The Bible: Strict Rules or Guideline?

[Beebs]

For many years, the Bible has been one of the most highly regarded books to ever have been written. However, in recent years, people are becoming more and more unsure about what the Bible really means. Some believe it is a strict set of rules and lessons for you to live your life by, while others think it is more of a guideline, meaning not all should be taken literally. So, what do you think?

[wiiboy]

I believe the bible needs to be placed in the category of that of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Great works of fiction, that have moral guidelines to become a good person. The more I search on the internet, the more I see people picking things out of the bible that are sexist or racist. Doesn't make sense, and some objects that are hypercritical. People need to remember this was the world back when the book was written and the world isn't like that anymore. There really is no need for the bible to be the main center of religions or even politics anymore.

The bible suggest that women need to be submission to their husbands and from a lot of verses I have read online always seem to be frowning upon woman. I found some experts from "The Brick Testament" that had to deal with slavery. The site came from a reverend too. I also found some information from the American Atheist sites as well. Which makes me think that this book shouldn't even be considered the main book of today's culture.

The world today has changed and people need to realize that woman do not need to be submissive or that slaves need to make use of their lives being slaves. I wanted to read the bible, but remember there are a ton of versions and I do not know which one I need to read. I sometimes think it is my destiny to write a final testament to the book. I always thought it might be a fun story to tell and write. I even think right at this second the name The Final Testament might be good title for the story.

Anyways, if you check out the religion page on the American Atheist site you can get a good view of religion from the outside of it and see some of it's flaws. The site also could give you some insight on what Atheism is about. I never realized this, my brother I think joined them. Not sure, he may have just favorite the site.

As for the bible. It's a great book. But I do not see the main reason why it needs to be the center of society now that we have reasons for why things happen. The book needs to remain a book that brings you comfort and I think it is important to take morality from many things. Rather it be books or in any kind of media. Avatar has some morality to it as well as South Park. The bible is still king to this I think.

p.s. If you know of any version that I could read online, please let me know. I am dying to read it.

[Liamane]

Well, I'll add my two cents here. XDD Yes, the Bible offers Christians a set a rules or, better yet, instructions to live a morally correct life. At least, it did until the twentieth century. XDD What many people forget is the fact that the Bible was written centuries ago; in fact, the entire Old Testament took place before common era. Laws and civilization as we know it have completely changed since then. I mean, in the past fifty years alone, society has changed drastically. Rock 'n' Roll referred to as the "Devil's Music"? Those who practiced or dressed differently were referred to as crazy or impractical? Today, these ideas are unheard of.

For a long time, I thought that everything in the Bible was to be taken literally. I mean, look at the Ten Commandments for example. The fifth commandment reads "Thou shalt not kill." Ok, sounds easy enough; it plainly states don't kill. However, when you go into depth, you realize that if you even harm someone else, you're breaking this commandment.

So, if anything, the Bible is a highly regarded guideline that people may or may not chose to follow. I mean, we have free choice and we can say or do as we please. You don't necessarily have the follow the Bible, but while the Church stresses to follow such, but being human beings, sin is a part of our nature. That's why there's confession, lovies. XDDD

[wiiboy]

Well I have been reading The Brick Testament and I realize that it's not the real bible or should I say the version currently used by the Church since no one knows what the original bible is. If anything, a Christian isn't making me want to read the book. I am kind of glad that an Atheist is making me want to read it due to the Brick Testament to see how similar the two are.

However from what I have read, this book is possibly one of the most f*cked up stories I have ever read. I cannot see for the life of me why this will be considered the "holy book" for any religions, possibly Judaism since they seem to be about the Old Testament, I haven't got around to the New Testament. Although from the Slavery and Women section in the category, I cannot see for the life of me why people will follow this horrid book. Take lessons from it whatever, rather that be the good parts or the stuff you shouldn't do. Still the book looks really epic and no wonder why it's been talked about so long. I wish I could have written a book that epic.

[NightmareKid]

I personally take it literally. That's just me though, I try not to let other things change my mind because I'm sort of afraid of what'll happen if I do otherwise <.< >.> <.< *waits for lightning to strike* lol. I think of the Bible as guidelines, not rules. God gave us a choice, it's up to us to choose what to do; wether it be in favor of Him or His opposer. In Revelation (i believe?) it says that in the end we will given one last chance to choose the right way, and even then people will choose the path to hell.

[wiiboy]

1 Timothy 2:12

I have no idea why I basically memorized this verse, I guess it's good for trolling. But whatever, I hate this verse.