Joyce Dunn

How do you read the Bible?



Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010

by Joyce Dunn

I have a problem with people who quote the Bible when defending a particular position, claiming it is "the word of God", and therefore can't be wrong.

The Bible was not written by God. It was written by men, men who sincerely believed they were transcribing information or directives from God. While it's possible they did receive information from God, we need to remember that the information was filtered through the mind of man, and therefore not immune to some influence by the particular beliefs, ideas and opinions of that man.

Then too, we must remember that for many years what is written in the Bible was first transmitted by word of mouth. What was heard very well may not have been what was said. In addition, it has been translated many times from one language to another. Very often it is nearly impossible to literally translate something from one language into another.

If we were to take everything in the Bible as literal "truth" we would still be condoning slavery, stoning those who commit adultery, and would soon have a world of blind, toothless people. (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.)

The Bible is a wonderful history book and full of great wisdom. But please don't insist that it is "the" word of God. Not only is that illogical, it discounts the holy books of other religions, that also contain great truths and wisdom. After all, there are many paths to God

Joyce has been writing for her own enjoyment for many years, and only in the past few years has gained the courage to "go public" with her writing. She has had two books published, and is involved with the Fine Lines magazine as a special editor. Her writing primarily reflects her own experiences, or the life experiences she has observed in others. She has her own blog, New Post on my blog: http://jottingsfromjoyce.over-blog.com/ Then click on " view comments" in the green box to read the blog.

Her website is www.strinz.com/healing.

Joyce would like to add that she always welcomes constructive criticism comments.

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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)
» left by Linda DeWitt 2 years 44 days ago.
Interesting article Joyce but I have to agree with John. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 43 days ago.
33 fans.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Linda.
 
Namaste'
» left by Anonymous
 2 years 42 days ago.
Agree 100%. The Bible is a legend and Jesus probably no more than a myth. The ones who believe the strongest are the ones to look out for - the Christian conservatives. There is no room for anyone else, it's their way or the highway which carries into their non compromising political agendas. They will take your liberties away from you as soon as they get enough power. Be warned!   
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 42 days ago.
33 fans.
I've been saying that for years...the part about them getting too much power.
 
I think Jesus was probably a real man, probably a very advanced man whose teachings have been severely distorted.
» left by Marcia Calhoun Forecki
 2 years 37 days ago.
7 fans.
Regardless of one's opinion about the Bible from a religious point of view, this is a well-written article that clearly expresses the opinion of the author. We're writers supporting writers, here. I suggest we restrict our comments to the "small caps" word.
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 303 days ago.
151 fans.
I love your writing, Joyce. For me this is a great article. The bible was also only the word of men, so it's an all-male perspective!
» left by Joyce Dunn 1 year 303 days ago.
33 fans.
Thanks for that really nice compliment Jennifer. I like your take on the Bible too. :)
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