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by alreadydead on January 16th, 2007

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What do you think of Bible Criticism? Should man be allowed to criticize the Bible?

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  • by Anonymous on January 16th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Of course man should be allowed to criticize the Bible. Man wrote the Bible!

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  • by tripwire on January 17th, 2007

    tripwire

    Imagine a world where the Christian equivalent of a "Fatwa" could be issued for anyone who dared to question the integrity of the bible, and rabid "killers for god" hunted down the offending parties. The freedom to challenge and debate religious concepts is what keeps us from degenerating into a state of utter barbarism.

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  • by Godfather Part II on January 16th, 2007

    Godfather Part II

    I think criticism is healthy, not just of the bible but in general.

    People should be free to criticise anything they want, so long as they do so in a polite and mature manner.

    With regards to your example, I should be able to say the bible is not the word of God, but it shouldn't be acceptable for me to shout it from the local park and call all christains evil or something silly like that.

    On the other hand, people should then be able to criticise me, in a fair way, but shouldn't be allowed to shout and rant how about I'm going to hell and I should be burnt at the stake, or anything silly like that.

    Shall we give it a try?

    "Good sir/madam, I would like to make clear my belief that the bible contains contradictions and inaccuracies and I would therefore describe it as flawed, and not the word of God. Would you care to reply?"

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  • by James Black on January 16th, 2007

    James Black

    Yes, and if you live in the kind of country I do, no one can stop you - which is nice!

    Criticism is vital, views must never be left unchallenged. A fixed viewpoint can only permit the perception of some of the whole picture (to push the metaphor a bit) whereas with criticism a higher understanding can be achieved.

    I am of the opinion that proponents of an unchallengeable, infallible Bible are usually afraid of critics exploring the many problems within.

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  • by AntigoneRising on January 16th, 2007

    AntigoneRising

    I'd like to add something to the fact that the Bible was written by man/humans and can, therefore, be criticized by humans. If anyone is going to use the Bible as a basis to require others to do anything (including hold certain values), the credibility of the Bible as a source for guidelines is certainly open to debate and criticism.

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  • by sleeppro on January 17th, 2007

    sleeppro

    As a Christian I have no problem when someone criticizes the Bible. God gave us free will so that we were not robots, all feeling/believing the same way. I DON'T like it when there is obvious disrespect for those of us who do believe that the Bible is God's word. We have no way of knowing and wont know till we die who is correct. There are some on AB who are very strong in their belief and want to force it down others throat-and this is true of all sides of this issue! I find it hard to believe that mankind can not get along, especially over (what I consider) easy stuff. Why don't we try to be a little more respectful on this site and may be it will catch on to our everyday life? God Bless, <:))))<><

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  • by anonymous on January 16th, 2007

    anonymous

    As a piece od literature that man created, and the fact 'God gave us free will', you'd think that criticising it would be fine. Some people don't think so. Personally, I think you should be able to criticise anything

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  • by 1Simmy on January 17th, 2007

    1Simmy

    In this world, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

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  • by Sunblynd 5.0 on January 17th, 2007

    Sunblynd 5.0

    Absolutely. That's why we were endowed with free will and critical thought. To Q all aspects of life and it's origins, it's the only way we're gonna find out the truth and where were going.

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  • by Snooch on January 16th, 2007

    Snooch

    I think each person is entitled to their feelings regarding the Bible. I believe in the Bible but know not everyone does.

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  • by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on January 21st, 2007

    8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009

    We wrote it, we mis-translated it, so we can (and should!) critique it.

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  • by Gonzo on January 18th, 2007

    Gonzo

    I DO!

    Of course you should be allowed- it's freedom of speach.

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  • by Journo on January 18th, 2007

    Journo

    Which version are you referring to?

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  • by Saganist on January 17th, 2007

    Saganist

    Which Bible? I believe that there are 19 versions of "God's Word". They have all been proven irrelevant. From a literary "style" aspect...I've found some insurance policies that were easier to understand.

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  • by Dog_Star on January 17th, 2007

    Dog_Star

    Its a shame the Muslims don't see it that way, Its against the Law to have a Bible in Saudi Arabia.

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  • by The Chief on December 10th, 2011

    The Chief

    Since when has not being allowed to do something stopped mankind from doing it?

    :):)

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  • by Hyper on January 25th, 2007

    Hyper

    If your religion has The Bible included then yes you should. If not [but you hav read or have had a experience with the religion ] then yes.
    If you dont know much, how can you judge?

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  • by seryeuse on January 23rd, 2007

    seryeuse

    Yes... maybe it is through criticism (or "examination of the grounds of our convictions, prejudices, and beliefs" as Russell put it) that people can become closer to the universal, aka God, who they are supposedly doubting by criticizing the Bible...

