Rejecting the Bad Parts

[Meriweather]

So they can lower their moral standards

It has nothing to do with moral standards. The atheists I know have fine moral standards and ethics. An in depth understanding of Bible stories might introduce them to the themes the original authors were presenting, something beyond on how many animals could fit in the ark, and beyond whether the flood covered the entire planet, or simply covered a large area of earth.

 

[ding]

She fooled me.

You don't. I see right through you, snookums.

You mean he fooled you. Pretty sure Donald's right. Meriweather's a he. Always just sounds amusingly feminine to me so I poke fun. Meri and the jackass.. You two should really get a room!

$25 donation bet to USMB says you are wrong.

If you were half as intelligent as you think you are we would have better conversations.

 

[BreezeWood]

Christianity is disgusting and morally satanic.

Okay. Then don't practice Christianity.

Okay. Then don't practice Christianity.

.
an example where injustice is given credence.

 

[LittleNipper]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

 

[Dogmaphobe]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

My suggestion would be to just pick up the New Testament and read it like they would any other book.

 

[presonorek]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Simple enough.

Bad Part: Matthew 6:25-26 HCSB This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Good part: Ephesians 4:26-29 HCSB Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

 

[presonorek]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Interesting challenge. Did you expect them to be all good or all bad?

 

[LittleNipper]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Simple enough.

Bad Part: Matthew 6:25-26 HCSB This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Good part: Ephesians 4:26-29 HCSB Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Perhaps you should read the entire Chapter (6) rather than take it out of context... People are often obsessed with materialism. Jesus is also addressing HIS disciples and saying that HE will provide what is necessary when things seem to be otherwise stressful...

Matthew 6

New International Version

​

Giving to the Needy​

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer​

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting​

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven​

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry​

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

[BreezeWood]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Simple enough.

Bad Part: Matthew 6:25-26 HCSB This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Good part: Ephesians 4:26-29 HCSB Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Perhaps you should read the entire Chapter (6) rather than take it out of context... People are often obsessed with materialism. Jesus is also addressing HIS disciples and saying that HE will provide what is necessary when things seem to be otherwise stressful...

Matthew 6​

​

New International Version​

​

​

Giving to the Needy​

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer​

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting​

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven​

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry​

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

.

Perhaps you should read the entire Chapter (6) rather than take it out of context... People are often obsessed with materialism. Jesus is also addressing HIS disciples and saying that HE will provide what is necessary when things seem to be otherwise stressful...

.
and christianity is not the height of materialism, laissez fare - capitalism. really.

to bad for those people they did not return the favor - why was that nipper what could go wrong falling on your sward for the redeemer -

no doubt the "materialist", who wrote your book and certainly not very brave in the least.

 

[Grumblenuts]

Birds obviously gather food, often storing it in their own sorts of "barns" for "rainy days." And good thing, else they and their offspring would no doubt (and do) starve just as humans do without food. So we are not actually any "better" or "more valuable than" them on this score nor any other. Unlike humans, Mother Nature doesn't actually play favorites.

Why the delay-materialism doctrine then? Know thy place. First bust your ass, then immediately give (a significant portion of) your hard won earnings to the church, the government, any owed rents, the establishment,.. in short, always pay your betters before taking care of your own. Point being, you are like dirt in the grand scheme of things. Don't get uppity or you'll not only suffer through this life, but your supposed "spirit" for eternity as well.

But that's still largely smoke and mirrors. The real trick is simply getting you accept that the religious establishment is one of your betters. The others are simply borrowed for comparison because the illusion works. Did the Romans suck? Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Well people keep bowing to them.. all that matters! If you support the religious establishment, then they never need worry about breaking a sweat or getting their hands dirty. Congrats on being played like a fiddle.

 

[ding]

Birds obviously gather food, often storing it in their own sorts of "barns" for "rainy days." And good thing, else they and their offspring would no doubt (and do) starve just as humans do without food. So we are not actually any "better" or "more valuable than" them on this score nor any other. Unlike humans, Mother Nature doesn't actually play favorites.

