Why does anyone care about the Bible?

[Limper]

Its a hodge podge of stories and accounts of unprovable orgin from unknown authors, passed down, rewritten and translated and redefined according to the needs of the translators countless times.

What makes you find faith within its covers?

[FeatsofClay]

Its a hodge podge of stories and accounts of unprovable orgin from unknown authors, passed down, rewritten and translated and redefined according to the needs of the translators countless times.

What makes you find faith within its covers?

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is the same, but people find brilliance and guidance there. Because they have seen the lessons work.

I imagine people see that same in the Bible.

[Northcott]

Its a hodge podge of stories and accounts of unprovable orgin from unknown authors, passed down, rewritten and translated and redefined according to the needs of the translators countless times.

What makes you find faith within its covers?

...

...Man, we're living in a society where the metrosexual almost became a new male standard. People obsess over how their hair looks, whether they're using the correct half-dozen haircare products, whether or not their pores are small enough, if they've tweazed their eyebrows sufficiently, and whether or not the name on their clothing is cool enough -- without pausing to give sufficient thought to whether or not they've made their own name mean a damned thing to the people around them.

Our society is so fucked up that average credit debt actually outweighs average income in certain regions.

And you wonder why anybody cares about the Bible?!? It's not my cup of tea, but at least the people who reach for that are focusing on something outside of themselves and striving for something deeper than the trend of the day.

[TiQuinn]

...

...Man, we're living in a society where the metrosexual almost became a new male standard. People obsess over how their hair looks, whether they're using the correct half-dozen haircare products, whether or not their pores are small enough, if they've tweazed their eyebrows sufficiently, and whether or not the name on their clothing is cool enough -- without pausing to give sufficient thought to whether or not they've made their own name mean a damned thing to the people around them.

Our society is so fucked up that average credit debt actually outweighs average income in certain regions.

And you wonder why anybody cares about the Bible?!? It's not my cup of tea, but at least the people who reach for that are focusing on something outside of themselves and striving for something deeper than the trend of the day.

There's a positive and negative ways to focus on yourself, and there are positive and negative ways to embrace religion.

I don't think embracing religion necessarily means you are making a positive change in your life.

[Northcott]

There's a positive and negative ways to focus on yourself, and there are positive and negative ways to embrace religion.

I don't think embracing religion necessarily means you are making a positive change in your life.

Agreed on both points. :)

My chief point is this: People, everyday, buy into trends that exist outside themselves. Some buy completely into things transient and shallow, to the point where they have little sense of identity outside of name brand clothing, the type of car you drive, how big your house is, etc. Is it really a surprise, then, that other people will cling to the Bible? There are a multitude of reasons why people do it, but the basic impulse to do so isn't exactly unfathomable. It's just a different twist on it.

I just felt like ranting about metros. :D

[Varaj]

People rant about metrosexuals but I'm not sure they really exist. I've never seen any outside of tv.

[Northcott]

People rant about metrosexuals but I'm not sure they really exist. I've never seen any outside of tv.

You lucky, lucky bastard. There's several around here. There's a whole lot around Toronto.

It's a wider problem I have, really, having a strong distaste for people who give away identity -- and in particular when it's done for flash-in-the-pan trends that have little to no substance. I only rant about the metros because they're the easiest to point to.

[Kwalish Kid]

People who rant about metrosexuals remind me of the people that show up on What Not To Wear and give the hosts a hard time. These people generally look bad and they are generally sloppy about what they wear.

If one does actually care about how one looks, then there are some things, from within society, that one has to pay attention to. It's not about designer labels, either. Often, one gets what one pays for, and designer label products are often a sign of quality. However, they don't fit everyone the same. Really caring about one's appearance requires that one critically examine one's wardrobe, regardless of the source.

This is all a part of society.

This doesn't mean that one should blindly follow all fashion trends. Some fashion trends might be quite detrimental.

The same should be said about the Bible or any religious text. It has to be critically analyzed in order to determine how it should be interpreted.

[Harry]

Metrosexualism is not a simple manner of grooming, dress, and cleanliness. It's narcissism at a level unseen with men since the days of Prince Edward.

[Northcott]

The clothes can make the man, or the man can make the outfit work. I'd rather have the substance to be the latter.

[Northcott]

Metrosexualism is not a simple manner of grooming, dress, and cleanliness. It's narcissism at a level unseen with men since the days of Prince Edward.

That's pretty much my definition of it, yes. :)

[FeatsofClay]

The clothes can make the man, or the man can make the outfit work. I'd rather have the substance to be the latter.



Or the outfit can work for the owner. The vast majority of my time is spent in clothing geared towards what I am doing. Functionality over style.

[cnath.rm]

Metrosexualism is not a simple manner of grooming, dress, and cleanliness. It's narcissism at a level unseen with men since the days of Prince Edward.Why Edward offhand? I feel that I'm missing something.

