Do you believe that man and the dinosaurs lived at the same time?

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Vic,

I'm just curious. Supposedly, a "literal" interpretation of the Bible will tell us that man and the dinosaurs lived at the same time. Yet I've read the Bible and it says no such thing.

The problem with a literal interpretation of the Bible, is that you need to understand what to read literally and what is symbolic. Even with that understood, you have to study the translation factor and to look for what is said in an implied fashion. None of this can distort the literal word, if done properly. However, it is too often done improperly by Christians and nonChristians alike, but with very different end results.

Excuse me, but this is bullsh!t. You don't get to pick and choose your "literal" interpretation and decide which is the "proper" interpretation based upon your own prejudices. That is sinful.

One thing that I do not need, is for you to define the word "sin" for me. I have a far better teacher than you. I said nothing about reading any bias into the Bible, only how it must be read to receive the greatest amount of truth from it. If that is too difficult for you to understand, that is your problem, not mine.

And how, exactly must it be read?

 

[magomago]

No we didn't live at the same time.

Remember- God gave us brains as well

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Vic,

I'm just curious. Supposedly, a "literal" interpretation of the Bible will tell us that man and the dinosaurs lived at the same time. Yet I've read the Bible and it says no such thing.

The problem with a literal interpretation of the Bible, is that you need to understand what to read literally and what is symbolic. Even with that understood, you have to study the translation factor and to look for what is said in an implied fashion. None of this can distort the literal word, if done properly. However, it is too often done improperly by Christians and nonChristians alike, but with very different end results.

I never met a person who had the worng interpretation of anything in their own opinion. The world is one big war of one 'only right interpretation' against another. Of course this is my interpretation so I am doubtlessly wrong and can admit it only, of course, because I am not an anybody. I am a nobody.

I believe the username "nobody" has already been taken. I suggest you just stick with Moonbeam.

 

[Seekermeister]

3chordcharlie,

And how, exactly must it be read?

It needs to be understood, that each person is responsible for every thought and action that they have/take in this life. This applies to their faith and understanding also. Therefore, I shall not attempt to tell anyone exactly how to read the Bible, but I will say that it requires a lifetime of study and prayer. Any misinterpretation that I may have, is my problem and no one else's. Whether you choose to listen to me or not, is your decision. All that I can do is to point the way, and it is up to you to choose your path. If this is true, then why do I say anything? Because I have the responsibility to do so, otherwise I would have your blood on my hands, and the love that I feel will not allow that.

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
3chordcharlie,

And how, exactly must it be read?

It needs to be understood, that each person is responsible for every thought and action that they have/take in this life. This applies to their faith and understanding also. Therefore, I shall not attempt to tell anyone exactly how to read the Bible, but I will say that it requires a lifetime of study and prayer. Any misinterpretation that I may have, is my problem and no one else's. Whether you choose to listen to me or not, is your decision. All that I can do is to point the way, and it is up to you to choose your path. If this is true, then why do I say anything? Because I have the responsibility to do so, otherwise I would have your blood on my hands, and the love that I feel will not allow that.

I'm guessing here, but my gut feeling tells me that everyone has chosen NOT to listen to you.

 

[Seekermeister]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
3chordcharlie,

And how, exactly must it be read?

It needs to be understood, that each person is responsible for every thought and action that they have/take in this life. This applies to their faith and understanding also. Therefore, I shall not attempt to tell anyone exactly how to read the Bible, but I will say that it requires a lifetime of study and prayer. Any misinterpretation that I may have, is my problem and no one else's. Whether you choose to listen to me or not, is your decision. All that I can do is to point the way, and it is up to you to choose your path. If this is true, then why do I say anything? Because I have the responsibility to do so, otherwise I would have your blood on my hands, and the love that I feel will not allow that.

I'm guessing here, but my gut feeling tells me that everyone has chosen NOT to listen to you.

It may be difficult for you to understand, but neither you or your gut can speak for anyone other than yourself. Even if you were right, it would change nothing.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
3chordcharlie,

And how, exactly must it be read?

It needs to be understood, that each person is responsible for every thought and action that they have/take in this life. This applies to their faith and understanding also. Therefore, I shall not attempt to tell anyone exactly how to read the Bible, but I will say that it requires a lifetime of study and prayer. Any misinterpretation that I may have, is my problem and no one else's. Whether you choose to listen to me or not, is your decision. All that I can do is to point the way, and it is up to you to choose your path. If this is true, then why do I say anything? Because I have the responsibility to do so, otherwise I would have your blood on my hands, and the love that I feel will not allow that.

