Have you read the Bible?

[Borbus]

No way

The Bible is like a dictionary

It says everything in that book - it even contradicts itself

Thats why a "God Person" can always give you the relevant chapter of the Bible because any point they want to make is bound to be in there.

Hey! It even says "Htler" backwards if you count so many letters! Get it "Hitler".

The real meaning is, of course, encoded, as above. It can predict the future!

[scoult01]

You know what RS (religious studies) was good for @ school? Playing quake 2 or GTA, ahhh those were the days.

[+BudMan MVC]

huh?? Your teachers tell you if you want to learn english correctly - you should learn the bible??? Your teachers are just a bunch of thumpers!? For one - pretty sure that the use of the bible in public school would, even if for some type of english classs would be walking a fine line on the separation of church and state issue.

I know for sure if my kids brought home a bible as a text book - I would be bringing it to someones attention!

If looking for examples of the proper use of english, etc.. - the bible sure and the hell would not be on my top 100.

i know usa sucks in that way, they want to destroy a monument of the 10 commandments, change the pledge of alligence and others, but they teach crap in school, they make monuments of other things stimulating sex, and do bad stuff, anyway i dont want to change the thread but it really sucks, and yes i am christian i have read the bible, you shall read it to:whistle:l:p :p

The US was FOUNDED on separation of church and state - if you don't like it, you?re free to leave. Plenty of countries out there where you religion is chosen for you.

You know it?s great if the public school wants to teach what you believe, but what would you think if they were trying to teach something other than your religion?? As to your statement on destroying the 10 commandments monument - hey don't put in on STATE owned ground. You?re more then welcome to have as many monuments to your religion as you wish - on your own land. But the STATE property is owned by EVERYONE in that state - and not all of them believe the same as you!

As to changing the allegiance - you might want to check your facts, they are just trying to put it back to the original version. God was added to it, that was NOT part of the original allegiance.

I am all for having the right to believe in whatever gods you want - just do not push them off on me! It should be taken out of the allegiance - since what god(s) I worship or don't worship has nothing to do with my allegiance to my country. It should be taken off MY money - since when does EVERYONE in the US "in god we trust?" Who's god? It sure ain't mine, etc..

And to the original topic of this thread - NO religious book should be used as a teaching TEXT, unless teaching that religion. Or exploring the differences in, history off, etc..

What does learning english have to do with the bible?? There are MILLIONS of books written in, translated too, etc.. in english - the use of the bible or any other religious text in the teaching of english is just a means of exposing, pushing someone open to learning something - someone elses belief system.

[poind]

What I have said didn't mean learning the language format of the Bible, but mean to understand what the Bible has said. Any professional English learner has to know this (doesn't mean to believe in anything introduced by the Bible), or else, they would be stuck by too many classic English works. Also see threetonesun's post.  :)

Christianity, in general, has certainly had a very significant impact on the history of Western / European-based civilization in the thousands of years now.

It can be important to understand some of the "root" lessons / stories / sayings within the Bible, the big role church played with a more-or-less long-term view over the centuries, etc. (even when it had its darker periods, like during the Inquisition). Frankly, don't even know that reading the Bible itself can be the best way to go about understanding such things, as **any** religion itself does evolve on its *own* for practical psycho-sociological reasons over the centuries.

Don't think you need to read the Bible to understand English in the *slightest*, though being familiar with underlying principles, stories, and the like (even within an evolutionary psychology perspective, I dare say? :) ), can certainly be pretty important if one's trying to better understand western civilization historically, etc. I wouldn't give it *too* much weight, though. A lot of evolutionary psychology principles can matter more in the big scheme of things.

Without the Bible, all those old, pretty stained glass windows in European churches can otherwise be pretty nonsensical, at the least. :)

[Addendum: JohnsonBox--Just seems like an appropriate time to say it. Personally speaking, you've very consistently demonstrated one of the most honestly inquisitive, courageous minds I've had the honor to encounter about anywhere in recent years. Thank you. I hardly ever, if ever, say such things, but I really "respect" your seeking, courage, and who and what you are. Had to say it at some point. No response one way or the other desired or requested. I'm just generally pretty impressed, and wanted you to know it sooner or later. :)]

Edited November 19, 2003 by poind

[brianicoleman]

i have read little of the bible... i am a christian, but i read most of what i have before i became a christian....

