The "Let's Actually READ the Bible" Challenge

[123456]

I've been thinking about this for a while now, and this forum seems as good as any for bringing it up. I want to challenge everyone on this board to actually read the Bible critically and discuss it. Since the New Testament is shorter than the Old Testament, I vote we start there. So, if you are up for the challenge, let's all read and comment on MATTHEW this week. I request that Christains try to read it critically for content. Likewise, I am asking atheists to also try to look at both the good and the bad as they read it critically. I am assuming that everyone can read it as LITERATURE and do a close reading of the text that does not assume any one world view. I don't want to debate whether or not it is the word of a higher power; I simply want to discuss what is useful and what is dangerous about it. In this way, everyone can confront some of thier own assumptiions and grow from the experience. Happy reading!

[Mad Hatter]

So this is a book club now? I want to pick the book next week... "What lame crap" by Who Cares.

[DocTurtle]

Ouch, slow burn.
It's an interesting challenge though. Don't know if you will get many people willing to take you up on it. I think there are actually boards and forums out there that discuss that kind of stuff though. If you are just looking for that kind of discussion or debate, that might be your better choice. All the same though, good luck with it here.

[Tony Stacks]

Sounds interesting.

[Black Orchid]

yes very interesting

[Muku]

Just out of curiosity which version of the bible would you be recommending people read here?

[Go-Shay]

we should read the bible in its original language only the English version sucks:barf: it does serve as nice table art though

[TheNoNamedOne]

Just out of curiosity which version of the bible would you be recommending people read here?

Not sure which one 123456 is recommending, but I have yet to see a Bible version without contradictions, falsehoods, and absurdities.

[The_Zach2681]

I like the story of dogs eating Jezebel - that ornery bitch had to go.

[Denise]

I would Love to read the Bible with you. Starting with Mathew

[GODH8SU]

Do they have that in a pop-up version or even just pictures?

[GODH8SU]

Maybe even crayons!

[SPMF#1]

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP See, I can bible thump too. I like green eggs and ham, they are both fictional just my book is more interesting.

[DougP]

This video briefly describes creation. Pretty accurate I think.:D
http://www.mypartypost.com/watchvideo/2625/FAMILY_GUY-_Big_Bang

[Ammoyankee]

I would rather eat glass!

[BleuEneG]

So this is a book club now? I want to pick the book next week... "What lame crap" by Who Cares.

OUCH....wow..someone makes a suggestion and gets an atttack like that and all the thanks to follow? damn. I guess what the bible say about itself is true: it's a double edged sword.:-|

Anyway I am up to take on a challenge that puts me outside of my comfort zone. But I am with Muku...what version would be the one to read? I noticed years ago is depending on the translation one can get several different meanings from the same passage and some bibles even cut out passages all together. hmmmm I wonder if it has anyting to do with rewriting it to make it less offensive and publishers being abel to sell more $$$$.

[BleuEneG]

Do they have that in a pop-up version or even just pictures?

There actually is a comic book version of the bible...there is now one in Manga. I was thinking of getting one. Now that might make the suggestion of "reading" the bible even more interesting given that this is a JP Update forum.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=524310&netp_id=505787&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=details

[TheNoNamedOne]

OUCH....wow..someone makes a suggestion and gets an atttack like that and all the thanks to follow? damn.

Sad, isn't it, Bleu -- or perhaps enlightening (http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4721&highlight=anti-intellectualism) if one wonders why.

[GODH8SU]

There actually is a comic book version of the bible...there is now one in Manga. I was thinking of getting one. Now that might make the suggestion of "reading" the bible even more interesting given that this is a JP Update forum.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=524310&netp_id=505787&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=details

Talk about your ultimate backfire.

[BleuEneG]

Talk about your ultimate backfire.

Well I admit I am kinda lame so I don't get if you are trying to insult me here because I don't see how my comment backfired on me. :o

You asked a rhetorical question (trying to be witty I am sure) but I chose to answer it because there IS an actual answer. Perhaps you could care less but this being an open forum maybe someone else reading could benefit from the info. I try to share anything I got that might be of actual use to people and not just set out to undermine them in an attempt to get a laugh.:thumbdown:

It's all good though. I learned a long time ago the bible is not for everybody.:dead:

[GODH8SU]

Well I admit I am kinda lame so I don't get if you are trying to insult me here because I don't see how my comment backfired on me. :o

You asked a rhetorical question (trying to be witty I am sure) but I chose to answer it because there IS an actual answer. Perhaps you could care less but this being an open forum maybe someone else reading could benefit from the info. I try to share anything I got that might be of actual use to people and not just set out to undermine them in an attempt to get a laugh.:thumbdown:

It's all good though. I learned a long time ago the bible is not for everybody.:dead:

I was just being a smartass and it backfired on me not you. I have noticed in several of your posts that you do not sense sarcasm very well then procede to get very defensive. Maybe some prozac is in order.

[BleuEneG]

I was just being a smartass and it backfired on me not you. I have noticed in several of your posts that you do not sense sarcasm very well then procede to get very defensive. Maybe some prozac is in order.


Uhhhhhh...yeah. I would ask that you read my post again. From where I am from people who get "very defensive" don't tell ya "it's all good". Meaning I ain'y sweatin it.

and as for the prozac ...next time you get your prescription filled see if they will double the dosage and kick me down some. I don't go the doctor's office unless I have a limb hanging by a thread or something. :scared:

Hey,..it's not that I don't sense sarcasm well....I really think I just give people more credit than I should that they are actually speaking their minds. Next time I will know to take what you say with a grain of salt.

Don't lost sleep over this K? Really....or just make sure to get some sleeping pills from the doc too. I am down for some Vicodin myself.:thumbup1:

[GODH8SU]

Uhhhhhh...yeah. I would ask that you read my post again. From where I am from people who get "very defensive" don't tell ya "it's all good". Meaning I ain'y sweatin it.

and as for the prozac ...next time you get your prescription filled see if they will double the dosage and kick me down some. I don't go the doctor's office unless I have a limb hanging by a thread or something. :scared:

Hey,..it's not that I don't sense sarcasm well....I really think I just give people more credit than I should that they are actually speaking their minds. Next time I will know to take what you say with a grain of salt.

Don't lost sleep over this K? Really....or just make sure to get some sleeping pills from the doc too. I am down for some Vicodin myself.:thumbup1:

I could definately use some sleeping pills. And 99% of what I say around here is BS. I have to be serious enough at work so around here I'm just gonna crack jokes and make fun of shit. If you haven't noticed, religion is my favorite subjuct to poke fun at so I hope people don't get too butt hurt. If so, well, I won't lose any sleep over it.