For myself I find the Bible a source of comfort and direction, along with a feeling that there is both a) something bigger then me out there, and b) a greater plan, by which I mean an alternative to pointless randomness in the universe which I would find somewhat annoying/disturbing/not conducive to having a good day.

[Droid101]

For myself I find the Bible a source of comfort and direction, along with a feeling that there is both a) something bigger then me out there, and b) a greater plan, .

Might I suggest the Flying Spaghetti Monster's website. It also shows there is something bigger out there, and that there is a greater plan, for pirates.

[Northcott]

Or the outfit can work for the owner. The vast majority of my time is spent in clothing geared towards what I am doing. Functionality over style.

You know, I hadn't even considered that there are people out there who ignore functionality for the sake of appearance.

[cnath.rm]

Might I suggest the Flying Spaghetti Monster's website. It also shows there is something bigger out there, and that there is a greater plan, for pirates.Much as (almost) "Everything is better with pirates" and how we wouldn't have the climate change were there more of them, I think I will decline to be touched by his noodly appendage, thanks for the suggestion however. :)

You know, I hadn't even considered that there are people out there who ignore functionality for the sake of appearance.It's depressingly true I fear.

[bunny]

I find it highly telling that a conversation on the importance of the bible has developed into a conversation about the importance of fashion. We live in strange times.

[Northcott]

I find it highly telling that a conversation on the importance of the bible has developed into a conversation about the importance of fashion. We live in strange times.

Twice as strange when you consider that I'm the source of the derailment. :D

[Limper]

I find it highly telling that a conversation on the importance of the bible has developed into a conversation about the importance of fashion. We live in strange times.

I'd rate it as one of the strangest disintigrations of all time.

[Northcott]

I'd rate it as one of the strangest disintigrations of all time.

I WIN TEH INTARWEB!!!!

[Limper]

I WIN TEH INTARWEB!!!!


You had help.

[Hastur T. Fannon]

I use four fucking skin products. Ok, two are technically medicinal and one is an aftershave, but even so...

[Hastur T. Fannon]

Ok, I can't resist

Honestly? I really don't know why I find God when I read it. I really don't

[Northcott]

I use four fucking skin products. Ok, two are technically medicinal and one is an aftershave, but even so...

Treatments for leprosy are life-saving, and therefore do not count! :D

[mollygrue]

i believe that the bible, like the other great books of spiritual wisdom, offer insight into the human condition.

however, i know many people who cling to the bible because they would rather do anything than have to THINK FOR THEMSELVES. i have, on one occassion asked a woman of my long acquaintance what she had decided to think about a particular issue of the day--she raised her bible up and said "i dont have to DECIDE what to think--eveything is decided for me right here!"
and she was serious. (Grace Christian Bible Church was the denom.)
she, and other members of her particular church believe that the bible is the actual word of god, divinely inspired in transcription and translation throughout the ages--all interventions by the writers have been at the behest of the LORD.*

christian fundamentalists,specifically those who take the bible literally, truly frighten me as much as any islamic fundamentalist.

i am more comforted by the teachings both christian,judaic, and eastern which look to the holy writings as guides, or stepping stones.

*this is not my opinion--it is their stated belief

[Maynard G. Krebs]

however, i know many people who cling to the bible because they would rather do anything than have to THINK FOR THEMSELVES. i have, on one occassion asked a woman of my long acquaintance what she had decided to think about a particular issue of the day--she raised her bible up and said "i dont have to DECIDE what to think--eveything is decided for me right here!"
and she was serious. (Grace Christian Bible Church was the denom.)
she, and other members of her particular church believe that the bible is the actual word of god, divinely inspired in transcription and translation throughout the ages--all interventions by the writers have been at the behest of the LORD.*

It's disturbing that some people treat the bible like some thirteen-year-old girls treat their favorite boy band.

[Northcott]

It's disturbing that some people treat the bible like some thirteen-year-old girls treat their favorite boy band.

Ooooh! I like that one! I'm swiping that to pitch at a fundie sometime.

[Trainz]

It's disturbing that some people treat the bible like some thirteen-year-old girls treat their favorite boy band.

There's more disturbing stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86LzKSsuB2w

/one upper

[strawberry]

I WIN TEH INTARWEB!!!!

Well, thank goodness that's settled.

[Maynard G. Krebs]

There's more disturbing stuff:

/one upper

One of these days I'll have to sit down and watch Jesus Camp all the way through, no matter how mad it makes me.

[bunny]

There's more disturbing stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86LzKSsuB2w

/one upper

I just finished watching Jesus Camp, and I will agree that what they are doing does qualify as abuse. When a 10 year old says he became born again at the age of five because his life was meaningless then and nothing was fun or interesting to him anymore until he took god into his heart, i get the feeling that he's parroting what the adults are telling him to say and not actually feeling it. Indoctrination is not faith. If only the grown ups in this film could realize that.


