Whistle Blower, I have have a small request for you, that has nothing to do with the OP. Is it possible that you could change your avatar, since downbeatplumb has got the same, and now it's confusing me? 
Now, back to the topic. Did you miss the shitstorm Alter2Ego begun? She on the other hand said that the bible is quite literal, and that one shouldn't assume anything based upon the stories. Now, we come to the never ending topic of True Christianity™. Which one of you is right? If the bible used isn't the same translation everywhere, if different sects say it should be read differently, what makes you so sure that you got it right? You seem to assume that all of us read it as atheists, which is not the case. Many here read it as devout believers. For myself it was in fact the very thing that turned me towards agnosticism and eventually atheism, because of the absurdities and inconsistencies.
As for the beginning, middle and an end way of reading, well, that is something I think is essential. For ficiton..
Now, back to the topic. Did you miss the shitstorm Alter2Ego begun? She on the other hand said that the bible is quite literal, and that one shouldn't assume anything based upon the stories. Now, we come to the never ending topic of True Christianity™. Which one of you is right? If the bible used isn't the same translation everywhere, if different sects say it should be read differently, what makes you so sure that you got it right? You seem to assume that all of us read it as atheists, which is not the case. Many here read it as devout believers. For myself it was in fact the very thing that turned me towards agnosticism and eventually atheism, because of the absurdities and inconsistencies.
As for the beginning, middle and an end way of reading, well, that is something I think is essential. For ficiton..
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
