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The Forum > Article Comments > Reading scripture in church > Comments

Reading scripture in church : Comments

By Peter Sellick, published 26/5/2022

While it is all very good to describe the bible as a great book of literature, if somewhat opaque in various places, this is not the view of the Church.

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It should be pointed out that the bible is totally a book of fiction.
None of it is real.
NONE of the events and characters ever existed.
The Harry Potter novels are more realistic.
All religions are a delusion, reading from fables does not make them real.
Reading from the bible from the pulpit is enduring this delusion.
Most people go to church because their parents went to church, without thinking about the possibility of it being real.
Tax exempt status supporting these delusions is counter productive.
Posted by TheAtheist, Thursday, 26 May 2022 3:42:18 PM
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Great article - thank you Peter!

Are the books that you read in your Church truly Scripture in themselves, or is it the way you read them, the Holy Spirit which rests on you that makes them a Scripture?

The Old Testament as such is not a religious Scripture - it is the national book of the Jews, a mix that contains history (including some ugly parts), mythology, lore, social norms and customs and yes, some religious teachings as well. Still, as the Glory of God is present everywhere, a gifted preacher can distill its content and present it as pure water for the soul.

But then you may as well read Shakespeare or John Milton in church because they too, when read in the spirit or worship, can be helpful for bringing the congregation closer to God!

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Dear David,

Buddhism does not mention God, fair enough, but it brought many closer to God nevertheless, without them needing to hear about supernatural entities.

Nirvana and union with God are one and the same, they just view the same ultimate human goal from different perspectives.

«I believe in no religion. I accept the scientific account that the universe came into being some 13.8 billion years ago, and the earth is about 4.5 billions years old.»

Most religious people accept that account too.

«I feel no need to believe in the existence of any supernatural entities.»

That actually, is a good sign of spiritual progress.

Who said, anyway, that God is a supernatural entity?
Can you find me any text in the Bible that makes such a silly claim ("God is a supernatural entity")?

That perception may be useful for beginners, but when describing advanced spiritual aspirants who die and then return to earth to complete their journey, Shri Krishna says:

"Indeed, they feel drawn toward God, even against their will, on the strength of their past discipline. Such seekers naturally rise above the ritualistic principles of the scriptures." [Bhagavad-Gita 6:44]

Such seekers indeed often hold atheistic views, yet are beloved of God.
Posted by Yuyutsu, Thursday, 26 May 2022 4:52:00 PM
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We all have dreams too.
David
Posted by VK3AUU, Thursday, 26 May 2022 10:59:40 PM
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Thanks Peter Sellick for the article.
Posted by Canem Malum, Thursday, 26 May 2022 11:38:21 PM
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Peter Sellick contends:

“An obvious example is the reading on Good Friday of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 commonly known as describing the suffering servant of Israel. Who could hear these verses without thinking of Christ?”

Well me for one. The reference includes verse 52:13 which states:

Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
    his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—

Sorry, but there is no evidence that description matches that of Christ at all, certainly no mention of such an appalling and disfigured features in the New Testament.

Scapegoat themes are rife within the Bible as are the midrashic tendencies to actively weave current events of the time into the tapestry of Jewish mythology/history. There is little wonder that the early Christian writers employed the same techniques. To in any way contend that Isaiah was prophetic of Jesus requires a leap of faith available only to those who have committed to the religion. To expect it to resonate with the rest of us is a bit silly.
Posted by SteeleRedux, Friday, 27 May 2022 9:16:31 AM
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A bit late but why not check out this reference re what Saint Jesus of Galilee taught and demonstrated while he was in a living-breathing-feeling bodily human form.
http://www.aboutadidam.org/readings/birthday_message/index.html

Check out this reference too:
http://www.beezone.com/adida/firegospel/the_fire_gospel.html
Posted by Daffy Duck, Friday, 27 May 2022 10:46:34 AM
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