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Originally posted by Hiram Sedai:
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Originally posted by Yorick:
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Originally posted by Hiram Sedai:
I couldn't help myself.
It was humans that decided what was canonized scripture, what was Apocrypha, and what was the pseodopygrapha. It was humans that kept the 66 books and decided that they were the "Word". I have much difficulty with that.
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Right, and there are books today that you could call "inspired by God". The difference between these today, and those specifically in the New Testament, is that the New Testament was written by Jesus disciples, or those who knew Jesus disciples, so there information about Jesus was firsthand.
The old testament contains the Torah, written by Moses, which was the foundation of the Jewish faith. The Prophecies were included because firstly they came to pass, and secondly they contain much about how a relationship with Jesus works. Other books contain much valuable and honest history, others are beautiful songs. All speak about the Creator God, and when he is in you, you can feel the Holy Spirit when you read it. It's not just words on a page.[/QUOTE]I respect the fact that you have faith in your god. I will do nothing to insult you or change that. I wish I still had that seed (mustard) of faith. I envy you. Unfortunately, I don't share that view at the moment.
My point was how can one consider the book that we consider to be the Bible right now to be what was written originally by Moses, the prophets, David, the twelve apostles, and Mary (Hebrews?). Yes, I know Paul wasn't really an apostle because he was ugly but he still was cool I guess.
Human error vs omnipotence. That's my point.[/QUOTE]Fair concerns. [img]smile.gif[/img]
All through the New Testament are quotes from the old. There are copies of the originals as well.
For me the single biggest 'proof' is what is the fruit in people that read it. When I read it. Is my life enhanced? Do I feel closer to God? Do I gain an insight into human nature, into how to have a relationship with God? Into perceptional enhancements? Do I gain tools with which to relate to my fellow humans?
The Bible consistently touches people on an emotional, intellectual and spiritual level. I wouldn't read it if I didn't hunger for the 'soul food' it provides. I read it tonight with a group of friends. Our lives are a bit better as a result. Reading it fostered connection, discussion, healing, prayer and musical creation.
So I could go into the thread of preservation and dedication to accuracy that the Bibles books have had, but if it all does nothing in my life, what is the point? That ends up being the final litmus test. It teaches me that God loves me, who desires relationship with me. When I look at the planet I see a God of love who created so artistically, designing so much for connection and exploration of him.
Three things are in harmony - what I read in the Bible, what I experience of the world, and what I feel in my spirit.
When I read the Qu'ran I do not experience that same harmony.; I do not read about a God who loves so much he dies for me. I do not read that in the Bhagavad Gita. I don't read it in the works of Tacitus, Homer, Freud, or Shakespeare.
[img]smile.gif[/img] But I appreciate your concerns. One cannot be told the Bible is the word of God for them. They have to experience it. Experience it emotionally heal them.
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