Catholic Church says Bible is not All true
The sky is falling…
“The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.” - Revelation 9:1-3
Given that i am quoting some lines from the Bible itself doesnt mean i believe everything written on it. I take it as Literature, not the basis of my faith (if i ever have one). If one quotes Shakesphere once or twice, does it mean you consider All his works magnificent, or rather… worship them? Besides, i only had a quick search
And talk about the Bible in HTML… lol
But scanning some old news, i came across the News that The Catholic Church declared that “not everything in the Bible is precise, and should not be taken literally.”
Ok now, for the non catholics, esp the Atheists *ehem*, hold on to your horses before you react violently, dear gallants! Coz i know that, that statement is shocking to them. Read the scrutinizing reactions of some…(linked at the end of this post).. not that i abhor them, they have the right to state their feelings anyway. And sometimes, they make you think.. hmm… And yeah, because this is a battle of words in cyberspace, its ok for some to leave mean comments.. But because i dont feel like leaving comments there, i rather post my own opinion.
Actually, for a born catholic raised thru priests-and-nuns dominated exclusive schools, i am not shocked not more once moved by this statement. It was even taught to us that indeed, the Bible should not be taken literally. And over the centuries and multiple language translations, some words are not as precisely written as the first time. So for those burning their butts trying to decipher some clues (i.e. DaVinci Code freaks) like, as if you’d really decipher them huh. It all boils down to money. Yeah, money. who’d earn in those thousands of books sold? Think here people..
Maybe that makes me not like to even hold that over-rated book in stores, evenif im a self-confessed bookfreak myself. Not my taste.. id rather buy 3 old books with the same price.
But going back to the Bible… let me quote some lines off the debate and comments i came upon:
- “Anyone who expects all truth from the Bible is forgetting that it is merely an outline of ideas and values, not a step by step guide on how to live your life. Do not seek the teachings of the wise, seek what they sought.” - Daniel Edwards, Florida
- “When the Psalms speak of Lebanon “skipping like a calf” we recognise it as a figure of speech. Likewise, it seems to me that the early chapters of Genesis, taken in their own context, require a non-literalistic interpretation - how else can the Bible speak of evening and morning before it speaks of the creation of the sun?” - Rev David Baker, Surbiton
- “I am unclear why the bishops have sought to “correct” the bible. The statement in the Gospels, when Pilate presented Jesus as an innocent man who he did not want to crucify, and the crowd calling out: “His blood be on us and on our children” is true. However, the Christian interpretation (held by some) that we should persecute Jews because of that statement is the part that is untrue - so the interpretation across the centuries has been incorrect, rather than that statement from the Gospel.” - Jacqueline Godfrey, Chelmsford
.. 80% of ths comments were actually condemning either catholicism or the use of the Bible. I am not a fanatic nor a deep rooted Christian/Catholic. But let me put it this way..
If one is a believer that what he has and is presently situated in, is what he made of himself, with no godly guidance nor spiritual interferance, and one feels he is heading on the right direction, go ahead.. be what you are, and can be…
But if one is a lost soul, with nothing to hold unto or believe, would one take advice from something he read that somehow made him nod and realize that not all the world is evil, and there is hope somewhere.. would it be not appropriate to turn to a book written ages ago that somehow still applies to our times? (And this goes to not only the Bible) Or would he rather not believe in anything and live a life with no conscience?
Literature is the gateway to our own thoughts. What we see or understand is what we see and understand of ourselves.
So, what about Rev.21:4 talking about the New Heaven and Earth…
“He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.”
We can’t All be pessimistic All the time, right?
—
notes: Read the News | Join the Times Debate
Some Anti-Bible Blogs:
The Catholic Church Shocks The World!
Catholic bishops say Bible is not true?
BTW, promised someone of this post two weeks ago, my sincere apologies for not having time to finish it earlier.. would you rather have a live discussion over this? hmm… let me first get my cup of Yogurt.
I'd like to go ... go ... see what I can find I'd like to get ... out of here ... just leave it all behind ... I'd like to visit all the pictures I have in my mind
It makes me feel alright when I see how they shine
Somehow I always get it wrong
I guess I knew all along
The tide that pulled me is too strong
Top 50 Albums of All Time
Interesting post here Velvet. The Bible is an interesting book. Much can be learned from it, but like all very old things that men had something to do with, one must keep in mind the possibility of errors, omissions and modifications done during translation.
