THE Catholic Church in Scotland has published a new guide to the Bible which explains that some passages are not literally true.

Worshippers are being warned not to expect "total accuracy" from the Bible, according to a new teaching document published by the Catholic Bishops of Scotland in collaboration with the Bishops' Conference in England and Wales.

While basic tenets such as the Virgin birth and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are still deemed to be factually correct, areas such as the Garden of Eden and the creation of a woman from Adam's rib are dismissed as simply "symbolic language".

"We should not expect to find in Scripture full scientific accuracy or complete historical precision," explains the Church in The Gift of Scripture, which is designed to assist those embarking on a course of Bible study.

In the United States there is a debate among some Christians who wish the story of creation as told in the Book of Genesis to be taught as an alternative to the theory of evolution as explained by Charles Darwin.

However, the first 11 chapters of Genesis, which gives two differing stories of creation, cannot be considered as "historical" according to Scotland's Bishops.

While the Bible is considered to be true in those passages which relate to human salvation, other areas are questionable. "We should not expect total accuracy from the Bible in other, secular matters."

In fact the bishops go as far as to say that there are "significant dangers" involved in taking a fundamentalist approach to the Bible. "Such an approach is dangerous, for example, when people of one nation or group see in the Bible a mandate for their own superiority, and even consider themselves permitted by the Bible to use violence against others."

The document also warns against the use of certain passages for antisemitic purposes. In Matthew 27:35, the gospel reads: "His blood be on us and on our children", which, for centuries, was used to justify anti-Jewish behaviour. The passage is described as an example of dramatic exaggeration which has had "tragic consequences".

The bishops said: "The attitudes and language of first century quarrels between Jews and Jewish Christians should never again be emulated in relations between Jews and Christians."

Other examples of passages which are not to be taken literally are the apocalyptic prophecies of Revelation, the final book in the Bible, which details the end of the world. In the US many fundamentalist Christians believe in the literal truth of Revelation and sales of the Left Behind series of novels, which detail the final battle between good and evil, have sold millions of copies.

However, the bishops said: "Such symbolic language must be respected for what it is, and is not to be interpreted literally. We should not expect to discover in this book details about the end of the world, about how many will be saved and about when the end will come."

Father Michael McMahon, a lecturer in scripture and a priest of the Paisley Diocese, who co-wrote the report, said: "In order to believe that every passage of the Bible is the literal truth, you have to suspend your critical faculties. You have to suspend the God-given ability to reason."

Truth and fiction in the good book

UNTRUE: Genesis 2:21-22 "So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man."

Genesis 3:16 "God said to the woman: 'I will greatly multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.'"

Matthew 27:25 The words of the crowd: "His blood be on us and on our children."

Revelation 19:20 "And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had worked the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone."

TRUE: Exodus 3:14 "God reveals himself to Moses as: 'I am who I am'."

Leviticus 26:12 "I will be your God, and you shall be my people."

Luke 1 The Virgin Birth.

John 20:28 Proof of bodily resurrection.
Source

All that is, is more proof that we are in or are nearing the end times. Don't people see how stuff like that is setting the table for the darkness that is to come? Why would so called Christians say stuff about Revelations is false? Why would so called Christians say stuff about Genesis is false? But more importantly why would they say that stuff about the life of Jesus is true?

Whoever is behind that stuff has evil motivations.... I mean if you were trying to sway the world into a one world religion mind set and soften them up for it the first thing you'd do would be to start saying some of the things in the Bible are false, particularly things that would regard the devil (because he would want you to think he didn't exist) and particularly things about creation (because the people who are easier to corrupt, and who are farthest from the light right now, are people who prescribe completely to the evolution theory and don't put any creditence on Genesis). But of course they would still say some things about Jesus were true # 1. to convince Christians that they are telling the truth (which they aren't) and # 2. because the antichrist will attempt to make himself appear like our saviour (which he isn't).

