On 5 Apr 2005, at 8:34 am, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Ironically, viewing the Bible metaphorically strengthens, rather than weakens it, freeing it from the crazy idea that it must be considered factual in every respect. Untold millions of intelligent, sensitive people have been turned off by this unsupportable idea. The Bible is completely pre-scientific, assumes a world view in which slavery is a routine and acceptable form of labor, and plainly contradicts itself time and again. Viewing it as fact is killing it.
But the fundamentalists are the fastest growing Christian sects.
On the other hand, viewing it as the best that a series of particular, peculiar, pre-scientific, slave-holding people had to offer in the circumstances of their time makes it a remarkable artifact. Seeing it for what it is will preserve it.
Preserve it as a quaint irrelevant historical artifact. Which is fine :)
Personally, I have decided to take the Bible seriously by refusing to take it literally and by promoting a vision of Christianity that does the same.
But the fundamentalists are the fastest growing Christian sects.
-- William T Goodall Mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web : http://www.wtgab.demon.co.uk Blog : http://radio.weblogs.com/0111221/
"The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a 'mouse.' There is no evidence that people want to use these things."
-John C. Dvorak, SF Examiner, Feb. 1984.
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