It would be naive to assume that every translator liked everything that was written there and it’s all too easy for humans to impose on the Bible what *they* think is right.
Those who believe often retaliate when you suggest the Bible is wrong. I think they ought to realise that while God can’t be wrong (otherwise He wouldn’t be God would He now?), the men who interpret and write down His word can and will make mistakes.
PS: on a sinister side note, given the popularity of the Bible and the tendency of people to believe any book labeled “Bible”, the easiest way to push an agenda on millions of people is to produce your own translation of the Bible.
Comment by Eric Mutta — October 26, 2005 @ 9:32 pm
{{oops. double post deleted}}
Comment by Admin — October 26, 2005 @ 9:34 pm
first of, it was not your browser.. i have to enable comments moderation coz i was bombarded by 45 spams after not posting for some days.. tssk, now my browser cant “enable referrers” pff..
anyway, yeah its strangely impossible not to learn anything from the Bible, given its thickness and number of chapters.. in contrast to what most atheists say. And those who immediately criticize against its use or against other’s criticism for its use, are clearly not getting the whole point of using it. They are just words, in which the readers have an option of choosing which to apply to themselves and which to just read along. Anyway, its been my opinion for years, even when i was still a student. And oh, there are so much other books to read!
About your note tho.. hehe.. yeah! wanna co-write it?
Comment by velvet — October 26, 2005 @ 9:34 pm
hi Velvet,
i’ve been reading about you through knoizki’s and it is only this time that i clicked on your tag and came to this beautiful blogsite… i like it already because of your several posts about the Filipinos - I am a die hard Filipiniana and taas noo kung ipaglaban ang ating lahi (chicka!), anywayz, can i tag u and please tag me as well (visit my site please and make some comments whatever)…. And now to my comment on this post…
I am raised as a Protestant and went to a catholic jesuit school in highschool and college, I would say i have developed a very strong Christian faith that all through my life this has been my guiding light. Well until they say that gay guys go straight to hell, and I am a gay guy! I stopped being religious and just being spiritual (meaning i just try being myself practice the golden rule). Just being open to all sort of beliefs. I think the key is to have an OPEN mind and a BIG heart to everything. And stop discriminating other beliefs and religion. What is true is that we all live and die and while we are alive now, there is so much thing that we could do to KNOW ourselves deeper and to HELP other people. Hope I am not babbling for I tend to touch on different subjects at the same time. But really, I love your post about the beauty pageants…keep on!
Comment by jhaya — October 27, 2005 @ 2:52 am
Hi again… i will keep on visiting this wonderful site…:)
Comment by jhaya — October 27, 2005 @ 2:53 am
jhaya.. ohh yeah i remember you from knoizki’s.. he seem to attract interesting people. of course, feel free to link this blog or any of my others too..
yeah, ive known others who went thru the same ordeal. being raised “by the book” then suddenly realizing some context is going againts what is natural for them. I myself have gone thru some passages that raised an eyebrow, or two (even!) and pff.. the key is not taking Everything seriously.. funny tho.. just like in life.. we should not take everything too serious it will only burst out our brains! hehehe..
and oh, tho im a born catholic, ive been to countless meetings ( i wont say “worship” coz i do not practice them ) of other religions and sects. and in comparison, let’s just say my soul-searching is over. And im fairly satisfied on how i was raised. And what matters is how one Respect other’s belief.
Oh and yeah, your welcome to babble as much or even more than i do.. lol
see what you made me do.. hehe
Comment by velvet — October 27, 2005 @ 9:54 pm
Shame on me! I’m a devout Catholic, go to church every sunday (I mean it) but I haven’t seriously read the bible. Interesting post VELVET.
Nakagat ko ang dila ko pinag uusapan nyo pala ako. LOL.
Comment by KnOizKi — October 28, 2005 @ 4:46 pm
hmm.. last time i went to attend mass was hmm.. months ago.. lol and between that and the second to the last was years.. so.. hmm.. shame on me too hehe!
oo.. pinagchi-chismisan ka namin.. hehehe joke
Comment by velvet — October 29, 2005 @ 6:24 am
You need to know that the CAtholic Church is NOT the “one true Chuch” as they proclaim! I was born and raised Catholic, but when I check out Scriptures on my own, that is what made me realize how wrong they are about sooooooooooo many things.
BTW- I’ve never seen anything in the Bible that is wrong, it is God’s word for us. It tells us how to get to Heaven.
any questions? Just email back to me.