Some people may think i'm a crazy fanatic or something, but what i'm saying is the truth, I pray no one, especially other Christians, read the post above and allow it to cloud their judgement on the truth.

no you can't say its the truth, christianity like all religions is a belief, not a fact it may or may not be true, but remember according to your bible, the end of times will happen when no one expects it, yet due to recent things like the tsunami and hurricane's people are often talking about how its soon gonna be the end of time, so no by your own bible's theory, you are wrong.

the only part of your whole post you got right is you sound crazy

Well, I guess that means I've learned something from a Jehovah Witness that is correct.

They always say how when the bible says "Lake of fire", it's being symbolic, and how it's not talking about Hell. And that the "Mark of the beast" doesn't mean a literal mark on the human.

TheEssenceofExcellence, not everything in the bible is to be taken literaly.

Very good article, i do not beleive the bible is the truth of anything i do think it attempts to convey some truths but its lost by the ignorance and self serving motivations that are currently interpreting it. I feel the majority of the worlds problems are the creation of religon it will be a new day when religion is not what it is now , it could never stand the test of time , the ideas are not working and they certainly have had enough time to make a difference I see no evidence of religion being a good thing, I'm not surprised in the slightest that religon is attempting to redefine itself membership is dropping rapidly we are experincing a great shift in conciousness people are waking up at a very rapid rate and really the majority isn't that many , it takes only a few to make great changes i heart this and look forward to the day that religon will be the thing peole laugh about beleiving they ever thought it was true to begin with, the hardest thing for many to do is to open there minds, say they are wrong all through history we have evidence of that!!! the doctor that suggested other doctors wash there hands before surgery was called a heretic etc etc, Religon creates very close minded dogmatic people who become crippled by beleifs, Its time for a new day Namaste sheri

Actualy, people aren't waking up, more like closing their eyes. Catholics however, are opening their eyes, they now see that not all scriptures are to be taken literaly, something I've been knowing. That's basically all that's happening.

Why would you laugh at "belief"? Belief isn't only believing in God. Belief is a cripple "believing" he/she will walk again. Belief is a man "Believing" he will one day land the job of his dreams. Belief is one of the most powerful emotional and spiritual feeling one can have- some people "believe" in the truth of the Bible- that makes one no different than a person "Believing" he can walk again- or "Believing" he will be successful- for no one can tell the past or future- so "Belief" is all some people have- no matter what or who they are believing in.

This is just a repeat of Mako's earlier post "Truth, the Bible and the Catholic Church"

No it is more like we are waking up and finding out just what ** religion really is.

After centuries of closed eyes and minds religion is finally coming to terms with what it really is.

Ramster good point , Beleif in the evilness of a gay person, how about beleif that God is a vengeful cruel diety ,how about beliveing that you are made of sin get the point it can go both ways, It is very important to kkow your beleif system iot creates your reality No I don't think beleiving in the bible is the "Same as beleiving you can walk again, the bible is a dangerous beleif sytem and it doesn't work, generally when you begin to question your beleifs you see the absurdness of the bible, thats what I'm referring to Namaste sheri

Ive said this before and will again. The Bible is a part corrupt book- hence i only follow the teachings i want from it. The teachings of what i believe to be the True love of God. I dont think God hates gay people, i dont believe God is cruel. Yet i believe the Bible to have some very valid points in it and some moral code. You say the Bible is a dangerous belief system? Face it- if people didnt fight over religion- we'd find something else to fight over, so dont blame religion for the "dangers" in the world. Belief is Belief is belief- plain and simple.

Step outside of the box you have put yourself into and open your eyes. Then if you still believe you can seal yourself back into your little world.

Box? What box? Why do you deem to think that believers have "limited" lives- i still enjoy myself, i have a good time, i experience other cultures and religions and respect them- so my eyes are wide open, and i have my beliefs- i wish good for all. Life is great and i believe in God . Dont know what box youre talking about. Religion induces fear into people, but i dont fear God- i fear people. Sorry im not your stereotypical anything.

A contradiction!



BTW: Ram that was not directed at you.

