Interesting stuff, Foxy. While of course Western literature contains many biblical allusions and references, they also pervade the vernacular.

For example, the classic Australian adjective "bloody" is thought by many linguists to derive from "by our Lady", a sacreligious expression in use in Shakespeare's day. Other common expressions that are thought to derive from blasphemy (or the avoidance thereof) are "Crikey" (Christ), "Gee" (Jesus), "Heck" (Hell), "Darn" (Damn) etc.

Most of these terms are now used routinely in conversation, with little to no awareness of their Christian provenance.

runner <The words of Jesus Christ are a 10000 times more impressive than a man bound by his own ego.>

The King James Bible John 14:6:

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

The above is the most egotistic statement that I know of. If Rudd, Obama or Tony Abbot said something like that you would know they have gone around the bend. According to Jesus statement it doesn't matter how good a life you have led, it doesn't matter how good you have been to others Jesus is the gatekeeper. Sheer egomania!

Fortunately, some Christians can see what such statements have led to. One of those Christians is Anglican Bishop John Shelby Spong who is aware of the bigotry in the Bible and in the words of Jesus. From his website:

http://www.johnshelbyspong.com/bishopspongon_theTerribleTexts.aspx

"RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY:
"No one comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6)
This text has helped to create a world where adherents of one religion feel compelled to kill adherents of another. A veritable renaissance of religious terror now confronts us and is making against us the claims we have long made against religious traditions different from our own."

Of course Bishop Spong is not the only Christian who is aware of the bloody history of Christianity. Since the Gospels were written years after Jesus' death he may not have even said those words even though they are attributed to him.

The Bible contains great beauty and great wisdom, but it should not be read uncritically.

On another thread Oliver posted http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_tora1.htm which yields scholarship on who wrote the five books of Moses. The Bible is a collection of texts, some beautifully written, from many sources. We cannot be aware of the cultural influences in our society without knowing about the Bible - not only the text but also its history and the way it was composed.

Maybe Jesus was not an egomaniac and never said those words. However, John 14:6 is the saying of an egomaniac.

Dear snake,

We should indeed we aware of our history
and how we developed.

Dear CJ,

Thanks for your input. It's greatly
appreciated as always - and you've
reminded all of us - where our modern
expressions came from.

Different cultural groups will in various
periods indicate a preference for certain
themes, narrative structures and narrative
styles. They will make different choices from
amongst the universal range of possibilities.
The Japanese, for instance, show a marked distinction
between the language considered suitable in
telling stories for children and for adults.
In English, this distinction in increasingly
blurred. Usually there is also
cultural expectation that by a certain age or stage
an individual claiming membership of the group
will have become familiar with a basic stock of
approved stories - whether or not this be a set
of nursery rhymes, Bible stories, novels, and so
forth, as in our culture. Interestingly, an
"excess of stories" seems in most cultures to be
accorded respect and to mark the individual as a
wise, learned or "cultured" person.

david f,
Jesus was not being exclusive in the statement, "no one comes to the Father except through me". He was identifying his life, behaviour and character. So I suggest you evaluate his life, attitudes and actions; then state you consider these egocentric or rather the example of one whose life is to be followed to be godly.

Those that live by these values are to be admired, are to be followed as are able to bring one close to God. Teach these values if you want a society that is to be truly admired.

I've said this quite a bit..because it is a great concern for our children.

WHAT IS COMMUNISM.. would probably rank with 'WHO IS/WAS JESUS CHRIST'

I must start surveying on the 2nd also.. but so many I've spoken to draw a complete blank on Communism... quite likely Jesus too. (?)

So.. to stick ridigly to the topic.. it would be a great idea to include reference to our traditions and sources in everyday education.

Dear Philo,

Expressions of bigotry and intolerance express bigotry and intolerance even when they are quotes attributed to Jesus.