I've put it off long enough... (Jesus, hell, bible, Israel)

kadzbiz · #1 03-19-2007, 12:35 AM

Hello everyone. I'm almost 40 years old and have tried to coax myself into reading the Bible for many, many years. I finally started a few weeks ago. I'm generally a slow reader, but this collection of books is very draining and hard on the eyes as well as the mind. It has opened up so many questions and I have caught myself quoting Bible exerpts to my work colleagues and family just to get their opinion. It's hard to not talk about things raised in this book. I've only read about a fifth of it so far and I must say that I am astounded so far that anyone could accept that this is the word of God, with all the killing of men, women, children and animals and that only one group of people (ie. the Israelites) has been continually offered the acceptance to God. I have been told though to read the whole thing before making any judgement. I've also been told that after I have read it once, I need to read it four more times to even start to understand it. Hmm, is that a brainwashing technique? Anyway, I have taken part in various other forums about different things, so I thought I may as well join a religious one and maybe learn from it too. Pleased to meet you all.

Bishka · #2 03-19-2007, 12:40 AM

Welcome.

Ðanisty · #3 03-19-2007, 12:42 AM

Welcome! I'm sure all your questions can be answered here. We have such a diverse group!

On a more personal note relating to your post, I have read bits of the bible and instead of having disbelief that it was the word of God, I have come to believe that it is the word of God and he's just that cruel.

There are so many ways to interpret all of this stuff so don't be surprised if the answers you get here only lead to more questions...lol.

Majikthise · #4 03-19-2007, 12:43 AM

Welcome!!

I'm 42 and have only managed to read a few pages of the bible. I start and then get distracted. I tried again just a couple of weeks ago and pooped out after a few pages as usual. I've skipped through the pages on occasion but it just doesn't hold any intrest to me. I'll keep trying if you will!

standing_alone · #5 03-19-2007, 12:49 AM

Welcome!

kadzbiz · #6 03-19-2007, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ðanisty

I have read bits of the bible and instead of having disbelief that it was the word of God, I have come to believe that it is the word of God and he's just that cruel.

Hmm, I have questioned Him many times as to why He was punishing me at times when I'm a good person, and thought that maybe He is just a sadistic entity, but then I would keep thinking further and wonder if it was the devil doing it to me instead. Or, if I don't believe in either, then it's just bad stuff that happens. I've been learning about the Law of Attraction recently and am really starting to believe that. It would sure explain a lot of stuff in my life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Majikthise

I'll keep trying if you will!

I am 100% determined to finish it. Then I'll make my judgement.

lizskid · #7 03-19-2007, 05:13 AM

Welcome! I hope you like what you find here. The Old Testament is, indeed, full of death and destruction, and shows early understandings of God. You will find the New Testament a bit different, showing the loving side of God and His teaching through Jesus. It is an interesting story.

michel · #8 03-19-2007, 06:02 AM

Hi kadzbiz,

Welcome to Religious forums!

I hope you like us here enough to stay, and I look forward to reasing your posts.

RevOxley_501 · #9 03-19-2007, 06:08 AM

here is a tip:

approach it (the bible) as a literary work....like as if you are reading a novel

try it that way.

then once you complete that, pretend like it has to be true, and ignore all the contradictions...then you can get the "seal of approval" and call yourself a good christian!!!

PureX · #10 03-19-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kadzbiz

Hello everyone. I'm almost 40 years old and have tried to coax myself into reading the Bible for many, many years. I finally started a few weeks ago. I'm generally a slow reader, but this collection of books is very draining and hard on the eyes as well as the mind. It has opened up so many questions and I have caught myself quoting Bible excerpts to my work colleagues and family just to get their opinion. It's hard to not talk about things raised in this book. I've only read about a fifth of it so far and I must say that I am astounded so far that anyone could accept that this is the word of God, with all the killing of men, women, children and animals and that only one group of people (i.e.. the Israelites) has been continually offered the acceptance to God. I have been told though to read the whole thing before making an