The Bible

2004-1-13 05:43:00

Glad to see the group is keeping busy with exchanging thoughts.

I just have time for a short post tonight so I'll comment on Kim's question which basically is:
How can we believe the Bible when it is thousands of years old and been through so many translations?

JJ:
Most people believe the Bible because they were taught by some authority figure that it is the infallible word of God and to doubt the Bible is like doubting God. Therefore, the safe thing to do is to accept it literally, no matter what.

The first thing you need to know is that the written word cannot perfectly represent human thought, let alone the mind of God. To understand what a person is saying who is right next to you often requires reading between the lines. To read between the lines in the study of inspired words one must establish a degree of soul contact and read through the eyes of the soul. Without this the seeker may wind up handling snakes or beating his kid with the idea of pleasing God.

Any work that has spiritual teachings must be read with judgment through the eyes of the soul if true spiritual food is to be ingested. From this aspect the Bible is like any other book.

What makes it unlike most other books is that it has stood the test of time and many of its teachings are as applicable today as they were thousands of years ago.

Do not concern yourself with the Bible existing today exactly as it was first written down. Some passages are very close to the original while others have been altered. Only concern yourself with reading it (if so moved) and sensing the response from your inner being. When that response is positive then pay attention and reflect on what you have just received. Sometimes even a bad translation can turn on the light

"Suggestions, like propaganda, are boomerangs unless they are accepted by those to whom they are sent. So your world is a gift you have given to yourself." Neville