So do you believe the bible is copied from pagan sources?

Just wanna hear other peoples opinions out of curiosity. I personally think the Bible is false. Especially concerning hell.

Anyways...

The question involves an anachronism. The distinction between pagan and non-pagan is something that came about *after* the books of the Bible were written. Ancient Judaism was just as much a 'pagan' religion as any other; they were all just national religions with their own patron deities. YHWH was the patron deity of later Israel (earlier Israel had adopted other local deities El and his pantheon known as the Elohim).

Even when Christianity was being developed, there was no distinction between pagan and nonpagan, as neither orthodox Judaism nor orthodox Christianity yet existed.

In summary, the Bible shows heavy influence from the surrounding culture, as expected.

well for me bible is a storybook that's it that's all who are we to decide how veredict it may be I do beleive but not in all that s in it I mostly think that used to be the kids storybook long long time ago

yeah I think its got pagan ties. like if jesus was born, research shows him to be born in early june- its just that his birthday was made to be on december 25 to coincide with the pagan ritual of the winter solstice.

im wiccan, but have a friend that is christian and she takes the bible quite seriously. I've read a bit of it, and things like the guys walking stick turning into a snake etc seem a bit far-fetched lol. some people take it literally and some people take it metaphorically.

The bible's a sacred book. Written by those who vowed to do as God asked them to do, which is to show human kind the past and the future. Of course most will regard it as something false and created by humans, because most will try to prove that the bible is fake, some for fame and some simply out of ignorance...as if humans could have created something so mighty and holy...humans simply think too highly of themselves too often.

What I can tell you, is that, in truth, living by the Word of God is far more difficult, by human standards, than simply believing that it is a lie and deciding never to live by It. And humans are known to do prefer what is easier to deal with. Life seems so much better if you think that after you die you won't suffer for all eternity just because you gave in to your desires a bit too much.

So, speak ill of me if you wish. I'm sure most will regard me as foolish. But at the end of it all, the truth will remain.

if you watch the movie religiulous it talks about the similararities between the story of jesus and other mythology. Also, not just the bible but holidays too were taken from pagan ideas. christamas. halloween. easter. etc etc

***...as if humans could have created something so mighty and holy...humans simply think too highly of themselves too often.***

Humans DID write the Bible... you said so yourself...

***But at the end of it all, the truth will remain.***

Yeah, the 'truth' meaning that NOBODY knows the truth... including YOU.

**...as if humans could have created something so mighty and holy...humans simply think too highly of themselves too often.***

Humans DID write the Bible... you said so yourself...

Well, I assure you that there's nothing wrong with going to the dictionary and finding the difference between witting and creating. And now that in this time and age illiteracy is basically a crime.

***But at the end of it all, the truth will remain.***

Yeah, the 'truth' meaning that NOBODY knows the truth... including YOU.

Well, if it makes you feel better to assume so. Who am I but a mere human to ruin it for you?

***Well, I assure you that there's nothing wrong with going to the dictionary and finding the difference between witting and creating. And now that in this time and age illiteracy is basically a crime.***

They created it too... the Bible wasn't even a book, until it was canonized BY MAN. Before that... the Bible didn't even exist.

***Well, if it makes you feel better to assume so. Who am I but a mere human to ruin it for you?***

I'm not assuming... its the only CORRECT answer. And you defy your own beliefs (and show weakness of faith) by saying otherwise.

They created it too... the Bible wasn't even a book, until it was canonized BY MAN. Before that... the Bible didn't even exist.

My dear friend captainassassin, the Word always existed, ages before men's time. The Word was with God...in fact, the Word was God, so the bible says.

I'm not assuming... its the only CORRECT answer. And you defy your own beliefs (and show weakness of faith) by saying otherwise.

The only correct answer you say. I guess I should say I'm happy that you at least believe in something. *shruggs* If it makes you feel better, I fully admit I have no full knowledge of everything and simply never will have, if that's what you wanted to say.

But I'm oh so very sure that what I believe in is true. And that no one can ever take from me.

***My dear friend captainassassin, the Word always existed, ages before men's time. The Word was with God...in fact, the Word was God, so the bible says.***

...just another pointless claim that you cannot support... and you lack the depth to qualify as one of my friends.

***I fully admit I have no full knowledge of everything and simply never will have**

...that is obvious...

***if that's what you wanted to say.***

...no... it wasn't... you missed the point...

***But I'm oh so very sure that what I believe in is true. And that no one can ever take from me.***

It doesn't matter how 'sure' you THINK you are... your beliefs are nothing more than BELIEFS. Like I said, that only shows how weak your faith really is... and now you're confirming it.

...just another pointless claim that you cannot support...

Why should I have to? To get a nobel prize for enlightening the world? Nah, that I really don't need/want.

..that is obvious...

I agree. Came to the conclusion when I was 8 or so.

...no... it wasn't... you missed the point...

Then take your time and explain what was the point if you don't mind of course.

Like I said, that only shows how weak your faith really is... and now you're confirming it.

Only normal you should judge my faith, I'm sure you've done that to loads of other people, I have a feeling I know how it makes you feel. So about that I won't comment at all.

***Why should I have to? To get a nobel prize for enlightening the world? Nah, that I really don't need/want.***

...you forgot to include... CAN'T...

