Thomas, Thomas, Thomas......Western Civilization is the only culture that is founded on freedom to debate, to challenge, to inquire. To reject this staple of a free and democratic society is to put oneself in danger of buying into charlatans and their performance-based interpretations of "TRUTH." Argument, as you call it, is essential for discovering truth and ones way in the world. Venom is not what I hold, rather a challenging inquiry into purported and often-times distorted views of reality, while extorting innocent, elderly people of their limited incomes. So, if you choose to lead an unchallenged life, I best return to a superficial level of communications with you and yours.
Shocked!? You and every other Evangelical I know eschew argument/debate around the tenets/validity of religious dogma and all. I don't need to spit venom @ Evangelicals, as the fruits of their/your theology and actions too often are spoiling the fabric of sensible, rational dialogue with those who hold a different map of reality. More than any group or philosophy I'm aware of, Evangelicals, much like Islamist extremists, are contaminating the hearts and minds of both young and old, resulting in blind obedience to leaders, including Clerics, who employ authoritative tactics to inhibit full self-expression. Quoting Jesus! Heck, lots of Evangelical people quote Jesus to justify their distorted views of people and life, for many, many years now. When theological slants enter the political forum, as is more and more evident here and elsewhere, the teachings of Jesus are corrupted, as separation of church and state is critical to the survival of human kind, I say!
You don't need to prove the efficacy of the Bible to me! My contention is around those who interpret it as inerrant and with varying slants to suit their personal agendas, to note the Evangelicals. I sense you only read that which supports your own views, and don't venture outside the box, as it were. I suggest, again, you read Karen Armstrong's work(s), particularly the History of God. She's a very erudite and thorough Religious historian/scholar who offers penetrating insight into all of this.
Been trying to read "The Message," the Bible in contemporary language, by Eugene Peterson. So far, it is hard to stay interested, as the story lines often seem so surreal - Adam living to 900+ years of age, as an example. Proverbs and Psalms hold common sense messages with poetic flavors. Hard to take literally, like you Evangelicals do! See it as metaphorical more than literal. After all, it was written by "man-person(s)" attempting to make sense of a turbulent period in history. I'm of the belief that one only accesses the Divine through accessing and exploring one's own internal experience through contemplative inquiry, more than through 'Bible Study.' My whole adult life has been marked by exploring the realms of my personal spiritual, emotional, and cognitive workings, from which a consistent series of revelations keep surfacing. Most of this process is without the framework of religious ritual and drama-based preaching and ordered worship, instead, heightened by authentic interplay with my fellow travelers, not the least of which is my profound relationship with Sandra.
"God always showed mercy when they cried out in earnest!' And, 'am I crying out to Him?' Literally now, what in the heck does that mean and what is your point?! And, 'this book is foolishness to the spiritually dead!' Wow, such abstract and judgmental rhetoric! If the Bible had one interpretation than there would be one denomination, and one brand of christianity. Instead, there are varied interpretations, and thus a demand to have meaning be personalized.
I experience myself spiritually alive and vibrant, as well as receptive to the discovery of the meaning in the mysteries of life, and it isn't because I take the Bible literally as the word of god. The Bible holds stories about an ancient time, frequently used by religious leaders to defame and defile various people, like Blacks, liberals, abortionists, scientists, secular thought and homosexuals. Evangelicals, ostensibly following the word of god, are in the forefront of these discriminatory utterances and behaviors. End-times predictions have existed for thousands of years, as dictated by interpretations of the bible, only to be adjusted for whatever reason.
People on my mailing list have the potential power to make a difference in changing the course of our political ways, via letters to elected leaders, letters to the editor, and simply taking a stand against what Evangelical christians have made happen via their caustic voice against everything and anything that is secular/different from their belief system. If you understand group dynamics and critical mass theories, I would think you would appreciate that shifting the human spirit has a profound effect on changing conditions. It isn't about righteous man, rather, about the pursuit of personal and political integrity.
This 'by grace are we saved' has little or no effect on how I live my life. The truth, meaning honesty, shall set you free, and the truth gets so distorted by the ways of politics and tele-evangelists, who apply scare tactics and sales jobs to garner money and support.
Also, you and your fellow religious followers often fail to respect that we humans are created differently, holding varying types of genetic, biological, psychological and spiritual orientations. Espousing one way/only way is a condemnation of our creator, I say.
May your perceptual field become broadened. Nate
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