Ofcourse, it is the writings of men, God didn't literally write it. The only parts I see as God's actual writings are the two tablets of stone with the Commandments written on them.
I do see it as the inspired word of God. The prophecies are a big factor. The "contradictions" you say exist, I have discovered to NOT be big deals/contradictions, except for when those with doubt and unbelief read it. There are some truly silly "supposed" contradictions, invented by desperate atheists.
There is a lot of truths throughout it aswell. God knows which meats are unclean, and knows of diseases, and on what day to circumcise. He warns us to not eat fat and blood, and to be "unclean" and wash after touching dead things etc. But this stuff is the tip of the iceburg. The bible is in-exhaustable, and the knowledge/wisdom seems to be an endless source of truth. Also, when reading about atonement/sacrifice, and how holy and clean people must be in God's presence, then you start to uncover a full explanation of Christ.
This message has been edited by mike the wiz, 06-03-2004 06:10 PM