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Author Topic:   Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
ringo
Member (Idle past 412 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 31 of 105 (589127)
10-30-2010 5:48 PM
Reply to: Message 29 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 5:28 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Buzsaw writes:
I see a correlation of the Biblical wisdom and the cultural advancement of Western civilization, especially in nations where the Bible is freely read and taught.
That's not what I asked. In western civilization itself, do believers in the Bible exhibit more wisdom than unbelievers? Are there, for example, fewer Bible believers in prison? Do Bible believers tend to have more successful marriages? If not, then maybe the supposed "superior wisdom" in western culture is in spite of the Bible instead of because of it.

"It appears that many of you turn to Hebrew to escape the English...." -- Joseppi

This message is a reply to:
 Message 29 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 5:28 PM Buzsaw has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 33 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 6:04 PM ringo has replied

  
hooah212002
Member (Idle past 801 days)
Posts: 3193
Joined: 08-12-2009


(1)
Message 32 of 105 (589128)
10-30-2010 5:56 PM
Reply to: Message 29 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 5:28 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
I see a correlation of the Biblical wisdom and the cultural advancement of Western civilization, especially in nations where the Bible is freely read and taught.
quote:
I see a correlation of the religious freedom and the cultural advancement of Western civilization, especially in nations where religious freedom is practiced and taught.
There, I fixed that for you.

"What can be asserted without proof, can be dismissed without proof."-Hitch.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 29 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 5:28 PM Buzsaw has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 36 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 6:22 PM hooah212002 has replied

  
Buzsaw
Inactive Member


(1)
Message 33 of 105 (589129)
10-30-2010 6:04 PM
Reply to: Message 31 by ringo
10-30-2010 5:48 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
ringo writes:
That's not what I asked. In western civilization itself, do believers in the Bible exhibit more wisdom than unbelievers? Are there, for example, fewer Bible believers in prison? Do Bible believers tend to have more successful marriages? If not, then maybe the supposed "superior wisdom" in western culture is in spite of the Bible instead of because of it.
Perhaps you're confusing believers and practitioners of the Bible with professing Christians. To profess Christianity is one thing but to read, believe and practice Biblical fundamentals, quite another.
Observing and comparing the cultures in aggregate reveals a lot relative to their beliefs and practices by and large. Sadly, Western cultures are rapidly declining in these (Biblically prophesied end of Gentile age days) of apostacy, commensurate with the decline of Biblical principles.

BUZSAW B 4 U 2 C Y BUZ SAW.
The immeasurable present eternally extends the infinite past and infinitely consumes the eternal future.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 31 by ringo, posted 10-30-2010 5:48 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 34 by Theodoric, posted 10-30-2010 6:07 PM Buzsaw has not replied
 Message 35 by ringo, posted 10-30-2010 6:16 PM Buzsaw has not replied

  
Theodoric
Member
Posts: 9076
From: Northwest, WI, USA
Joined: 08-15-2005
Member Rating: 3.7


Message 34 of 105 (589130)
10-30-2010 6:07 PM
Reply to: Message 33 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 6:04 PM


Golden Age of biblical principles?
Sadly, Western cultures are rapidly declining in these (Biblically prophesied end of Gentile age days) of apostacy, commensurate with the decline of Biblical principles.
Oh please tell us when the golden age of biblical principles was. When did the calamitous decline start?
Edited by Theodoric, : No reason given.

Facts don't lie or have an agenda. Facts are just facts

This message is a reply to:
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Replies to this message:
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ringo
Member (Idle past 412 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 35 of 105 (589131)
10-30-2010 6:16 PM
Reply to: Message 33 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 6:04 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Buzsaw writes:
To profess Christianity is one thing but to read, believe and practice Biblical fundamentals, quite another.
I know that. That's what I'm asking. Why don't the professing Christians on this site, for example, exhibit any signs of wisdom?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 33 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 6:04 PM Buzsaw has not replied

  
Buzsaw
Inactive Member


(1)
Message 36 of 105 (589133)
10-30-2010 6:22 PM
Reply to: Message 32 by hooah212002
10-30-2010 5:56 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
hooah writes:
Buzsaw writes:
I see a correlation of the Biblical wisdom and the cultural advancement of Western civilization, especially in nations where the Bible is freely read and taught.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I see a correlation of the religious freedom and the cultural advancement of Western civilization, especially in nations where religious freedom is practiced and taught.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There, I fixed that for you.
Thank you kindly, sir. However many nations forbid the reading of the scriptures which normally pre-empts practice. The US of A, in these latter days of apostacy is forbidding the reading and the practice of religion in areas of our modern culture which were allowed in our the days of our heritage.
OFF TOPIC - Please Do Not Respond to this message by continuing in this vein.
AdminPD
Edited by AdminPD, : Warning

