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In a recent post I've thought about how "moderate" Christians come to their religion besides through the Bible (as to them it's not ALL literally true). If so, then on what do they base their beliefs? Any takers/thoughts?
Same place I learned about Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, Angels, and Satan. Parents and the Protestant Church system. At some point parents or older kids make it known that Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny are not real (or parents are caught in the act), but we continue to celebrate and enjoy the myths. They are part of our psyche and culture like any other character in a book. The same is true for Angels and Satan.
The church community also becomes a part of the persons life, so even those who are moderate and take the Bible with a grain of salt remain with the people they know. They enjoy the fellowship.
Even if one understand the reality of religion and the Bible, one can enjoy the fellowship of a church community. It's the easiest community to join and they're required to be nice.
I never really read the Bible until I was in my mid 20's. The preacher and teachers present lessons, which are usually various verses combined to present a specific point that doesn't necessarily haven't anything to do with what the author was actually telling his audience.
So the belief grew from teachings or doctrine and not completely on what is actually written in the Bible. Understanding the reality of the Bible doesn't negate the lessons within. My father was moderate and kept me grounded in reality. Fortunately I never was in an extreme group.
I also agree with what Dr. Adequate said in
Message 18.
"Peshat is what I say and derash is what you say." --Nehama Leibowitz
™ Version 4.2
