(May 12, 2009 at 10:44 am)chatpilot Wrote: "Jewish children have to recite the full first 5 books of the Bible word for word from memory."
Frodo this is where you go wrong.The argument is centered on the truth of the oral traditions and not on the bible at the moment.I highly doubt that you can maintain the integrity of myths totally based on oral traditions which is clearly demonstrated in the game of chinese whispers.Regarding the recitation of the Pentateuch that is no small feat but the followers of Islam are required to memorize the entire Koran,once again your assumptions prove nothing.All that shows is how dedicated one can be to his religious beliefs and convictions.
My point is that this is an ancient tradition, not just what happens now. I also alluded to the progression of that practice, with novices proved by their ability to remember huge tracts. Multiply that by the huge number of novices and you get one hell of a checking system of the accuracy of the actual written text. The game Chinese Whispers seeks to dispel the fact. It really applies to rumour.
I don't assume this was the case. It's quite obviously more than that. You seem to skinp the topic in your dismissal. I'd like to see some reasoning please.
(May 12, 2009 at 10:44 am)chatpilot Wrote: 1.The bible is based entirely on plagiarised pagan myths.
2.The original texts are no longer in existence.
3.The authors whose names appear on many of those biblical books Old and New testament were not actually written by the persons they were attributed to.
4.The bible has been "lost in translation" due to mistranslation or at times the scribes own personal beliefs or agendas.
5.The bible is full of blatant contradictions in it's narrative of its many tales.
6.The bible was written during a pre-scientific era thus explaining why religion has fallen short when it comes to scientific truths and discoveries as compared to those that have been 'divinely revealed'.
7.It is literally impossible to trace the life of the historical Jesus since the 4 gospels and thier telling of his story seem like 4 different stories about 4 different people.
Finally,all of this can be researched and found to be factual statements if done objectively.
All I see here are similarities and empty accusations. Let's explore a point thorougly to see if we can get anywhere. Your choice.