Why the delay-materialism doctrine then? Know thy place. First bust your ass, then immediately give (a significant portion of) your hard won earnings to the church, the government, any owed rents, the establishment,.. in short, always pay your betters before taking care of your own. Point being, you are like dirt in the grand scheme of things. Don't get uppity or you'll not only suffer through this life, but your supposed "spirit" for eternity as well.

But that's still largely smoke and mirrors. The real trick is simply getting you accept that the religious establishment is one of your betters. The others are simply borrowed for comparison because the illusion works. Did the Romans suck? Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Well people keep bowing to them.. all that matters! If you support the religious establishment, then they never need worry about breaking a sweat or getting their hands dirty. Congrats on being played like a fiddle.

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

Who is it that is trying to force you to believe anyway?

 

[ding]

You mean he fooled you. Pretty sure Donald's right. Meriweather's a he. Always just sounds amusingly feminine to me so I poke fun. Meri and the jackass.. You two should really get a room!

I am a she. Ding and I agree on many things, disagree on others. There is always room for more than one view, different approaches, and different perspectives when it comes to religion and ethics.

Does ding agree with you that atheists are good people?
There's no way he wouldn't have seen the question being put to him!
It seems to me that would be a pretty fundamental question to ask of christians, considering that finding any completely loyal and true christian believers is proving near impossible so far.

ding believes that no one is all good or all bad and does his damnedest to not judge the person regardless of their beliefs.

 

[BreezeWood]

Birds obviously gather food, often storing it in their own sorts of "barns" for "rainy days." And good thing, else they and their offspring would no doubt (and do) starve just as humans do without food. So we are not actually any "better" or "more valuable than" them on this score nor any other. Unlike humans, Mother Nature doesn't actually play favorites.

Why the delay-materialism doctrine then? Know thy place. First bust your ass, then immediately give (a significant portion of) your hard won earnings to the church, the government, any owed rents, the establishment,.. in short, always pay your betters before taking care of your own. Point being, you are like dirt in the grand scheme of things. Don't get uppity or you'll not only suffer through this life, but your supposed "spirit" for eternity as well.

But that's still largely smoke and mirrors. The real trick is simply getting you accept that the religious establishment is one of your betters. The others are simply borrowed for comparison because the illusion works. Did the Romans suck? Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Well people keep bowing to them.. all that matters! If you support the religious establishment, then they never need worry about breaking a sweat or getting their hands dirty. Congrats on being played like a fiddle.

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

Who is it that is trying to force you to believe anyway?

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

.
who's dying ...

there are no benefits to faith other than self induced, those benefits occur for the underlying reality the faith tries to embrace - faith is as good as air for support for who has fallen out a window. ask any survivor who has tried it.

at least in regards for certain peoples obsession over materialism ... having anything to do with faith.

 

[presonorek]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Simple enough.

Bad Part: Matthew 6:25-26 HCSB This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Good part: Ephesians 4:26-29 HCSB Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Perhaps you should read the entire Chapter (6) rather than take it out of context... People are often obsessed with materialism. Jesus is also addressing HIS disciples and saying that HE will provide what is necessary when things seem to be otherwise stressful...

Matthew 6​

​

New International Version​

​

​

Giving to the Needy​

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer​

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting​

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven​

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry​

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Good idea. It still says what it says. I took nothing out of context. I never do. The message is as obvious as the nose on my face and my nose is pretty big. I have read the entire Bible three times and plan to do it again. It says what it says. As an atheist I have no obligation to make it fit my organization’s particular brand of theology. The Bible says what it says. “Take it out of context” “discern of the spirit” or whatever other excuse you want to have is fine. The Bible will still say what it says no matter how determined you are to preserve your own thoughts.