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  • by Firebrand on January 21st, 2007

    Firebrand

    The Western world is a free Democratic place we have fought wars and many brave people have died to keep that freedom. Everyone should have the right to disagree and to criticize whatever, whoever and wherever they wish

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  • by Inspector Javert on January 21st, 2007

    Inspector Javert

    Yes, I think we need to. We need to question it, find flaws, contradctions, and what not - hell, it was written by man, so it deserves to be questioned and crtized like everything else.

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  • by anonymous on January 17th, 2007

    anonymous

    A man should be allowed to cricize the bible as much as he wants. Its the freedom of speech,...but I've seen people not just criticising, but bashing it, and just being all around hateful. Thats where I draw the line.

    But im not the one with the pencil, so,...do what you will. Just try to be polite about it.

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  • by triogods on January 16th, 2007

    triogods

    No. The Bible is the Word of God and man is not allowed to critisize it.

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  • by pagan-babe on April 19th, 2007

    pagan-babe

    Its not criticism its opinions,everyone is entitled to that.

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  • by Slipshod Wombat and Co. on January 17th, 2007

    Slipshod Wombat and Co.

    if your not a beliver to the bible it is ok i guess

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  • by Alaskacatalog on January 21st, 2007

    Alaskacatalog

    God gave us free choice. We enjoy the fruits of good decisions, the consequences of bad ones.

    God decides- He will judge, so no matter what we think on this subject, he has allowed us the freedom already.

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  • by SonicSand on January 21st, 2007

    SonicSand

    I cringe when I hear the Bible criticized, because my upbringing was in a very strict, Christian household and that would have been considered sacreligious. But, since the US is a 'free' country, I respect those that have an opinion about it and believe they have every right to express it.

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  • by strongARM on January 25th, 2007

    strongARM

    no its gods word should we crisize god

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  • by Sunblynd 5.0 on January 27th, 2007

    Sunblynd 5.0

    duplicate.

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  • by thatsJustme on December 10th, 2011

    thatsJustme

    it always has been and it always will be...

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  • by iwnit on December 10th, 2011

    iwnit

    1) Bible criticism can mean different things:
    - "Biblical criticism is the scholarly "study and investigation of Biblical writings". This is a scientific discipline and I don't see any valid reason not to allow it in today's society. We are not in the Dark Ages anymore.
    - you could also make a criticism of the Bible as a source of information or ethical guidance.
    It is obvious that non-Christians could do this. However, if you are a member of a Christian Church and criticize the Bible in this sense, you could become problems with your religious authorities (like excommunication).


    2) "Biblical criticism is the scholarly "study and investigation of Biblical writings that seeks to make discerning judgments about these writings." It asks when and where a particular text originated; how, why, by whom, for whom, and in what circumstances it was produced; what influences were at work in its production; what sources were used in its composition and the message it was intended to convey. It will vary slightly depending on whether the focus is on the Old Testament, the letters of New Testament or the Canonical gospels. It also plays an important role in the quest for a Historical Jesus.
    It also addresses the physical text, including the meaning of the words and the way in which they are used, its preservation, history and integrity. Biblical criticism draws upon a wide range of scholarly disciplines including archeology, anthropology, folklore, linguistics, oral tradition studies, and historical and religious studies."
    Source and further information:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_criticism


    3) "This article is about criticism of the Bible as a source of information or ethical guidance. It will vary slightly depending on whether the focus is on the Old Testament, the letters of New Testament or the Canonical gospels. "Criticism of the Bible" differs from Biblical criticism, which is the academic treatment of the Bible as a historical document, and from Criticism of Christianity or the Criticism of Judaism, which are criticisms of entire religions.

    In modern times, the view that the Bible should be accepted as historically accurate and as a reliable guide to morality has been questioned by many mainstream academics in the field of Biblical criticism. Most Christian groups claim that the Bible is inspired by God, and some oppose interpretations of the Bible that are not traditional or "plain reading". Some of the most conservative Christian circles believe the King James translation of the Scriptures is the only accurate English translation of the Bible, and accept it as infallible. Christian Fundamentalism—as well as much of Orthodox Judaism—strongly support the idea that the Bible is a historically accurate record of actual events and a primary source of moral guidance. In the book The Christian Delusion, John W. Loftus says "My contention is that there is not a single statement in the Bible that reveals a divine mind behind the human authors. Everything in it can be more credibly explained by the hypothesis that it's just the musings of an ancient, superstitious, barbaric people- period"

    In addition to concerns about morality, inerrancy, or historicity, there remain some questions of which books should be included in the Bible (see canon of scripture). Jews discount the New Testament, most of Judeao-Christianity discredit the legitimacy of the New Testament apocrypha, and a view sometimes referred to as Jesusism does not affirm the scriptural authority of any Biblical text other than the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels."
    Source and further information:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_the_Bible

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  • by onewizeman1957 on December 10th, 2011

    onewizeman1957

    Foolish man has always criticized the teaching of the bible.

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  • by Perryman on January 25th, 2007

    Perryman

    Psalm 14:1 says: The senseless one has said in his heart: “There is no Jehovah.”