Zandore-

Sorry, i dont know who you were replying too, and how is what i said above a contradiction in one bit? I believe in God and i think that "religions" do make people fearful but not me. You can believe in God and not be paranoid and scared of everything. Im a Unitarian so im not your stereotypical Christian.

No, and I don’t think that belief was being laughed at, just its target – religion. Belief can be a powerful tool for the human mind, accomplishing a multitude of things that medicine can’t do and science can’t explain. However, it is not infallible and belief in something without any evidence can, more often than not, be more harm than help!

Religion is the pioneer of division discrimination hatred violence cruelty to children teaching with fear to control etc etc, What valid points are you talking of Ramster If there are any its not the focal point its a very negative beleif system, i'm a very optimistic person and i find very little value in the bible, I disagree without the bible we wouldn't be fighting , i posted something you didn't like you attacked , because my ideas do not fit into yours religon also created this problem the only "good ideas are the bibles ideas and to think other wise is cause for horrible atrocities as is documented quite extensively in the bible as a matter of fact I don't agree that if we didn't fight over religon it would be something else that just seems to be another way to say who cares its not my problem i'm not responsible for what I contribute to the world,( i beleive a beleif system is a important contribution ) you are contradictory( which is also a trade mark of religon) Ranster this is not personal its a forum this section is more liberal and forthright I seek a better world not more of the same i walk my talk Namaste sheri

Really? Religion encouraged me to give to charity- religion encouraged me to help people. It gave me more compassion, it made me realize how lucky i am. Religion made me feel like somebody on a mission- somebody with goals and somebody that will succeed in humanity. Religion made me spiritually stronger- it made me smarter- it made me study. Religion has done nothing but helped me in my life. You say its only negative- but no...thats being so one sided. Im contradictory? Sure i might be. I admit im a hypocrite, but i bet you're too above it to label yourself as one too? Because face it... we are all hypocrites. I'm not perfect and thats not even remotely my mission in life. Also YES humans will fight over something else if it wasn't for religion- look at our nature. We fight for land, for money, for food, for politics and much much more. My point is religion can be a great tool for some people- i filter out the negatives and focus on the positives - how could i go wrong? How could anybody?

If this turns into yet another religion-bashing thread it's going to be closed pronto. There's no need for comments like "religion is BS" it is insulting and blatant flame-bait.

It seems to me that the church has to deal with science. In doing so they have to sate that some things are not true, because any educated person can see that it can't be true.
So they then have to come out and say it's symbolic, which is just a way of saying "hey umm this doesn't work anymore we can't get rid of it what are we going to do?"
Our knowledge of the world has far succeeded the need for the current religions and holding on to those religions does nothing but hold us back in a time and mentality that hates difference and it has such a foot hold on society after 2000 years that some people are even trying to bend science to fit with it.

But now we have the opposite bending the bible to fit with science...
It’s very interesting really...
Something to really conceder
And people saying they pick and chose from the bible what they feel is right or wrong
Well all I have to say about this is that it seems to me that you in your own life couldn't accept thing from it because of what you know and feel, well then why accept anything at all from it
When Darwin published his book people believed whole-heartedly in the book of genesis and they would never have imagined picking and choosing what they want from the bible 100 years ago
A change is at hand and it's about time....
That’s all I have to say

One must account for the educational and intellectual level of the people that the scriptures were originally written for. There is a great fear among Christian writers as to not change the intent of the word. A fear that is instilled from the scriptures themselves.
Gal1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (PS. take note those of the Mormon faith).
It does present an oxymoron with the knowledge of today’s world. It would be much akin to you going back to those times and explaining the events of the war in Iraq for instance. How would you describe bombers, tanks, helicopters, machine guns and the like?
Or from the other perspective how would you describe tomorrow’s technological improvements to the people of today.
if I may go out on a limb for a sec, let me explain the following scripture to today’s world.
Genesis ii, 21-22

