

I believe the bible contains a great deal of history so I consider it to be a very important piece of literature. The fact that it also contains glaring contradictions simply demonstrates that unless the God it promotes was mightily confused, it cannot possibly have emanated from him, but that its multiple authors failed to collude in order to synchronize their stories.

[Davethedog]

I'm not in any way or form an expert, but don't all religions picka and choose, which parts of thier book, runs thier lives at certain times.

I know there is huge conflict of interpretation over the Quaran, aren't there differences between orthodox jews and the non orthodox because of the Torah?

Its obviously a religious thing.

I'm an Athiest and therefore a nazi, so hey.

[flobadob]

I think the main issue in the Koran is the issue of suicide bombers. Is it okay to kill oneself in certain situations?

[Answerprancer]

The bibble is full of 'loopholes', I thought most people were aware of that, even hardened god-botherers as it can work in their favour when they come unstuck with their preachings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJy-pSnLG20

[flobadob]

EDDIE, if you will indulge me, in what context is the blood quote written as I can see that as being a valid interpretation by the Jehova's. What I mean is if it expressly says do not take another's blood then why wouldn't people follow that as a rule?