Sorry, I don't really have much to add to this. I've never gotten much from the bible, and when I read through the old testament a few years ago I was more shocked than anything at what a jerk God could be (within the old testament) and wondered how anyone would really want to have faith in this guy... but that's just me.

[Keeper of Secrets]

I believe the Old Testament is a series of stories - figurative and inspirational. The New Testament is a bit closer to being accurate. For me the Bible is the Divine Inspiration of God. I do not think it is to be interpreted literally as some do but I find no problem in gaining peace and inspiration through it.

[Northcott]

One of these days I'll have to sit down and watch Jesus Camp all the way through, no matter how mad it makes me.

You've more fortitude than I do, man. That kind of stuff enrages me. I know my limits.

[SHARK]

Greetings!

*SHARK lights up a fine Arturo Fuente Opus X cigar, slowly puffing on it, and sips from a mug of good Irish coffee.*

Hmmm....well, I think the Bible is an interesting and inspiring. Honestly, I guess I have changed recently, and it all seems pretty hollow to me anymore. I've become rather ambivalent about organized religion in general, and Christianity in particular.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

[Northcott]

Hmmm....well, I think the Bible is an interesting and inspiring. Honestly, I guess I have changed recently, and it all seems pretty hollow to me anymore. I've become rather ambivalent about organized religion in general, and Christianity in particular.

You know, it probably sounds kind of odd coming from me, given how long I spent battling you over points of strict dogma... but I've got to say, man, I'm saddened to hear it. Not because of your change of perspective, per se, but because it seems to come from a point of pain.

I've long had a beef with organized religion, in that it invariably causes an unhealthy mix with politics. Human nature, I'm afraid. Create a hierarchical structure and there'll always be some dick who wants to take advantage of it -- and will succeed as often as not, since those who are truly spiritually inclined very rarely want anything to do with being authority figures.

[Harry]

The New Testament is a bit closer to being accurate.

:reading:

[Hatter]

Like anything, there are good parts and bad parts. I think the influence of the book is self-perpetuating by now.

[Keeper of Secrets]

Greetings!

*SHARK lights up a fine Arturo Fuente Opus X cigar, slowly puffing on it, and sips from a mug of good Irish coffee.*

Hmmm....well, I think the Bible is an interesting and inspiring. Honestly, I guess I have changed recently, and it all seems pretty hollow to me anymore. I've become rather ambivalent about organized religion in general, and Christianity in particular.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK


SHARK,

I'm curious. What is/was your religious background? Christian, I assume but Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc., if you don't mind me asking.

[Black Angel]

i believe that the bible, like the other great books of spiritual wisdom, offer insight into the human condition.
...
christian fundamentalists,specifically those who take the bible literally, truly frighten me as much as any islamic fundamentalist.

i am more comforted by the teachings both christian,judaic, and eastern which look to the holy writings as guides, or stepping stones.


This pretty much sums it up for me too.

[SHARK]

SHARK,

I'm curious. What is/was your religious background? Christian, I assume but Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc., if you don't mind me asking.

Greetings!

Well, Keeper, I was raised Irish Catholic. (Roman Catholic; all of the priests were Irish; about half of the nuns were Irish, and the other half were Latinas):D

My father was Catholic, and my mother was Baptist.

Mostly, I am Catholic, though I have attended Evangelical Protestant churches for probably ten years before leaving them and returning to regular attendance at a Catholic church. I was trained and served as a Lector in my home church.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

[Merganser]

I guess I have changed recently, and it all seems pretty hollow to me anymore. I've become rather ambivalent about organized religion in general, and Christianity in particular.


Don't worry SHARK! Islam is there for you.

;)

[SHARK]

Don't worry SHARK! Islam is there for you.

;)

Greetings!

Right, right....:D

*Laughing*:D

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

[JavaElemental]

One of these days I'll have to sit down and watch Jesus Camp all the way through, no matter how mad it makes me.

I've got a friend who keeps trying to get me to watch that. He keeps saying, "You gotta see this movie! It's frightening! It'll really piss you off!"

And I keep telling him, "Dude, that movie isn't going to piss me off. It's going to put me in a fucking clock tower. And I'm not ready for the clock tower, yet."

I've seen the clip where the kids are praying to for Bush. I think I gagged up a whole kidney.

[cnath.rm]

I've seen the clip where the kids are praying to for Bush. I think I gagged up a whole kidney.With some of the choices he/the people around him have made, the office of the pres could use all the prayers for wisdom they can get imho.

I avoid the video because evangelicals tend to annoy me at times and I don't figure it's worth my time to watch.