Most likely yes. Or edited later to achieve desired behaviors in the populace.

Yes, and then edited and arranged later to change it to the desires of those men.

the bible is a book. nothing more.

No

This would be frankly impossible. When you come to read and understand the Bible from Genesis to Revelation ( a lifetime of understanding I promise you) you'll find that while there were many writers, that it was all divinely directed by the unseen God. It has a distinct, profound commonality through and through that only one source could have made this happen. It is rock solid and complete, it has all the stuff us mortal human beings need to get the job done. And, the Bible is not politically correct, nor shall it ever be. It demands you and me to change from our pathetic sinful state to one that is reconciled to the true God! Only then can we realize our purpose here on planet earth. Don't believe in political correctness, believe instead, on the Bible.

The Bible was written over 2000 years. What common purpose would people have over that period? There is another thing to consider: there are also "bad" things in the Bible. Some of the greatest leaders of Israel eg David and Solomon misbehaved. Had the books written about them been written to produce certain results (ie a perfect view of Israel's leaders), what does recording their imperfections achieve? (except to show that God is forgiving, even when you REALLY blow it.) If you compare this to contemporary literature from surrounding countries, you will find a vast difference. You will find that the gods of the various city-states ALWAYS defeat the gods of the other city states (regardless of history) and that the kings NEVER make mistakes. There are numerous examples of this in Egyptian literature alone where it is known that Egypt lost a certain battle and yet it is recorded as either a win or not commented on at all. In contrast, the Bible does not cover the mistakes or defeats of its kings or cover over battle losses. In all, it is a very honest view of Israel, warts and all. In the New Testament, Christian leaders are not depicted as sinless or perfect. Paul tells Peter off for bad behaviour once. Paul and Barnabas have a whopping great fight and go their separate ways for a while. The churches written to by the various apostles are written to precisely because they are not behaving. The only desired result is that people live consistent and godly lives.

Without question.

Yes

No, God actually cares whether we plant different crops side-by-side, weave cloth of different threads, play football, etc. . And, of course, God absolutely hates shrimp... . http://www.godhatesshrimp.com/ . . .

Yes especially St Paul's contribution. I think he wanted that adulation that Jesus had.

Of course there were manipulative things written in the Bible. Of course men theoughout history tried to turn it to their own purposes. Of course it was written by men, on parchment with quill and ink. Does it show the love of God? Yes. Does it tell of God's love for us? Yes. Does it command that we should love one another? Yes. That's all you really need to know. All else either follows or is dross.

yes, as were all other "holy" books. there is both good and evil in all these books. i like thomas jeffersons idea of the bible. he took out the evil parts and the parts that proclaimed jesus to be divine. we need more people like jefferson these days ;)

The thought never crossed my mind!

Absolutely YES.

Yes. Not only written, but rewritten too. Get a copy of "The Dark Side of Christian History" by Helen Ellerbe.

The Word of God was inspired and written by certain people God had orchestrated to do so being totally led by the Holy Spirit. Its not a logic thing but a spiritual one . I am learning to believe the Word of God more and more personally in my life and sometimes just know that when God does something he knows what is best.