NUMBER 31 More questions about the Bible

Why create angels that are sure to rebel? Why give one fallen angel the power to deceive and mislead weak souls down the road to hell? Why create a place of burning fire and endless torment where people will suffer for eternity just because they do not believe in a man named Jesus that nobody has seen in over 2000 years?

Why did God bless King David, King Solomom, and Job (after he allowed Satan to take all that he had except his life) with extraordinary financial and material wealth, and Jesus in Luke 14:33 said that anyone that did not forsake all that he had could not be his disciple? Jesus said in Luke 14:26 that any man that does not Hate his father and his mother, and hate his brother and sister, and hate his children and even hate himself could not be his disciple.

Jesus said in Luke 19:27 that whosoever that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me. To me this is brutality and barbarianism. Jesus did not say that He would slay them but he put that burden on you, whether they be your brother or sister, father or mother, your wife and children and any friends that you may have. 'You' bring them and 'You' slay them before Jesus.

I have discussed many passages such as these, with several preachers and pastors or religious leaders, that deal with hate and rejection and every one of them try to explain that the passages in question don't literally mean what they say.

I must admit that I predominantly read the King James version, first published in 1611, because it is the oldest translation that I am aware of, and I was brought up with it as 'The Bible'. I think that this version is still the most relied upon version to date. If so, and if many of the passages are misinterpreted then we are getting the wrong messages by which to live our lives.

The theological historians claim that we don't have ANY 'Original' manuscripts of the gospels. All we have is about 5,400 copies, and they all vary in degrees that are not too significantly different in meaning.

Not any of these books of the Old Testament or the New Testament bible, or the Koran originated in a democratic society where people were guaranteed freedom of speech or the freedom of the printed word. If you believed differently you best keep your mouth shut or risk your head against the sword.

That region of the world was and still is a barbaric region and likewise fear runs rampant even as we speak. How can enlightenment survive and flourish in that kind of society? Even in this society it is somewhat wise to not speak your mind. I know that I run the risk of being shunned by many religious zealots and even by many moderately religious practitioners. Controversy is usually not the most popular identifiable trait to have, but if we will just try being objective we can see that controversy brings about more beneficial change than meekness and close mindedness.

I have many more questions about the Bible and other religions that I plan to address in future blogs. I have a propensity to share my thoughts with others that may be interested in my many thought processes.

I also must explain that over the years I have had a change of mind on many issues, and for this I am proud. I believe that dialogue is all about change and enlightenment. Sometimes we seem to fall backwards, more barbaric or close minded, but over all, I believe that dialogue moves us closer to a greater degree of enlightenment.

I do not believe that the Christian bible, the Koran or the many other religious teachings are the words of God, however I must admit that all of the religious writings that I have read do have, in my opinion, much wisdom and also much invalid thinking.

Keep thinking and asking questions in a Socratic style. I believe his method of seeking ethical truths, and many other truths is the zenith of mind and the path to enlightenment. Life should be enjoyed to its fullest but I think that ignorance is the great wall of bondage that surrounds all of us and we must continue trying to dismantle this high wall.




Finton