by Dee Holder

Created on: February 06, 2010   Last Updated: February 07, 2010

I don't believe in God, thus I really don't believe in the Devil.  So to be honest I am writing to this side because it was the better of the two options. 

I don't think the writing of the bible was done with divine intervention, I think it was written by men, some of whom really believed that they were writing under divine guidance and some who were knew they were not, but were wise and wanted to share their wisdom and felt this was the best way to do so. 

I would have loved to see the original versions of the Bible, before the edits, rewrites and omissions.   Perhaps my view of the book would be different, I don't think I would see it as a divinely inspired publication, but my view of it would probably be more positive. I have always felt that as with anything, the Bible is not inherently good or evil.  It has many positive and affirming messages of love, self worth, charity and wisdom, but there is also evidence of violence, bigotry, sexism and intolerance in it.

What it comes down to is how the bible has been used, and if those that use it are better people for having read it.  Again, there are arguments for both sides.  There are people who have dedicated their lives to helping others, who live good lives and treat others with love and respect and who are better people for having come across the Bible.  There are other instances where people have been oppressed (the crusades, the inquisition), or having read and followed bible did not prevent atrocities being from being committed (colonialism, slavery, the catholic church and Nazi Germany), or where the bible has been used to excuse bigotry (against women, blacks (in South Africa, and other places) and homosexuals).   

Same book, different uses and interpretations.

If I believed in God as I once did, I would say that God has given us free will.  I would also say that the Bible is part of that free will.  The words in the book, who wrote it or how accurate they are are not as important as how those that use it as their holy book, interpret and use them.  If I believed in God, I would say that God is not in a book, but inside people.  That it does not matter how much you read the book, carry it around or preach from it, if you don't live by the script and use the book to harm others rather than love and help them, then the book might as well have been written by the Devil, for it is the Devil's rules you are following.

By the same token, if you read the book once in a blue moon, but you follow the teachings, do no harm to others, live a loving and full life and treat others with love and respect rather than fear and hate, then that book might as well have been divinely inspired, as you are a living proof of the word of God.

But ultimately it was men who wrote the Bible, men who edited and omitted passages and it is men and women who use the teachings of the bible for good or for Ill, to blame that either on God, or the Devil is a cop out.

Learn more about this author, Dee Holder.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.