God does not determine right and wrong

[Chad32]

And yet he has commanded both of those things from time to time in the bible. And he's still considered morally good.

Oh really, all you need to do now is show the evidence from the Bible, without your slant on it.

Yeah, when he commands soldiers to go into villages of other nations, and kill everyone who isn't a young girl. Then take the young girls home and rape them. Of course, these wouldn't be considered murder and rape back then, but to a modern audience it would be. But I guess that's my enlightened slant, huh?

What is this god's nature supposed to even be, exactly? And how would you tell it's not only good, but it has to be good by definition? Because taken at face value, there are a large number of events in the bible that most people would see as evil. At least those with a skeptical slant.

---

Ignoring the OT is a bit dishonest, though. Yeah, I prefer the nicer christians too, but you can't say that Jesus and Yahweh are the exact same person, and then say the OT should be ignored.

It's not about "ignoring the OT." It's about recognizing that it was written thousands and thousands of years ago, for the people of the time, in the context of those times. It's also about recognizing it's allegorical style of writing. Jesus actually existed and cleared up things that were otherwise misunderstood. Why do you think He was so controversial among the Jews of the time? This has been explained many times.

Because we don't buy the line that the worst parts must just be allegory, but the good parts were totally true and historical. It doesn't really matter what that god did when he sent himself down to sacrifice himself to himself. It didn't clear things up. It just made things more confusing. It put a nice coat of paint on a turd.

[Banned]

Congratulations for proving the point, asshole!

Thanks for supplying the scriptural evidence in the first place.
Now what if God wasn't who people - even the religious, think he is, but someone you would feel safe with?

The past has a way of locking you in. Is it possible to have any good come out of that?
What past crime will God not forgive?

[Nay_Sayer]

Congratulations for proving the point, asshole!

Thanks for supplying the scriptural evidence in the first place.
Now what if God wasn't who people - even the religious, think he is, but someone you would feel safe with?

The past has a way of locking you in. Is it possible to have any good come out of that?
What past crime will God not forgive?

100% this.  Only you won't be forgiven as you're following a false idol.

Also, FSM doesn't forgive child rapists.

RAmen

[Banned]

Oh really, all you need to do now is show the evidence from the Bible, without your slant on it.

...But I guess that's my enlightened slant, huh?

What is this god's nature supposed to even be, exactly? And how would you tell it's not only good, but it has to be good by definition? Because taken at face value, there are a large number of events in the bible that most people would see as evil. At least those with a skeptical slant.

They're really good questions, because we can't always afford to rely on first impressions.
I have to examine and question my own perceptions. But as you said, you can only go by what you are picking up on, and if further evidence is presented, then we can continue with that.

God doesn't expect "enlightenment," as some people rave on about, but progress. Jesus said "If you CONTINUE in my word, you are my disciples." If you keep adding to your knowledge, which is only a fair thing for all.

[vorlon13]

Ignoring the OT is a bit dishonest, though. Yeah, I prefer the nicer christians too, but you can't say that Jesus and Yahweh are the exact same person, and then say the OT should be ignored.

It's not about "ignoring the OT." It's about recognizing that it was written thousands and thousands of years ago, for the people of the time, in the context of those times. It's also about recognizing it's allegorical style of writing. Jesus actually existed and cleared up things that were otherwise misunderstood. Why do you think He was so controversial among the Jews of the time? This has been explained many times.

With tens of thousands of Jesus based denominations and schisms I'm thinking the claim "Jesus . . . cleared up things that were otherwise misunderstood" isn't true.

Jesus was not a beacon of clarity to His followers, they have argued even over how many nails it took to crucify Him (the correct answer is 4, BTW, they didn't have nails long enough to pierce both ankles with just one). There has been a schism triggered by the width of a hat brim, for pity's sake.

Maybe not what He intended, but it's His legacy regardless.

[brewer]

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

Also, FSM doesn't forgive child rapists.

And he certainly doesn't transfer them to another pasta shop to continue their crimes.

Boru

[Banned]

[Chad32]

...But I guess that's my enlightened slant, huh?

What is this god's nature supposed to even be, exactly? And how would you tell it's not only good, but it has to be good by definition? Because taken at face value, there are a large number of events in the bible that most people would see as evil. At least those with a skeptical slant.

They're really good questions, because we can't always afford to rely on first impressions.
I have to examine and question my own perceptions. But as you said, you can only go by what you are picking up on, and if further evidence is presented, then we can continue with that.

God doesn't expect "enlightenment," as some people rave on about, but progress. Jesus said "If you CONTINUE in my word, you are my disciples." If you keep adding to your knowledge, which is only a fair thing for all.

yes, continued obedience is about the only thing this god, or more specifically the people in power speaking for him, want from the general public. We definitely get that.

[vorlon13]

Congratulations for proving the point, asshole!

Thanks for supplying the scriptural evidence in the first place.
Now what if God wasn't who people - even the religious, think he is, but someone you would feel safe with?

The past has a way of locking you in. Is it possible to have any good come out of that?
What past crime will God not forgive?

Being an Amalekite. Jesus never rescinded God's pronouncement.