***Then take your time and explain what was the point if you don't mind of course.***

Why not? I've had to do it a hundred times already; its not like the world is suffering a stockpile shortage of ignorant Christians. What's one more? You don't KNOW your beliefs are 'the truth' you merely BELIEVE they are. And believing something to be true, doesn't mean it IS true. Can you PROVE it is? No. Can you prove God even exists? Heaven? Hell? Afterlife? No, no, no, and no.

You beliefs (not truths) CANNOT be confirmed, by you or anyone else. Faith is the only validation (belief without knowing). God REQUIRES his followers to have faith. If you KNEW God existed, then faith would be obsolete.

***Only normal you should judge my faith, I'm sure you've done that to loads of other people, I have a feeling I know how it makes you feel. So about that I won't comment at all.***

Yeah, I have... because a large percentage of Christians know VERY little about their own religion. Its disgusting... in extreme cases, a complete RAPING of Christian doctrines. Derived from nothing more than insecurity, and ignorance, and fear. The 'knowledgeable' Christians are JUST as aware of this problem as I am...

Alright, alright, I get it, ignorant Christian, it's cool, I take no offense. Belief is not truth, that much just about everyone understands, and I have a feeling you'd say that beliefs will never become true at all. You require proof, it's okay, the majority does.

Christians know so very little it's disgusting you say...it's cool, I've said so before as well *shrugs*

Insecurity, ignorance and fear...these are for all humans to fear/have. Do you perhaps claim you're any different?

I don't need the proof you seek to believe in Him, my core has always felt it...even when your lines were once my lines.

Plus, it's only human to conclude that in this world everything is black and white. But I've been starting to see shades of grey here and there mate. It's all I have to say

***and I have a feeling you'd say that beliefs will never become true at all.***

...wrong again...

***Insecurity, ignorance and fear...these are for all humans to fear/have. Do you perhaps claim you're any different?

Yes... with regards to drawing conclusions about life and death...

***I don't need the proof you seek to believe in Him, my core has always felt it...even when your lines were once my lines.***

I'm not seeking any proof... Do you actually KNOW what I believe? Or are you just assuming again?

***Plus, it's only human to conclude that in this world everything is black and white. But I've been starting to see shades of grey here and there mate. It's all I have to say***

...only human? You mean stereotypically human... there IS a difference.

diamond kicker
you are under a MAJOR assumption that your belief is the right one. what if your wrong? NOBODY knows the truth. Anyone could be wrong or right in this situation

captainassassin
you are quickly becoming one of my most favorite people lol ^_^

I am a HUGE believe in god but I also think its fake.
because you didnt see the bible writen in stone in a funky language like the 10 commandments where. it was made by man.
but it still is a good book though.
and if god did write the book...they must have used a CRAP LOAD of rocks to write that 1676 page book!

I have had my proof that god excists I wake up every morning miracles have heppend to me and you really think man made the sun? the stars? clouds?
dont think so even though we are trying to take credit that we did.
but when we get into further detail and observation of everything...what do they tell you?
ITS A MYSTERY

***I have had my proof***

No you haven't... there's a difference between PROOF and EVIDENCE. Just as there is a difference between PROVING and CONVINCING. Learn the difference.

***you really think man made the sun? the stars? clouds? dont think so even though we are trying to take credit that we did.***

I don't know what kind of idiot you are, or what kind of idiot is telling you these things. But NOBODY thinks those things are man-made... NOBODY.

how old are you? um excuse me have I attacked you in anyway?
you need to shut your face, and back down.

EVIDENCE: A thing or things helpful in forming a conclusion or judgment

PROOF:1. The evidence or argument that compels the MIND to accept an assertion as true.

its pretty much the samething to me I have had seeing and physical proof evidence whatever if you want to get technical.. and so have a lot of other people. but people like you who try to convince themselves that the black kettle is a different color put them down. because they dont have PROOF OR EVIDENCE that is there.
and actually before you start assuming you know everyones thoughts and actions and how they make their mind work
there are a lot of people who are full of themselves like you who try to take credit for a lot of sh** so I wouldnt be surprized.

***um excuse me have I attacked you in anyway?***

Indirectly, yes... your ignorance is offensive.

***you need to shut your face, and back down.***

I will when you stop spouting nonsense...

***its pretty much the samething to me I have had seeing and physical proof evidence whatever if you want to get technical..***

Its NOT the same thing. And by all means, please share your 'physical proof' that God exists, with the rest of the world.

***and actually before you start assuming you know everyones thoughts and actions and how they make their mind work***

Your thoughts and actions have been cliche so far... you've said nothing that hasn't already been said and debunked before... you've brought nothing new to the table.

***there are a lot of people who are full of themselves like you who try to take credit for a lot of sh** so I wouldnt be surprized.***

I've taken credit for nothing... quit running your mouth, and try to say something RELEVANT for once... idiot...

and what have you brought new to the table?
PLEASE CONVINCE me

...convince you of WHAT?

...that your thought-processes are flawed and you cannot justify or defend your views? That's a complete waste of time. I can't convince someone who doesn't want to be convinced. But what I CAN do, is make is abundantly clear, to other impressionable but 'rational' individuals who view these threads.