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Author Topic:   Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Phat
Member
Posts: 18353
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.0


Message 51 of 105 (589397)
11-02-2010 8:23 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-29-2010 1:05 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
jar writes:
For information on behavior and morality, the Eastern writers and the Western Philosophers are likely better sources. Most of the Bible deals not with behavior or morality but rather with the mythos of creating a Hebrew identity and then later, the creation of a Christian identity.
What is a Christian identity? For starters, I, as a Christian, dislike being identified with Christians. Granted there are all sorts of them...you (jar) being a unique variety. Politically, many of the Christians in the U.S. are ignorant. They are often told whom to vote for and what issues to support versus the issues that they must vote against.
Straggler, as for me personally, I have not really read the Bible from cover to cover, nor do I intend to do so, since much of it is irrelevant to my life in this modern era. Perhaps I should be more educated on comparative philosophies and religions, but I feel that as I live my life and try to communicate with others, my beliefs are being defined by my actions and reactions. By my behavior. God knows my intentions! Perhaps the challenge for me is that I too know them, before I die at any rate.
OFF TOPIC - Please Do Not Respond to this message by continuing in this vein.
AdminPD
Edited by AdminPD, : Warning

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 10-29-2010 1:05 PM Straggler has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18353
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.0


Message 56 of 105 (589408)
11-02-2010 10:31 AM
Reply to: Message 54 by jaywill
11-02-2010 10:07 AM


OFF TOPIC..lets refocus
This is wandering off topic, so I suggest that we take this discussion here.
***************************************************
This topic is:
quote:
My knowledge of the bible is limited and (it has to be admitted) largely shaped by my exposure in opposition to various EvC style debates. To me it has primarily been a reference source rather than a book that I have read for it’s narrative or wisdom or inspiration. So..
Given that I am neither seeking nor likely to be converted, given that I accept the historical importance of the bible to Western civilisation and can appreciate the worth of understanding it in that context - How would those who consider the bible to be a source of wisdom and inspiration suggest that I, as a non-believer, appreciate the more inspirational and timeless wisdom aspects of it?
Are there particular passages that I can be directed to as being of significant timeless wisdom and meaning? Are there particular parts that even a die hard atheist can point to as being inspirational and insightful?
If those with more biblical knowledge than I were to try and pinpoint the parts of the bible that they think stand out as significant regardless of ones belief which parts would they direct me to? And why?
I am not really in a position to dispute people's choices on this so this is more an opportunity for advice and discussion....

This message is a reply to:
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