All of you posters in this forum forget that ALL of the bible was "inspired" writing, not a first-hand account of what actually happened. I hate it when people quote the bible like it is journalism; like it is a first-hand account with sources and Jesus-gate? It is more like a tempered tabloid. "Self-proclaimed Messiah seen around town with known prostitute..." "virgin gives birth" You get the drift. (J/K)
I believe, that when actually taken in historical context, the bible (I am a christian, so am referring to the NT) actually makes sense and guides me in my MORAL choices in life. I don't sit there and nitpick on whether or not it is accurate, where it is inconsistent (you try translating something over and over again over the course of 4000 years and still have the TRUE translation; aside from the fact that even with TRUE translations, definitions, idioms, hyperbole and general language usage can change too).
People who use the Bible as a platform for their narrowmindedness (anti-gay, antiabortion, antisex, antifornication, etcetera), are just that narrowminded, and miss the entire point of why this is the bestselling historical fiction IN HISTORY (yes, even more than Harry Potter). It is meant only as a personal guide, not the end-all, be-all authority on what is right and what is wrong (otherwise, no God-fearing Christian would wear purple or blended fabric; look it up, I swear they are in the Bible).
I think when God "inspired" these authors, He inspired them with the knowledge that we humans are ultimately the captains of our destinies. Otherwise, we would be nothing more than Gigapets for Him. He gave us free will so we could entertain Him (just think, He spent an entire eternity without anything at all before He got the brainstorm to "create" everything to entertain Him; He wanted to be ENTERTAINED).
The entertainment theory also explains all the inconsistencies; I can imagine God up there laughing at us while we try to decipher what His will actually is.
And as far as A&E (i know, different forum), anyone who is a parent knows exactly why he gave them the boot: They wouldn't stop asking questions, wouldn't listen to Him, and they had to go. Simple as that! God needed some R&R back in Eden. Then He made Eden unplottable so they couldn't find it again (stroke of genius on His part, I may add). P.S. I am now in my eighth week of summer vacation with my two sons. I can definitely commiserate with him.
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