(September 23, 2015 at 4:01 am)robvalue Wrote: Oh yeah, I forgot! The bible is a load of nonsense. It's filled with stories that demonstrably did not happen, and it is exactly what you'd expect from primitive people trying to explain the world around them while ripping off other mythologies.
This is my favourite video to show people. If you have the time, this bible expert explains why he thinks the Jesus story is just the latest in a long line of similar myths.
http://youtu.be/79Lmmy2jfeo
I like Dr. Carrier a lot! That said, it should be noted that, while I personally think he makes an excellent case and think his work should be carefully absorbed and considered, he nevertheless does represent an "extreme" and minority position among Biblical scholars.
That's not to say he's wrong; I happen to think he's right, or mostly-right. Just that most of his peers/colleagues disagree with him on the mythological Jesus.
On the other hand, I think his analysis of the ancient Judaic concepts of the heavenly powers (angels as demigods) and its polytheistic roots being excised (incompletely) from the scriptures by the later monotheist priests is spot on.
A Christian told me: if you were saved you cant lose your salvation. you're sealed with the Holy Ghost
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
