One of my best friends hates the fact that I often quote the Bible as my point of reference concerning most issues.But (IMHO) The Bible covers most issues.
If we take Ockham's (Occam's) Razor to this book - what we get are very few absolute passages.
Matthew 22: 37-40 breaks the Bible down to the two greatest commandments;
Love God,
Love Thy Neighbor.
That's it!
Everything else are just examples of how these commandments were carried out throughout this recorded history's timeline.
Do you wish to convey the message of "Staying Focused'?
Why not use the example of Peter doing the impossible and walking on water. (That is, until he lost focus and began to worry about his surrounding circumstances.)
Maybe you wish to convey the idea of not wasting one's goods.
Why not use the example of the women who wouldn't share their oil with the unprepared women in The Parable of the Ten Virgins.
Maybe you wish to convey the concept that all of Man's deeds, riches, accomplishments, or knowledge are not really that important in the overall scheme of things.
Ecclesiastes is a good read for this purpose.
Maybe you are confused by the contradictions the book seems to contain.
But this is not the case.
The two primary commandments are simply stated.
The rest of the book just attempts to teach you when, where and how to use your best judgement in most of the circumstances a man will encounter.
Many will ask, "What if I'm not a Christian?".
But the Book is still worth reading and understanding.
The Book is filled with knowledge and wisdoms that were passed down from generation to generation, from culture to culture, from nation to nation, (and many times) from religion to religion.
The Book is meant to teach us how to justify such seeming contractions as when to share peace, and when to go to war.
Of when to have mercy, and when to condemn.
Of when to love, and when to hate.
The Bible is not contradictory - the Bible just gives examples of how men have failed or succeeded in attempting to live up to the two most basic tenants.
And sometimes; what works in one situation, totally fails in another.
So why read the Bible?
Just to know that we are to make our best and most just efforts.
(Simple as that.)
6 comments:
I don't get offended but just because you lace your arguments with a assumed godly book doesn't make me think differently. For the people who believe it might work for those who don't why not pick up the Buddhist book or the Tao, because it will carry no weight and probably deters your potential listeners. If I quoted the Qu'ran every time I talked about anything how many people will stay tuned. But, when you speak using the Bible there is a assumption that it's universal and that's just arrogance on the part of the speaker to imply you should believe me because the Bible tells me so.
The majority of things can be explained just fine without referencing the Bible but if you feel it helps to explain your point so be it.
But many of these same quotes (or their intent) CAN be found in other religious books.
My perspective is from Christianity, but I'm not arrogant enough to assume that that perspective is universal.
Well if you are trying to present an objective point why would you use refer to a historically subjective point of view?
Everything else are just examples of how these commandments were carried out throughout this recorded history's timeline.
lol!!!
good one magne...,
Besides making babies and killing non-believers - what other purpose does Plantation Religion serve?
@ FreeMan - Sometimes I use The Bros. Grim, English Classical Lit., or even tribal tales.
It is only that most people are most familiar with the Biblical references.
@ SeeNew - To assist the State in maintaining the status quo.
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