[Mango]

It even says "Htler" backwards if you count so many letters! Get it "Hitler".

There is a book out there called "Cracking the bible code" that uses mathematical patterns within the hebrew translation that spells out hidden messages. It was a very very interesting read. Link -> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...530427?v=glance

Personally, although I am athiest i have read a bit of the bible. When i stayed at a Motel for the night i was bored and found a bible in the top drawer and decided to start reading it. I kinda gave up after i read that all these people lived for over 700 years....

I have a lot of religious friends, mostly muslim. And as far as the Mohommed story goes, this guy decided to go for a walk to get away from his wife Khadeja, probably so he could have a few bongs in peace. He fell asleep one night and dreamt that someone was holding him tightly and told him to spread the word of god to everyone... Anyway, so he races back down and tells everyone what happened to him, AND EVERYONE BELIEVES HIM! Not only do they believe him but he manages to change thousands/millions of people's lives from his little trip he had.... How gullable is that? If David Copperfield were to do his little trick of walking through the Great Wall of China or his little flying trick then he could have been treated as a god if he wanted to con everyone.

I guess we have to consider ourselves lucky that Jesus, whether he was the son of god, a prophet, or a con artist, he did say some cool suave stuff :)

[InfoTech]

this thread can never cease. Because those who are christians will already know that a reasonable amount of science totally negates their beliefs but they dont care! ;) therefore, no matter how much we argue over dino's or whatever there is going to no definitive answer... i realise this is discussion, but lets talk about flogging dead horses instead... :whistle:

*ducks*

Actually there is science that proves as well as disproves. Part of the problem is that there are many people (Christians and Non-Christians) who are suppressing all but those scientific facts that disprove the Bible.

Yes, I said 'Christians'. The best way to destroy or control something is to infiltrate it.

I have heard that it has been discovered that human foot prints have been found on the same pre-historic level (sedimentary) as dinosaur bones.

I have also heard of scientist which has proved that the firmament once existed.

I also heard about a Quantum-Algebraist* who created a formula to prove the age of the Earth. His formula showed that the Earth must be between 6000 and 10000 years old. When he took his findings to a fellow Mathematician he couldn't believe it. He tried for a long time (and with help from other fellow Mathematicians) to try and alter the equation but couldn't change even one iota. As far as I know the equation was never broken and covered about 10 foolscap pages.

*Quantum Algebra is more or less the level of mathematics in which all things can be broken down into an equation.

What you'll find is that proof in favor of Biblical support is very hard to find. Not because it is not there but that it is being hidden as it does not agree with certain 'agendas'.

This all comes back down to Faith. Some people will never believe anything without proof. Proof is important for some things but I wouldn't want to risk the chance of being wrong with a decision that is going to last all Eternity.

Our selfish nature and the state of the World today have much to do with our lack of Faith. It is very unfortunate.

Besides worshipping something higher than ourselves all the Bible does is teach us to be better people. If we all believed in it and followed it the idea of World Peace wouldn't seem so hard to accomplish.

Unfortunately it is few that have Faith and the desire to follow this path as Jesus points out:

?Enter in by the narrow gate, for wide is the way and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those that enter in thereby. But narrow is the gate and strait is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it? (Matthew 7:13-14).

Please forgive me for using quotes. I'm not a 'Bible-Thumper' I just have Faith and wish to share it. I hope that no one takes offense to anything that I have said for I only say it I don't force it.

God Bless.

[Makki]

All i can say to the original question here is yes i have and do read my Bible. and I am a Believer/Follower in Lord Jesus Christ I do not want to say much here since rules say to obstain from religous conversations thanks

Makki

[macf13nd]

abstain? or obstain? ;)

[[jon]]

I've never read the bible and don't plan on it, and it sure isn't needed to be able to speak english well. Infact isn't the english in the bible kinda of weird, as in we don't use that kind of structure and word order in modern english??? Just a thought. And if you really want to read the bible the way it was meant to be read it in hebrew, much is lost in translation.

yeah i know it in hebrew there is differences, especially in the more westernised versions. also virtually all bibles have old-style english translations which makes them a pain to read...

x0r4h

[[jon]]

besides, even if you don't believe in the bible, doesn't mean it's pointless... many of the rules are basic moral laws for society, so you see, where do you draw the line between religion and laws.

its fair to say the US was founded on seperation between religion and the state, but nevertheless, isn't the root of all moral laws the bible?

x0r4h

[mlerner]

What's the bible? :D

Seriously though i'm not spirtual and I don't have a religion so I never bothered.

