I am finally finding time to deal with some of the questions that reading New Testament Biblical scripture has raised. Many believers claim that the Old Testament writings no longer apply so much (except those they want to apply) because the ‘Jesus’ story over-rides and/or fulfills the OT “laws”. There are not memes for each question below; it would just be too long. I really would like to understand why people believe as they do. I wonder if believers have even thought about that, or do they simply ‘believe’ out of habit, indoctrination, culture? Maybe simply believe in belief? This is a publicly visible post, but you must be logged in to rate or comment (or see any comments).
All chapter/verse references are to the King James Version (1611) unless otherwise specified. If I’ve misinterpreted meanings or conclusions, please let me know about that as well.
- For the god of the bible, there is NO FORGIVENESS without a BLOOD SACRIFICE, at least a goat or lamb in the OT, but even better is a human sacrifice such as (Isaac? Jephthah’s daughter?) Jesus Christ in the NT? Colossians 1:13-22; Hebrews 9:9-11,12,14,22 I thought only the savage pagan gods demanded blood sacrifice? Why would an all powerful, all knowing, supposedly benevolent ‘god’ revel in such blood-thirsty practices?
- Make NO PLANS FOR THE FUTURE, save nothing, build up your “treasures” in heaven. Don’t save, give up you possessions. Matthew 6:30-34, 19:21; Luke 12:16-21, 18:22 (give to church, give to poor because you may die tonight?) Wouldn’t you want to care for your family? Aren’t you obligated to care for yourself and your family, and even your neighbor to the extent you’re able?
- CONFUSION OVER TEACHINGS is OK. Mark 4:11-12 Talking to disciples, Jesus says he is more clear but he speaks in parables to those without understanding, “lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” and GOD ALLOWS PEOPLE TO BE DELUDED 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 but then you’re punished for not understanding what god wants or expects of you; when he sends a delusion to you, it’s your fault for not knowing it’s a lie. Doesn’t Jesus really want to get the message to everyone? Doesn’t he really want everyone to be “saved”?
- PREDETERMINED DESTINY by god, before you’re even born? Romans 9:9-24 God hated Esau before he was even born; “some are born to be broken” — comparing humans to potter’s clay; how dare you mere mortal man ask such a question of your maker… If this is true, how do you have free will? Also, doesn’t it seems petty, capricious, maybe a bit sadistic or at least bullying on the part of this benevolent super being?
- GOD ENDORSES TORTURE Hebrews 10:28-29; Revelation 6:8; 9:4-6 (four horsemen including plague, pestilence, starvation, mauling, and sword; tormented with scorpion stings for 5 months). No one deserves this kind of treatment as far as I can tell, can you?
- God threatens ETERNAL PUNISHMENT (usually by everlasting fire) (maim yourself by cutting off your hand or plucking out your own eye to avoid sinning, which leads to eternal torment) Matthew 13:42,50; 25:41,46; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Matthew 5:29-30 (looking in lust). Even if taken as allegorical, the “morality” here is too perverse for me to follow. Can you?
- DON’T DEFEND YOURSELF Matthew 5:39; (esp Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t fight back encourages bullying; say nothing when you are or anyone else is being abused) Doesn’t this oppose what we all know is the right thing to do when we see someone being mistreated? How is this moral in any way?
- SLAVERY ACCEPTABLE although sometimes the word is used as ‘servant’ instead of ‘slave’. Ephesians 6:5 (servants with obedience and fear); Colossians 3:22-24 (servants obey with fear of God); 1 Peter 2:18 (even when being abused). Again, even when being abused, god is okay with that? Changing the word to servant doesn’t eliminate the fact that many are slaves; only the Jews were maybe released after 7 years.
- DIVORCE and RE-MARRIAGE IS ADULTERY Matthew 5:31-32; 19:8-9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18 (so, how does a spouse, usually a woman, get out of an abusive relationship? If she manages that, then any man who marries her is committing adultery, as is she?)
- HOMOSEXUALITY IS OBSCENE Romans 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “the natural use of the woman”! Means no oral, no anal, no masturbation… Also, doesn’t seem to apply to female/female relationships? Does anyone believe these verses as written?
- WOMEN SHOULD BE SILENT, SUBMISSIVE TO HUSBAND, NOT TEACH 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and WIVES IN SUBJUGATION to husband: 1 Corinthians 11:3 (husband is head of her); Ephesians 5:22 (wives submit to husband) I am sure there are female teachers and professors, though not nearly enough. Does anyone actually practice this female “subjugation” and “silence” in your relationships? Why?
- YOU CAN BE CONVICTED OF THOUGHT CRIME Matthew 5:22, 28 anger with brother, lust in heart (a la Jimmy Carter) look at woman in passion or lust is same as adultery (Commandment to not envy your neighbor’s possessions, including his wife); penalty is death. Seems extreme to me. You?
- DEATH FOR WITHHOLDING MONEY FROM GOD Acts 5:1-11 – sell field but not give all proceeds to church, both husband and wife died; and DEATH – FOR DISOBEYING PARENTS, being haughty, back-biting, fornication, envy, etc. Romans 1:29-32 . I think the punishment is far beyond appropriate for the crime. You?
- THESE MEN WERE HEROES LIST Hebrews 11:32 Men listed as role models of faith from OT including Abraham & Isaac (Abraham almost killed Isaac in sacrifice), Jephthah (Judges 11) did burn to death his young daughter, as she was 1st to run out of the house upon his return home from victory over the Ammonites because he had prayed and pledged to Yahweh. They don’t appear to be heroes to me, even though heralded in NT. How would your child view you if you’d almost slit his or her throat because “the voice in your head” told you to? Would you feel heroic? Call yourself a role model?
- MAKES FAMILY BREAK APART Matthew 10: 34, 36; Luke 14:26 Jesus came not to fulfill, but bring sword; to turn son against father, etc. and COMPULSORY LOVE 1 Corinthians 16:22 must love Jesus/God to be ‘saved’. No one can be forced or coerced to love someone; you love who you love. Compulsory love is not real, but can only be a mimicry of true love. I don’t understand this demand from a religion of love, do you?
This concludes the most questionable verses to me, on a quick look, trying to avoid the whole crucifixion resurrection, raise the dead, walk on water, feed the masses, and other miracle type stories. Any info you can provide about why you believe what you believe (in the comments below) would be appreciated. To me, it appears to be written (greatly modified and enhanced) versions of earlier oral myths, stories, and traditions blended from many sources. I look forward to your comments.
Below is one of my favorite irreverent comic strips:
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