The Bible was NOT man made, it was Godly made

Taz please refrain from shooting down valid points with meaningless accusations. Nobody is smearing science. The user is merely pointing out that someone who is versed in philosophy and/or religion can pick through true and false writings based on contextual evidence, much in the same way a trained scientist can determine between a true or false theory based on the evidence.

I agree Pilate. Another point should be made about the faith vs. works issue. This is a very complex issue and at one point in time both were true. In the old testament, salvation was certainly based on works...the works of following the law. Jesus ended that system, however, and instituted one of salvation by faith. This isn't to say that works aren't required...it's largely a chicken and egg issue. Even though the actual salvation is now bought through faith, works are the fruit of that faith. So by definition, without displaying works you really have no faith and therefore won't be saved.

iceage,I don't see an inconsistency. Confusing wording perhaps, but not an inconsistency. Without works, you have no faith...so it's largely an issue of semantics. Granted, it's a large issue of semantics which eventually lead to the Protestant Reformation, but semantics nonetheless.

iceage,I don't think a fractured church is a sign of inconsistencies in the Bible. It's a matter of interpretation. Let's keep in mind that the Bible wasn't even written in the language most read it in and deals in Philosophical areas that can be hard to grasp. I chalk-up the fracture more to the limited knowledge of the religious than any shortcomings of the religion.Not even athiests are in agreement on all philosophical points other than there is no God. Similarly, some Christians have a hard time finding common ground other than there is a God. The fact that some athiests are New Agers and some believe in evolution doesn't automatically discount athiesm. I think most people would plainly agree with this until the issue of religion is brought into play.