[DsnBehind]

isn't the root of all moral laws the bible?

No.

[dewy]

i hav't read the bible as i don't belive in god

BIG BANG ALL THE WAY :p

[Guest Ryan]

I was born and raised a Christian. I went to chruch every Sunday and on holidays such as Easter, and Xmas etc. But after a while I stopped going to church as often as I should and don't read the bible. However just last night I did my own little prayer using the bible by putting my hand and a picture of me and a friend on the bible. She is a friend of mine that was going thru tough times. So luckily I regained my faith just in time because she seems to be doing better. :)

[SOOPAH256]

i myself was brought up in a christian school from Kindergarten through 2nd grade. but then i moved and started going to a public school. i started losing touch with religion.

anyway just recently my brother and an business called private franchising helped me rediscover my christian walk. but it's just beginning...

[Inertia]

the bible is definatly over rated :p

[IncomT65]

The funny thing about the bible is that the first conception of hell appeared in the 10th century and the Limbs in the 12th century. The Bible is full of bs, there are some true historical facts although rare, loads of stuff were added over the years to control the illeterate population majority (moral majority lol) at the time. To me there's no god, period.

[BananaMan's Girl]

I was born and raised a Christian. I went to chruch every Sunday and on holidays such as Easter, and Xmas etc. But after a while I stopped going to church as often as I should and don't read the bible. However just last night I did my own little prayer using the bible by putting my hand and a picture of me and a friend on the bible. She is a friend of mine that was going thru tough times. So luckily I regained my faith just in time because she seems to be doing better. :)

Thats great to hear. I believe that through prayer your relationship with God becomes closer every time, and God answers prayers in His time, and I'm happy to hear that your friend is doing better.

[threetonesun]

No.

Yes. At least for most Western societies. It's either that, or Hammurabi's Code ... but that wasn't too popular.

What does learning english have to do with the bible?? There are MILLIONS of books written in, translated too, etc.. in english - the use of the bible or any other religious text in the teaching of english is just a means of exposing, pushing someone open to learning something - someone elses belief system.

Apparently you've never taken a literature course in your life, so your point is moot. Or, if you have, you weren't paying attention. The Bible, regardless of what you believe, is one (and probably the largest) building block of Western culture, especially Literature and the Arts. As an example, go to any art museum without an understanding of the Bible. How many pictures there will make sense to you? Probably not many. Only realistic and VERY modern art focuses on different topics. The same can be said of literature.

[Guest Ryan]

Thats great to hear. I believe that through prayer your relationship with God becomes closer every time, and God answers prayers in His time, and I'm happy to hear that your friend is doing better.

Thank you. ;) I'm from Ohio too, where in Ohio are you? I'm in northeastern Ohio. :)

I need prayer and faith more now than ever, not just with the possibilty of losing my friendship with this girl I've known for a long time. But also another friend of mine had to be taken to the hospital last nite because she had a seizure. She's only 17 and pregnant. But she's doing alot better now. :yes:

Thankfully, giving my other friend time is working, and having faith. We just might be able to work out our problems and be back together again. :happy:

[spacey]

hmm, i dont think someone should read the bible to learn english. i mean, it wasn't even written in english to start off. there are many english translations now adays, the old english (using words like "thou" and "ye") in the new king james version and the new international version (NIV) which i prefer.

some people see it as a great history book or something and study it in school. and it partly is that, but really so much more. i started reading one for the first time a little over a year ago before i became a christian, but after becoming a believer, reading somethings a second time... just blows my mind sometimes.

dewy: who said God didn't use the Big Bang? :p oh boy, thats another thread on its own...

[session]

yes. can't see why you can't read the bible whether or not you're religious

[DsnBehind]

yes. can't see why you can't read the bible whether or not you're religious

It is not necessary, if you don't believe in it.

Why watch TV if you're blind?

Why try to type if you have no hands?

Those may sound stupid, but they are equivalent to the logic of your statement.

Yes. At least for most Western societies. It's either that, or Hammurabi's Code ... but that wasn't too popular.

They question was "root of all moral laws". It's a bit self-centered to think that one's religion defines everyone's morals.

[DsnBehind]

Delete me. (Sorry! I forgot... :| )