One of the things that I find most irritating about the Christian faith is their excessive claims to absolute truths based on their own superstitious delusions which they derive from a book. In my opinion these claims fall flat for several reasons. The first of many reasons is that this book, the bible; is man made, produced, edited and distributed. The fact that everything in this book is based loosely on popular oral traditions of the times based allegedly on "divine" revelation makes these claims seem even sillier.
"Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication-- after that it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it can not be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to ME, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him." [Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason]
The fact that there are no extant copies of these texts available to date and that what we have are imperfect copies of copies of these texts makes it impossible to know what the original texts said in the first place. Remember that these copyist known as scribes copied these texts entirely by hand ( they didn't have digital copiers back then) and were prone to make mistakes and even be tempted to "correct" or insert their own bias and interpretations into the texts. And since we don't have the original texts we have nothing to compare our current copies to for accuracy.
The fact that there are so many contradictions in the scriptures are proof of them being due mostly to the authors interpretations of the teachings in the texts. So basically even before you get your English translations of the bible you are already dealing with an "interpretation" of not just the original mostly anonymous authors but of their various scribes and translators.
Even if you were inclined to learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek (the original languages that the bible books were written in) you would still not be able to grasp the true meaning and intent behind the scriptures and particular doctrines you may be studying, for the simple fact that we don't have any of the originals to compare these scribal copies to.
The fact that the many Christians sects and denominations the world over can't agree as to what the bible says and teaches is a testament against absolute truth. Remember that each sect and denomination is another group of believers who disagree with the others that have arisen before them. The funny thing about this all is that they expend as much energy discrediting each other as they do in their feeble attempts to discredit atheism, evolution, naturalism, etc.
As in English and many other languages they all have one thing in common; they evolve with time. Just like we have English words that have several meanings independently and in the context in which the words are used so does Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek, especially in their ancient forms. A word may have had several meanings when they were written that are no longer used today or understood in the same manner. One of the rules I use to try and understand biblical texts is the formula of who, what, when, where, and why.
- Who wrote the text in particular?
- What was he referring to or writing about? What was going on in the region at the time?
- When was he writing as in what time period?
- Where was he writing and to whom was he referring to?
- Why was he prompted to write about that particular subject matter?
2 + 2 = 4. Commen sense right! To tell me that 2 + 2 = 5 because I need to have faith that it equals 5 is insane because of what we learn in math. Apply this concept to religion. Makes it sound crazy and Not logical right! When you discover these flaws in the bible and fight against them because of fear and your strong faith, it makes you look like a crazy person. Think about it! If I told you that 2 + 2 = 5 because of a revelation I had and my opinion and belief on the subject, what would you say or your opinion of me be? Honestly? Common sense and logic is not that common anymore. Religions can't be taken seriously now a days.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! That is my position as well. To accept the claims of religions without sufficient evidence is to purposely abandon reason.
DeleteAs I read this post it reminded me of the many questions I use to ask when I use to attend a pentecostal church. I am not against God or the bible, but I do like to question certain things especially what I was supposed to be following at the time.
ReplyDeleteThe more I don't understand, the more questions I would ask. Instead of pastors just saying, "I don't know"etc, I would sit there for hours listening to them going round in circles telling you long drawn out answers that didn't make sense. By the time the pastor finished talking, you would be so baffed and confused, you couldn't even remember the question (nor did you want to ask in fear of another 2 hour answer, a tactic used to shut you up).
I may not always agree with everything you write on your blog but what I love about it, is the fact that you have truly hit on some very hard truths, and at times I can feel the hairs on my arms stand up as I read things that I too have either experienced or thought about. You raise some very important things for me.
You are right about the way so many denominations "can't agree" and worse still, if you dare to challenge it, you become a visible target, like a dart board.
Thanks for another good read.
Thanks RPD for your comments and kudos. I never got the two hour diatribes you mentioned from my pastor. I was always reminded that we see through a glass darkly but that soon we would see everything clearly. I could see clearly alright! I see Christianity for what it is a sham.
DeleteI love your blog. In the end though Atheism is just another dogma. But a MUCH BETTER choice over any religion that worships an imaginary mythical god (or gods)! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray, although I don't think you can call atheism a dogma because all that an atheist states is that he/she lacks a belief in gods or the biblical God. All other issues such as evolution, morality, etc. are separate issues that are for the most part not entirely resolved nor claim to be absolute truths. Everything in science is subject to change as new information is made available and confirmed.
DeleteThe enemy of Christianity is evidence since their beliefs require no evidence but rather faith based on the accuracy of bronze age ancient texts. Ancient texts which we have no original copies of nor even know who wrote them.
OK Chatpilot, point well taken. Guess I'd join the club too then. ;) That along w/some science, Buddhism and the Book of Thomas (actually a pretty good read) should keep me going.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of science and what you're saying, here's a cool link for you: http://i49.tinypic.com/jjs1zb.jpg
@Ray thanks for the link. I've actually seen that illustration before but it basically restates visually in a nut shell what I've been saying. Now I can save it and maybe one day use it as a wallpaper for my laptop.
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