[midori]

Originally posted by Guest
Its your life, and your soul that will suffer. It appears you only look at the Bible as literature and not as God's word. You cannot disprove me any more than I can disprove you. Why can't you admit that?

I do, absolutely and freely, admit that neither of us can demonstrate beyond the shadow of a doubt that our interpretation of the text in question is accurate. I have outlined where my understanding comes from -- you have yet to articulate yours, besides sputtering, "because God said so."

And if you didn't catch on before, that is why I feel your belief is ignorant. You cannot back up what you say, besides reverting to an Unquestionable Authority -- but you assume that your interpretation of that Authority (and you must bear in mind Guest that yours is only an interpretation, however much it appeals to you) is the right one. In short, you presume to speak for God -- not by explaining, but by saying "that's what God says, He said so right here, and while it's possible to interpret these words in different ways, I and my church/preacher are the ones who know the right way. And if you don't agree your soul will suffer."

Good grief. This is what gives Christianity a bad name.

You are mistaken to think that I don't respect your right to interpret the Bible in whatever way you see fit, and to live your life accordingly. Perhaps you only select every other line from every other chapter of the Old Testament to abide by. I couldn't care less. You could have half of your town or city in your church, and everyone in your church might agree to the interpretation of the Bible that you hold dear -- more power to you. As I said before, I have no problem with anything you choose to think, or anything you choose to do, so long as it affects you and only you.

My soul is fine. More than fine. But thanks for your (misguided) concern.