BUZSAW B 4 U 2 C Y BUZ SAW.
The immeasurable present eternally extends the infinite past and infinitely consumes the eternal future.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 32 by hooah212002, posted 10-30-2010 5:56 PM hooah212002 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 37 by hooah212002, posted 10-30-2010 6:25 PM Buzsaw has replied

  
hooah212002
Member (Idle past 801 days)
Posts: 3193
Joined: 08-12-2009


Message 37 of 105 (589135)
10-30-2010 6:25 PM
Reply to: Message 36 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 6:22 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
The US of A, in these latter days of apostacy is forbidding the reading and the practice of religion in areas of our modern culture which were allowed in our the days of our heritage.
Where are you forbidden to practice your religion?
OFF TOPIC - Please Do Not Respond to this message by continuing in this vein.
AdminPD
Edited by AdminPD, : Warning

"What can be asserted without proof, can be dismissed without proof."-Hitch.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 36 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 6:22 PM Buzsaw has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 42 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 11:28 PM hooah212002 has replied

  
Dogmafood
Member (Idle past 348 days)
Posts: 1815
From: Ontario Canada
Joined: 08-04-2010


Message 38 of 105 (589136)
10-30-2010 6:27 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-29-2010 1:05 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
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?
The book of Ecclesiastes is a remarkable summary of the human condition. Succinct, poetic and honest in every respect.
quote:
Ecc 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
I dont think there is single verse that I could not defend as true and wise. I would say that this book and a handful of JC's quotes comprise the essential wisdom of the bible. The rest is history, begatting and politics. Examples of perceived cause and effect.

This message is a reply to:
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lyx2no
Member (Idle past 4716 days)
Posts: 1277
From: A vast, undifferentiated plane.
Joined: 02-28-2008


Message 39 of 105 (589139)
10-30-2010 7:04 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-29-2010 1:05 PM


The Book of Levi
offers the greatest wisdom: In the purpose given thee the nail is abomination to all men. Use the buttons, Mr. Strauss.
If there is wisdom in the Bible that a fairly astute person should not be able to figure out for themselves I've yet to see it. What the Bible does offer up as wisdom cut the baby in half and give each a bit wouldn't work in a kindergarden. The Bible gets it's sagacity from the same source as did Chauncey Gardiner: confirmation bias.

"Mom! Ban Ki-moon made a non-binding resolution at me." Mohmoud Ahmadinejad

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nwr
Member
Posts: 6408
From: Geneva, Illinois
Joined: 08-08-2005
Member Rating: 5.1


Message 40 of 105 (589152)
10-30-2010 8:37 PM
Reply to: Message 22 by Straggler
10-30-2010 4:21 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Straggler writes:
Why do you think it has had such a historical role? Right place right time?
I guess I'll go along with "right place, right time."
I'm no historian, so I don't have any special insight into that. It is possible that there were other cultural movements that were important, and the Bible got carried along with them.

Jesus was a liberal hippie

This message is a reply to:
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Buzsaw
Inactive Member


(1)
Message 41 of 105 (589161)
10-30-2010 11:11 PM
Reply to: Message 22 by Straggler
10-30-2010 4:21 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Straggler writes:
Why do you think it has had such a historical role? Right place right time? Christian missionary methods?
Or is there something about the bible (as opposed to other aspects of Christianity) that lit people's imaginations in some way?
Interestingly, this is weighs in on one of the fulfilled end time prophecies which I've cited in past threads as evidence supportive to the Biblical record.
Jesus, during his Olivet Discourse prophecy addressing the questions asked by his apostles on the Mt of Olives before he was crucified cited as one of signs to look for before his 2nd advent, being that the gospel of his kingdom would be preached to all nations.
Then the apostle John afterward in Revelation 14:6, said an angel flying in the heavens would be one media which would fulfill this prophecy. Perhaps the satelite flying in the midst of heaven named Sky Angel connected with Dominion Broadcasting is the fulfillment of that prophecy. I was one of the charter subscribers to that media a number of years ago. The Greek rendering of that word angelos can mean messenger as well as an angelic living creature.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.
14:6And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people; 14:7and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.

