If the bible is to be used as a template of faith and morality, there are sections of it which can help an attentive, intelligent person become a more caring, morally-centered individual. Taken literally as the sum of its parts, it is such a mass of contradictions as to render the reader incapable of absorbing it ethically without plunging into outright insanity.
A god, no matter how complex could not be both entirely merciful and steadfastly vengeful.

It is not open to speculation, but is rather known and proven historic fact that the bible as we know it has been written, rewritten and edited countless times, usually to reflect the philosophies and political objectives of those who have commissioned its rewriting. Still other times, it has been rewritten sheerly for competitive marketability, such as the insertion of the virgin mother to appeal to followers of religions with a strong focus on goddess-worship.

There is no religious group in existence which follows it's own holy book rather than leading it. By this, I mean that all contemporary religions will select passages from their revered works and utilize these to achieve their desired purposes, rather than searching the works in any kind of genuine quest for self-improvement. Some passages are taken literally and others metaphorically, based on the intentions of the speakers and leaders of an individual faith, as is convenient.

Since it cannot be taken literally and leave the reader with any resolute or concrete, positive, life-affirming moral convictions, the bible must be read as a series of parables which hope to convey some worthy moral guidelines.
In ancient Greece, Aesop would tell tales and the villagers would gather to enjoy the entertainment, usually extracting some enhancements to their own world-views and personal social guidelines. This was a tremendous experience for all, and his lessons are not forgotten to this day. That said, thousands of years later, nobody's worshipping mice or lions, or claiming either as heroes of historical fact.

Learn more about this author, Adam Wilson.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Is the Bible trustworthy??
We want to hear your view. Write now!