First, for Matnay,
Why did he create the big flood and kill everyone off?
That should make you realize that this story is B.S. Dude, if he wanted to kill off everyone, or anyone, for that matter, why didn't he just snap his fingers? Why did he have to create a flood? The way God is described, he should not have had to do that.
And now, for Jenyar,
Let's take the most fundamental teaching of the Bible - the ten commandments. Please explain to me what form of control they exert, and why it is so abhorrent?
If you're
really open for discussion on the matter, and willing to hear everyone out who ISN'T Christian, then let's get busy...
I'm not sure I believe that the intent of the Bible overall is malicious control. Becuase there are so many authors, over so many years, you would imagine that there would be many different agendas. In this case, the Ten Commandments, I would say that they were created as a means to control the followers, but not in a malicious way. Well, of course, they tell you there is "but one God" to worship, but aside from that, there are some good things in the Ten Commandments. Most of the commandments, when followed, can lead to a good foundation for life.
You have to think, back then, when the people lacked fundamental knowledge of the ecosystem and the Earth as a whole, the idea of a God was not far-fetched at all. What makes it rain? God. Where does the rain come from? The vast ocean in the sky. Why is there water in the sky? Becuase God had to seperate the water so the land could be lived on.
Do you see how these explanations, written in the Bible, lack the knowledge that someone spreading "God's word" should have? And the idea that works like Genesis should not be taken literally doesn't work, as the story is VERY descriptive, and seemingly meant to show everyone how the universe was created.
It's late, and I need sleep. I'll get into why I think there is a malicious control factor in the Bible tomarrow.
JD