I prefer taking it at face value and rejecting the dumb ideas and embracing the good ideas. That’s what we all do in life anyways. Why should the Bible be treated differently?

 

[ding]

Birds obviously gather food, often storing it in their own sorts of "barns" for "rainy days." And good thing, else they and their offspring would no doubt (and do) starve just as humans do without food. So we are not actually any "better" or "more valuable than" them on this score nor any other. Unlike humans, Mother Nature doesn't actually play favorites.

Why the delay-materialism doctrine then? Know thy place. First bust your ass, then immediately give (a significant portion of) your hard won earnings to the church, the government, any owed rents, the establishment,.. in short, always pay your betters before taking care of your own. Point being, you are like dirt in the grand scheme of things. Don't get uppity or you'll not only suffer through this life, but your supposed "spirit" for eternity as well.

But that's still largely smoke and mirrors. The real trick is simply getting you accept that the religious establishment is one of your betters. The others are simply borrowed for comparison because the illusion works. Did the Romans suck? Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Well people keep bowing to them.. all that matters! If you support the religious establishment, then they never need worry about breaking a sweat or getting their hands dirty. Congrats on being played like a fiddle.

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

Who is it that is trying to force you to believe anyway?

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

.
who's dying ...

there are no benefits to faith other than self induced, those benefits occur for the underlying reality the faith tries to embrace - faith is as good as air for support for who has fallen out a window. ask any survivor who has tried it.

at least in regards for certain peoples obsession over materialism ... having anything to do with faith.

You were born to die a physical death. Anyone who loves God shares in His existence. How can that not offer amazing benefits?

 

[ding]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Simple enough.

Bad Part: Matthew 6:25-26 HCSB This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Good part: Ephesians 4:26-29 HCSB Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Perhaps you should read the entire Chapter (6) rather than take it out of context... People are often obsessed with materialism. Jesus is also addressing HIS disciples and saying that HE will provide what is necessary when things seem to be otherwise stressful...

Matthew 6​

​

New International Version​

​

​

Giving to the Needy​

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer​

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting​

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven​

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry​

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Good idea. It still says what it says. I took nothing out of context. I never do. The message is as obvious as the nose on my face and my nose is pretty big. I have read the entire Bible three times and plan to do it again. It says what it says. As an atheist I have no obligation to make it fit my organization’s particular brand of theology. The Bible says what it says. “Take it out of context” “discern of the spirit” or whatever other excuse you want to have is fine. The Bible will still say what it says no matter how determined you are to preserve your own thoughts.

I prefer taking it at face value and rejecting the dumb ideas and embracing the good ideas. That’s what we all do in life anyways. Why should the Bible be treated differently?

You should try worshiping God rather than reading a book that confuses you.

 

[ding]

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

 

[Knight]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

That’s all they do. Whatever doesn’t agree with whatever bias they possess is overlooked.

 

[BreezeWood]

Birds obviously gather food, often storing it in their own sorts of "barns" for "rainy days." And good thing, else they and their offspring would no doubt (and do) starve just as humans do without food. So we are not actually any "better" or "more valuable than" them on this score nor any other. Unlike humans, Mother Nature doesn't actually play favorites.

Why the delay-materialism doctrine then? Know thy place. First bust your ass, then immediately give (a significant portion of) your hard won earnings to the church, the government, any owed rents, the establishment,.. in short, always pay your betters before taking care of your own. Point being, you are like dirt in the grand scheme of things. Don't get uppity or you'll not only suffer through this life, but your supposed "spirit" for eternity as well.

But that's still largely smoke and mirrors. The real trick is simply getting you accept that the religious establishment is one of your betters. The others are simply borrowed for comparison because the illusion works. Did the Romans suck? Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Well people keep bowing to them.. all that matters! If you support the religious establishment, then they never need worry about breaking a sweat or getting their hands dirty. Congrats on being played like a fiddle.

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

Who is it that is trying to force you to believe anyway?