BUZSAW B 4 U 2 C Y BUZ SAW.
The immeasurable present eternally extends the infinite past and infinitely consumes the eternal future.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 22 by Straggler, posted 10-30-2010 4:21 PM Straggler has not replied

Replies to this message:
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Buzsaw
Inactive Member


(1)
Message 42 of 105 (589163)
10-30-2010 11:28 PM
Reply to: Message 37 by hooah212002
10-30-2010 6:25 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
hooah writes:
Where are you forbidden to practice your religion?
Try teaching the New England Primer, chock full of Biblical stuff or singing from the Isaac Watts Hymnal to the kiddies in your average public school, major sources of education curricula for over a century in our nation's schools. See how long you would last doing that.
OFF TOPIC - Please Do Not Respond to this message by continuing in this vein.
AdminPD
Edited by AdminPD, : Warning

BUZSAW B 4 U 2 C Y BUZ SAW.
The immeasurable present eternally extends the infinite past and infinitely consumes the eternal future.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 37 by hooah212002, posted 10-30-2010 6:25 PM hooah212002 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 43 by jar, posted 10-30-2010 11:41 PM Buzsaw has not replied
 Message 44 by hooah212002, posted 10-30-2010 11:43 PM Buzsaw has not replied

  
jar
Member (Idle past 394 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 43 of 105 (589165)
10-30-2010 11:41 PM
Reply to: Message 42 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 11:28 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Try teaching the New England Primer, chock full of Biblical stuff or singing from the Isaac Watts Hymnal to the kiddies in your average public school, major sources of education curricula for over a century in our nation's schools. See how long you would last doing that.
I'm sorry Buz but alleging that is forbidding you to practice your religion is simply not true and yet another false assertion on your part. You are NOT prevented from practicing your religion, only from imposing YOUR religion on others using public funds.
It also has absolutely NOTHING to do with the topic.
Maybe you can show some unique source of wisdom or inspiration that is not also found in most of the other religions, philosophies and ethics systems?
OFF TOPIC - Please Do Not Respond to this message by continuing in this vein.
AdminPD
Edited by AdminPD, : Warning

Anyone so limited that they can only spell a word one way is severely handicapped!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 42 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 11:28 PM Buzsaw has not replied

  
hooah212002
Member (Idle past 801 days)
Posts: 3193
Joined: 08-12-2009


Message 44 of 105 (589166)
10-30-2010 11:43 PM
Reply to: Message 42 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 11:28 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
You do know what a theocracy is, correct? You must, since you cited Islam in a previous post. You said your right to practice your religion was being forbidden, not your right to shove it down the throats of people who don't want to hear it. Remember what I said that instigated this (off topic) discussion? Yes, Buz, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Singing hymns in school is not religious freedom. You have church for that.
At any rate, this is off topic and your fear mongering has made it's way into yet another thread that you participate in......
OFF TOPIC - Please Do Not Respond to this message by continuing in this vein.
AdminPD
Edited by hooah212002, : No reason given.
Edited by AdminPD, : Warning

"What can be asserted without proof, can be dismissed without proof."-Hitch.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 42 by Buzsaw, posted 10-30-2010 11:28 PM Buzsaw has not replied

  
jaywill
Member (Idle past 1941 days)
Posts: 4519
From: VA USA
Joined: 12-05-2005


Message 45 of 105 (589167)
10-30-2010 11:49 PM
Reply to: Message 41 by Buzsaw
10-30-2010 11:11 PM


Re: Atheist Appreciation of Biblical Wisdom and Inspiration
Then the apostle John afterward in Revelation 14:6, said an angel flying in the heavens would be one media which would fulfill this prophecy. Perhaps the satelite flying in the midst of heaven named Sky Angel connected with Dominion Broadcasting is the fulfillment of that prophecy. I was one of the charter subscribers to that media a number of years ago. The Greek rendering of that word angelos can mean messenger as well as an angelic living creature.
Have you ever heard that this "eternal gospel" preached during the great tribulation is not the same as the Gospel preached by the church in the church age ?
Look at the contents of this "eternal gospel". It is all about fearing God the Creator. And it is not announced by Christ's human servants but by an angel in the air.
This "eternal gospel" to fear the Creator God is a counter to the then strong claim of Antichrist that he is god. At that time the Creator will be bringing supernatural calamities upon the planet making this world no longer fit for man's living.
This "eternal gospel" in Revelation 14 is like the reminder of Paul in Romans chapter one that people are without excuse not to believe in God the intelligent Source and Designer of the universe.
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:
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