Do you believe the bible is true?

[WhollyHeretic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95hH1H5qK08
"How can you tell? Is there an asterisk next to it?" :rofl:

I've always marveled how people pick and choose what they want to believe. They swear the stuff they believe is 100% true while ignoring the fact they are just dismissing other things from the same book as myth. At least literalists are consistent.

[cleanhippie]

1. I beieve it is 100% true.

100% true fiction.

[trotsky]

2. Oh and they always are SO SURE about the parts that they believe.

Keep in mind, these are the same folks who try and criticize both atheists and fundies for being literalists and "too sure" of themselves, yet I don't know if I have ever argued with someone as dead-set sure of their interpretation of the bible as the liberal moderates who insist Jesus was 100% pro gay marriage, etc.

[MrModerate]

9. There was some biblical guy who was royally pissed off . . .

About those who were neither hot nor cold, but some lukewarm condition in between (I recall it involved him spitting them -- metaphorically -- out of his mouth).

Sorry for the vagueness, but I'm not actually a Biblical scholar.

In any case, I think this half-remembered fable addresses the issue you've raised. Ultimately the Bible is unqualified as a guide to policy, morals, or history. Anyone who tries to use it in that way risks disappointment.

As for myself, I use my copy to prop up a wobbly table.

[Deep13]

3. It's true in the sense that the Iliad is true.

That is it's a real book with a fanciful story in it.

[cynatnite]

4. Yes, it's true!

There were Romans.

[Taverner]

5. And Jews, and Hitites, and Greeks, and Philistines

[muriel_volestrangler]

11. Though the biblical Hittites and the real Hittites may not actually be connected

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Hittites

When the civilisation in Turkey was found, it was given the name 'Hittite' from the biblical name, but if there was really any connection between the two, those in the bible were just a small remnant of the main group, whose heyday was before any historical part of the bible.

[ZombieHorde]

6. I don't think there are Christian Biblical literalists.

How many Christians are concerned about Red Lobster or polyester/cotton blends? How many also give away all of their possessions?

[laconicsax]

7. Sure there are.

They just pick and choose which parts they take literally.

[BlueJazz]

8. I like the parts that talk about getting stoned.

I mean like.."The Man worked on Sunday and then was Stoned"

[Warpy]

10. Nothing is inconsistent as a dead letter literalist

Just start pointing out the stuff they've found inconvenient, like killing their children who mouth off or burning sheep or cows in the back yard as the only acceptable sacrifice (god don't take cash), and you'll see sheer panic in their eyes followed by incoherent babbling and a quick exit.

By the way, am I evil? I've been going around to religious sites about the end of the world on May 21 caravans and posting "May 21, a day of prayer and celebration. May 22, Earl Scheib."

[cynatnite]

12. Yes, it's true!

There were Romans.