    The wise one values the reminders from his Creator. He is not critical.

    The psalmist sang: “The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice; the commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine.” (Psalm 19:7, 8)

    Jehovah hears the criticism of earthling man, but he is forgiving.

    Jehovah said: “Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us . . . Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow.” (Isaiah 1:18)
    Yes if we are repentant, Jehovah will forgive us for criticizing him in our ignorance.

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  • by Aimee on January 28th, 2007

    Aimee

    Ofcourse - Everybody's entitled to their own opinion as long as it doesn't harm anybody seriously :)

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  • by Ankhorite on January 29th, 2007

    Ankhorite

    Yes, and woman, too. (And, as Journo noted, which one? There are so many translations now, and each of those can be interpreted as a criticism of the others).

    Any written work, whether it is some group's scripture or not, is fair game for criticism. I think that scriptures IN PARTICULAR should not be safe from criticism, since in so many cultures, groups try to make their scriptures into laws that apply to everyone, even people not of their own faith.

    Look at the right-wing extremism in the U.S., or the attempts to enforce "sharia" law in dozens of nations that have Muslims and non-Muslims living together.

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  • by Jones-e57 on January 29th, 2007

    Jones-e57

    I believe everyone is entitled to their opinions on any issue and should be respected even if you have a different belief. I think it is sad that we critize the bible more than the doctorins placed into our religions. Isn't that what really seperates denominations?

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  • by singwell-is off researching a lot on April 19th, 2007

    singwell-is off researching a lot

    Oh my, there is so much you guys need to know...the word CRITICISM in regards to the Bible or any text does not mean that you CRITICISE it...it means you assess its worth....
    Here is a definition:
    Textual criticism or lower criticism is a branch of philology or bibliography that is concerned with the identification and removal of errors from texts and manuscripts. The textual critic seeks to determine the original text of a document or a collection of documents, which the critic believes to come as close as possible to a lost original (called the archetype), or some other version of a text as it existed — or was intended to exist — in the past.[1]

    There are three fundamental approaches to textual criticism: eclecticism, stemmatics, and copy-text editing. Techniques from the biological discipline of cladistics are currently also being used to determine the relationships between manuscripts.

    This term is used in contrast with higher criticism, which is the endeavor to establish the authorship, date and place of composition of the text.
    Wikipedia.

    For goodness sake, please don't show how little you know by what you write...first find out what you are meant to be commenting on.

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  • by branciforte3241 on January 28th, 2007

    branciforte3241

    Allowed by whom?

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  • by sincere570 on January 28th, 2007

    sincere570

    Should he be able to? Why not, the bible and christianity have so many wholes in it to punch, WHY NOT.

    First of all Christianity is not the first religion to hit man kind. Before the white European came many different parts of the world trying to influence and brainwash the world with there savior jesus, people knew nothing of this. Originally my people believed in all that was natural, and good. Now we are all Catholics, completly living a life worse than our original culture.

    Let us then in this situation not ask just about the bible my friend because all of humanity has its beliefs. The Torah, Koran, Bible, just for examples you might know. There are much more than that.

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  • by LukeTheSpook on January 28th, 2007

    LukeTheSpook

    even though i think people Shouldn't critisize The Bible, it will be criticized no matter what. If something is written, it is bound to be criticized, even the U.S Constitution is criticized

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  • by LOLCAT on January 28th, 2007

    LOLCAT

    You first have to look at what version of the Bible that you are criticizing. I believe that modern versions of the Bible should be scrutinized heavily as they leave out seemingly "unimportant" details such as whole passages. However, if you are looking at the original Hebrew and Greek, I believe that it is God's word through man and second thought should be given before criticizing it.

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  • by vew573 on December 10th, 2011

    vew573

    Yes, man can continue to criticize the Bible until Jehovah says enough is enough. In fact, the veracity of the Bible has been assailed from many quarters, but none of these efforts has undermined or weakened its position in the least.

    Sir Isaac Newton once said: “I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever.” (Two Apologies, by R. Watson, London, 1820, p. 57) Its integrity to truth proves sound on any point that might be tested. Its history is accurate and can be relied upon. For example, what it says about the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians cannot be successfully contradicted (Jer 51:11, 12, 28; Da 5:28), neither can what it says about people like Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 27:20; Da 1:1); Egyptian King Shishak (1Ki 14:25; 2Ch 12:2); Assyrians Tiglath-pileser III and Sennacherib (2Ki 15:29; 16:7; 18:13); the Roman emperors Augustus, Tiberius, and Claudius (Lu 2:1; 3:1; Ac 18:2); Romans such as Pilate, Felix, and Festus (Ac 4:27; 23:26; 24:27); nor what it says about the temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Areopagus at Athens (Ac 19:35; 17:19-34). What the Bible says about these or any other places, people, or events is historically accurate in every detail.

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