The book you have to work from is not an exact copy of the original text, even if you aren't using a translation of any sort.

We know there have been translations with any number of ulterior motives, and the fact of the matter is, that even if the Bible was once the unaltered word of God, it is not now.

In any case, while accepting the existence of God and his Church and Jesus and a myriad of other spiritual items on faith is a common and understandable phenomenon - heck it might even have some truth to it!. However, rejecting the world around you because of a book is not understandable, it is a sign of mental illness.

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
It may be difficult for you to understand, but neither you or your gut can speak for anyone other than yourself. Even if you were right, it would change nothing.

Why don't you just admit you're here to proselytize? It's plain as day.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: Seekermeister

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Vic,

I'm just curious. Supposedly, a "literal" interpretation of the Bible will tell us that man and the dinosaurs lived at the same time. Yet I've read the Bible and it says no such thing.

The problem with a literal interpretation of the Bible, is that you need to understand what to read literally and what is symbolic. Even with that understood, you have to study the translation factor and to look for what is said in an implied fashion. None of this can distort the literal word, if done properly. However, it is too often done improperly by Christians and nonChristians alike, but with very different end results.

Excuse me, but this is bullsh!t. You don't get to pick and choose your "literal" interpretation and decide which is the "proper" interpretation based upon your own prejudices. That is sinful.

One thing that I do not need, is for you to define the word "sin" for me. I have a far better teacher than you. I said nothing about reading any bias into the Bible, only how it must be read to receive the greatest amount of truth from it. If that is too difficult for you to understand, that is your problem, not mine.

And how, exactly must it be read?

Apparently, the way he was told by his preachers that he should read it, because that is how he was told that he would receive the "greatest amount of truth" from it, as opposed to his own personal heartfelt interpretation.

That's what a "literal" interpretation means -- that you read it as you're told to read it and no other way. The word "literal" is code for "we all read it the same." Doing this is in direct contradiction to the words within it.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
It may be difficult for you to understand, but neither you or your gut can speak for anyone other than yourself. Even if you were right, it would change nothing.

Why don't you just admit you're here to proselytize? It's plain as day.

Allow me to translate what he said for you: "I do and believe what I'm told by those who I have accepted as my worldly superiors even when I know it's wrong. Having already made this step, your words cannot sway me."

 

[Seekermeister]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie
The book you have to work from is not an exact copy of the original text, even if you aren't using a translation of any sort.

We know there have been translations with any number of ulterior motives, and the fact of the matter is, that even if the Bible was once the unaltered word of God, it is not now.

In any case, while accepting the existence of God and his Church and Jesus and a myriad of other spiritual items on faith is a common and understandable phenomenon - heck it might even have some truth to it!. However, rejecting the world around you because of a book is not understandable, it is a sign of mental illness.

The English, etc. translations are not exactly the original text, because that is impossible with any kind of translation of any document. However, the original Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Chaldean text are exact. The Hebrew required that any copy of their Scriptures had to be exact. The Isaiah Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the 2nd century BC, has only 13 minor differences between what exists today. These errors are like crossing Ts and dotting Is. Considering that they were found sealed in jars within a cave at Qumrum, I believe that these were writing in which errors were found, and were disposed of in this fashion.

I only know of one translation of the Bible that might be considered in the catagory that you described, with ulterior motive. Even with the induced errors in translation, it is the best source that is available, of the Word of God.

Your opinion about the mental state of believers is only natural considering your apparent spiritual state.

 

[DealMonkey]

Just admit you're here to you're here to proselytize and do battle with the scientific zealots and maybe, just maybe we'll take you seriously.

 

[DealMonkey]

(At least you'll be honest with yourself for once...)

 

[Seekermeister]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
It may be difficult for you to understand, but neither you or your gut can speak for anyone other than yourself. Even if you were right, it would change nothing.

Why don't you just admit you're here to proselytize? It's plain as day.

Perhaps you mean evangelize, because proselytize is a Jewish practice. However, you are still wrong, because I'm not qualified to evangelize. The most that I could say about myself is that I am a teacher. I don't really expect to teach anyone to believe in God, but I might be able to teach them to understand fallacies that prevent them from finding God on their own.