Some people actually believe the benefits of faith exceed the benefits of materialism on the journey to death.

.
who's dying ...

there are no benefits to faith other than self induced, those benefits occur for the underlying reality the faith tries to embrace - faith is as good as air for support for who has fallen out a window. ask any survivor who has tried it.

at least in regards for certain peoples obsession over materialism ... having anything to do with faith.

You were born to die a physical death. Anyone who loves God shares in His existence. How can that not offer amazing benefits?

.

You were born to die a physical death. Anyone who loves God shares in His (their) existence. How can that not offer amazing benefits?

.
those are one and the same - you and physical death ... no, not everyone - who triumphs correctly. christian. is admitted to the Everlasting. hardly from the forgeries and fallacies of a 4th century book.

who loves, love - would be more appropriate ...

 

[presonorek]

Should Christians reject the bad parts of the Bible?

I say that Christians should reject the bad parts of the Bible.

They don't need to reject any part of the Bible. Christians should, however, find the parts of the Bible that speak to them the most and stand on them like a rock in the middle of a flooding river.

I guess I am just thinking out loud. I was hoping Christians could embrace the identical ethics of their atheist counterparts by embracing things that are good and rejecting things that are bad.

If atheists could see that the bad parts of the Bible can be rejected freely by Christians then atheists could view Christians as intellectual and moral equals. For example: Christ’s teachings to turn the other cheek, Christ’s teachings to avoid planning for the future, the description of homosexuals in Romans Chapter 1, and even teachings to pray nonstop. These are all horrible and disgusting teachings that Christians should be rejecting or at least ignoring. It would be good to see atheists and Christians agree that Jesus was dumb as hell when He said we should sell all that we own and give it to the poor. That’s just bad for society. Christians should ignore the Bible on that aspect and be able to enjoy the luxury to keep some of their belongings.

It is just a thought I guess. I’d like to see more Christians ignore the Bible on the stupider things and hold steadfast and fire on the good aspect of the Bible. You know, like atheists do. I guess in essence that would make the Christians atheists too. Oh well. Nobody said philosophy wasn’t complicated. I guess they just have to decide how bad they need to be labeled as “Christian”. If you need that label real bad you might want to go ahead and turn that other cheek.

Please provide an example of a bad part of the Bible, and one of a good part of the Bible.

Simple enough.

Bad Part: Matthew 6:25-26 HCSB This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Good part: Ephesians 4:26-29 HCSB Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Perhaps you should read the entire Chapter (6) rather than take it out of context... People are often obsessed with materialism. Jesus is also addressing HIS disciples and saying that HE will provide what is necessary when things seem to be otherwise stressful...

Matthew 6​

​

New International Version​

​

​

Giving to the Needy​

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer​

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting​

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven​

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry​

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Good idea. It still says what it says. I took nothing out of context. I never do. The message is as obvious as the nose on my face and my nose is pretty big. I have read the entire Bible three times and plan to do it again. It says what it says. As an atheist I have no obligation to make it fit my organization’s particular brand of theology. The Bible says what it says. “Take it out of context” “discern of the spirit” or whatever other excuse you want to have is fine. The Bible will still say what it says no matter how determined you are to preserve your own thoughts.

I prefer taking it at face value and rejecting the dumb ideas and embracing the good ideas. That’s what we all do in life anyways. Why should the Bible be treated differently?

You should try worshiping God rather than reading a book that confuses you.

Basically ignore the Bible completely? I wouldn’t take it that far. There is some wisdom in there. I haven’t been confused by the Bible in over a decade.

I just read it for what it says. It doesn’t have to match with any tangible church organization or a specific theology. It just says what it says. It doesn’t confuse me anymore.

The New Testament is actually a pretty pure and consistent system of stoicism. I love the Bible. Why do you hate it and recommend I avoid it like the plague?

I passionately hate the way Christians hate the Bible. It is the most powerful book ever written. Why do you guys hate it so much?