So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
Remember that I am only paraphrasing as a demonstration.
So God anesthetized Adam so as he would feel no pain. And removed some cells and genetic material from his chest. This material He then cloned the first woman from Adams own body to be his companion on earth. He gave this new creation of woman the ability to replicate the physical attributes of both her and Adam without intervention from Himself.
So in concluding I would say that we are able to take scripture literally if we apply reason and knowledge as to the technical abilities of the people receiving that information.
All the Best
Irish

is it just me or are you streaching this just alittle? lol

Why would an all powerful god have to go through all that ....

sounds silly

why would an all powerful god need angels?

lol everything about god sounds silly if you ask me...

and if he is all powerful why even put up with all the nonsence about the bible, and update the thing him self, and quit screwing with our heads lol

but since there is no all powerful god and man made it all up we have to try and fix it...

like superman getting in a jam then all of the sudden getting new powers....

am i the only person on this website who can use a little bit of reason to realize that, well, some of the bible is true, and some is embellishment? we don't know what happened when, we never will, but can we look for inspiration and moral values, and not worry about this. Of course not everything happened, or happened as it was written. most of the tanach (o.t. for you xians) was carried down by word of mouth, and written down hundreds, sometimes thousands of years later, and many tales are simply eponympus, nothing more, and were understood to be so at the time of writing. there is poetry (psalms, many of which may have been really written by david, who knows?), clever advice (proverbs, ecclesastes), erotic poetry (song of songs), a play (Job), and science fiction (Esther). there are very few "historical" records (ezra, nehemiah, etc.).

and....

"amy i the only person...."

when we consider the long history of mankind, why do so many people only want to talk about the "latest trend" (which is just a drop in the bucket timewise), i.e. the god of abraham and his three religions?

So humanity has suffered for the last few thousand years under the cloak of ignorance a.k.a. the dark ages of abraham. Change has discontinuity to it. The most die-hards will cling until there is no other choice but to accept defeat. That time will come soon enough. The books of abraham or the books of the thundercats, your choice. When you make a fiction out to be a fact we see the damage done.

Lets all put the era of abraham behind us!

Ramster You are correct I see no purpose to call myself a hypocite to victim or martyr myself, I don't label myself or judge myself, you have not had enough time to accrue the life experience to know whether religoion is sound or not, this is not an insult just an observation, Often troubled people change one vice for another, There is nothing or noone outside of you that should be getting credit for the things you've accomplished , you were ready and chose reliogn to push you, we create our own tools and lives, Why were you having issues to begin with????? again alot of christians say just this read the posts, Waht ever issues you had and if you feel religion serves you so be it but you owe religon nothing use care because it will try and take credit for you,namaste sheri

I'm starting to think that's something you don't actualy mean, but something you like to say to people, because you've said that to me like... twice before. No disrespect. Just pointing that out. Or is it you think anyone with enough knowlage of the bible wouldn't beleive in it? If so, you have that backwards.

that is exactly it! by jove we have a winner!!!!

Zero thas exactly what I'm saying if you were objectively reading the bilbe and truly a seeker of truth it wouldn't be the bible its not meant as an insult or that I'm better ( the favorite accusation of religion) You are not disrespecting me I'm not easily rattled zero say what you want to i do Namaste sheri

I look at it this way, God is a concious without a body, there's no way to proove it, but he still exists. Just like I can't know for sure someone else has thoughts, they can tell me they have thoughts, but there's no hard evidence that anyone other than myself has thoughts. I can't see, here or feel their thoughts....

Not me.
But then I do not have sensitive eyes.

Zero, thats another thing about religion there's this need to defend the bible I'm with Zannie when you are sure in your path it matters not whether another agree's or doesn't approves or doesn't beleive's like you or doesn't , you actually dig a difference of opinion, why do you beleive in a diety that NEEDS to be defended ????YOu say you are pissed alot it seems to me the bible diety has anger issues that HE passes on to his followers IMO. If your diety can't stand on HIS own how all mighty and powerful is HE? these are the kind of questions i'd be asking, IMO HE seems very insecure and needy and HIS self esteem needs some work??? Namaste Sheri

Sheri
He got upset with a comment I made about religion in general without specifying Christianity.


Just like all the other Gods and goddesses are real right?