 

[Vic]

Note his continued moves to be exclusionary and aloof. This is exactly the sinfulness of the "literal" interpretation that I was referring to earlier. Like I said, they all read it the same, we're all blasphemers and heretics (the origin of the word heresy comes from the Greek meaning "to choose"). I sincerely doubt God approves.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -- James 1:5

 

[Seekermeister]

Originally posted by: Vic
Note his continued moves to be exclusionary and aloof. This is exactly the sinfulness of the "literal" interpretation that I was referring to earlier. Like I said, they all read it the same, we're all blasphemers and heretics (the origin of the word heresy comes from the Greek meaning "to choose"). I sincerely doubt God approves.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -- James 1:5

How is anyone to ask God for wisdom, if they do not believe in God in the first place? How do you believe that your concept of God is relevant, since you don't believe in Him in the first place?

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister

Originally posted by: DealMonkey

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
It may be difficult for you to understand, but neither you or your gut can speak for anyone other than yourself. Even if you were right, it would change nothing.

Why don't you just admit you're here to proselytize? It's plain as day.

Perhaps you mean evangelize, because proselytize is a Jewish practice. However, you are still wrong, because I'm not qualified to evangelize. The most that I could say about myself is that I am a teacher. I don't really expect to teach anyone to believe in God, but I might be able to teach them to understand fallacies that prevent them from finding God on their own.

Right, so you're evangelizing? And you seem to feel we're preventing people from finding God on their own? Is that correct?

 

[Seekermeister]

If you fail to understand the explaination that I already gave, why should I explain further? Understanding requires that little bits of truth be founded on others. If the foundation is faulty, everything built on it is also faulty.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: Vic
Where in the Bible does it say that men and dinosaurs lived at the same time?

the more obvious question is where does the bible say anything about dinosaurs?

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Way off. It was dictated to Moses around 1446BC.

wrong.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister

Originally posted by: Vic
Note his continued moves to be exclusionary and aloof. This is exactly the sinfulness of the "literal" interpretation that I was referring to earlier. Like I said, they all read it the same, we're all blasphemers and heretics (the origin of the word heresy comes from the Greek meaning "to choose"). I sincerely doubt God approves.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -- James 1:5

How is anyone to ask God for wisdom, if they do not believe in God in the first place? How do you believe that your concept of God is relevant, since you don't believe in Him in the first place?

Belief in God can occur independent of your particular literal interpretation of the Bible.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister

Originally posted by: Oxaqata

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Way off. It was dictated to Moses around 1446BC.

Yes, thats the Christian/Jewish belief but if I remember correctly most historians believe it was written in the 5th or 6th century BCE.

While it is true that there are some scholars with some very strange ideas, I have never come across any credible scholar that would attribute a date such as that. I suspect that you are the "scholar" in question. If not so, then provide a link. There is no basis for attributing such a date.

wiki

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
If you fail to understand the explaination that I already gave, why should I explain further? Understanding requires that little bits of truth be founded on others. If the foundation is faulty, everything built on it is also faulty.

Have you ever thought that maybe people can't understand or grasp your truth, because it has a faulty foundation that you refused to allow yourself to recognize?

 

[Seekermeister]

Originally posted by: miketheidiot

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
If you fail to understand the explaination that I already gave, why should I explain further? Understanding requires that little bits of truth be founded on others. If the foundation is faulty, everything built on it is also faulty.

Have you ever thought that maybe people can't understand or grasp your truth, because it has a faulty foundation that you refused to allow yourself to recognize?

If that were true, then it should be easy to demonstrate your superior knowledge and understanding. 99% of the posts in response to what I have said, are merely assertions, slanders and laughter, without any real substance. Your's is not within that other 1%.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister

Originally posted by: miketheidiot

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
If you fail to understand the explaination that I already gave, why should I explain further? Understanding requires that little bits of truth be founded on others. If the foundation is faulty, everything built on it is also faulty.

Have you ever thought that maybe people can't understand or grasp your truth, because it has a faulty foundation that you refused to allow yourself to recognize?

If that were true, then it should be easy to demonstrate your superior knowledge and understanding. 99% of the posts in response to what I have said, are merely assertions, slanders and laughter, without any real substance. Your's is not within that other 1%.

The this is, there has been plenty of substance in this thread, you just ignore it. Now if you would provide some substance of your own, that would be a grand step forward.