Thanks
Ron4truth
Comment by Ron Kempen — November 4, 2005 @ 6:37 pm
Ron, it would have been nice if you linked back your blog url (if ever you have one).
Claiming your battle for truth (judging with the affixation upon your name), you said it yourself, when I check out Scriptures on my own, that is what made me realize how wrong they are about sooooooooooo many things tho in contrary to your end line.. I’ve never seen anything in the Bible that is wrong, it is God’s word for us.
i am assuming you prefer to take “Scriptures” and “Bible” as two different sources.
i dont think i need to know that the Catholic Church is NOT the “one true Chuch”. in fact, i dont think i need to know which one is the false. as i have said im “fairly” satisfied on how i was raised. and it is to accept the religion of others. one needs not judge a person by means of his religeous belief. and in fairness, i have known “Atheists” who are far more caring to other people and to nature than hardcore catholics or christians. or any other practicing other religion or (even) paganism.
and to oppose what you claim of the “the bible” as telling us how to get to Heaven, it may be of your or others’ belief that the ultimate end of being is reaching “Heaven”.. how would one define Heaven perse anyway? is it not the ultimate feeling of satisfaction without placing one’s self in the center? Why would anyone aim at reaching a place where the only means of getting there is to actually die or get separated from one’s material body? which in irony, one prays to live longer and healthier in contrast to his desire to reach that place? Cant we just make our present place a “heaven” in itself as much as we can? (Taking note tho that “nothing is perfect” and perfection is not the key to happiness) should we wait til we actually die to experience what was called “Heaven”?
and it would be even nice if you came back to read my reply. im bit preocupied as of the moment to personally deal with mails.
hehe this is getting long and im getting carried away.. well hmm.. maybe i post this as an entry not a comment.
Comment by velvet — November 4, 2005 @ 7:13 pm
Ron, it would have been nice if you linked back your blog url (if ever you have one).
*How about this? - (My website) - http://www.freewebs.com/gospellightmin/
or my blog
http://dearcatholic.blogspot.com/*
Claiming your battle for truth (judging with the affixation upon your name), you said it yourself, when I check out Scriptures on my own, that is what made me realize how wrong they are about sooooooooooo many things tho in contrary to your end line.. I’ve never seen anything in the Bible that is wrong, it is God’s word for us.
* I still have never seen anything of Scripture contradicting itself*
i am assuming you prefer to take “Scriptures” and “Bible” as two different sources.
*No, they are the same!”
i dont think i need to know that the Catholic Church is NOT the “one true Chuch”. in fact, i dont think i need to know which one is the false. as i have said im “fairly” satisfied on how i was raised. and it is to accept the religion of others. one needs not judge a person by means of his religeous belief. and in fairness, i have known “Atheists” who are far more caring to other people and to nature than hardcore catholics or christians. or any other practicing other religion or (even) paganism.
* Ever read the Bible? It tells that there is only one way to salvation, not many ways - Read Matthew 7:13,14 for yourself*
and to oppose what you claim of the “the bible” as telling us how to get to Heaven, it may be of your or others’ belief that the ultimate end of being is reaching “Heaven”.. how would one define Heaven perse anyway?
* That is found in the Bible to be a place of joy only, no more tears, with our creator - Jesus Christ*
is it not the ultimate feeling of satisfaction without placing one’s self in the center?
*It’s not about me or you, it’s about Jesus and what God’s plan for us, our Salvation, is all about*
Why would anyone aim at reaching a place where the only means of getting there is to actually die or get separated from one’s material body?
*Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (KJV)* Seems to me that you have no choice later, now is the time to live according to His will.*
which in irony, one prays to live longer and healthier in contrast to his desire to reach that place? Cant we just make our present place a “heaven” in itself as much as we can? (Taking note tho that “nothing is perfect” and perfection is not the key to happiness) should we wait til we actually die to experience what was called “Heaven”?
*If this place (Earth) was Heaven, we’d all be in trouble! The fact is that for those saved, this is as good as it gets, but for born again believers, this is as bad as it gets*
and it would be even nice if you came back to read my reply. im bit preocupied as of the moment to personally deal with mails.
*No problem, once I know where to find you*
hehe this is getting long and im getting carried away.. well hmm.. maybe i post this as an entry not a comment.
*next question?*
Comment by Ron Kempen — November 16, 2005 @ 10:28 pm
BTW - Scripture does tell us how to get to Heaven !!!
Just look at my home web page!
Comment by Ron Kempen — November 16, 2005 @ 10:44 pm