Originally posted by trysts
reply to post by Wanderer777
I read the bible, Wanderer777. The old testament is an ugly anthology of hero-worshiping, vengeance, jealousy, war-mongering, plagues, curses, and
disasters, while telling the tale of the beginning of the world/universe by a formless voice.
The new testament is much, much calmer, focusing on the life of Jesus, who amazed people by performing miracles and predicting future events. He
speaks in metaphor and riddles which impresses everyone. This part of the bible seems to have very little relation to the first part, though there are
a few references to it. It is mostly held together through the initial "God"(formless voice) character of the first part.
At the end is a very confusing dream of the end of the world.
The most frustrating thing about the book is that any skepticism expressed by it's characters is quelled by a miracle and/or a prediction which comes
true. This is frustrating to me, because the miracles and such produced for the skeptical characters in the bible have been replaced entirely by
"faith", in the real world. "Faith", as it relates to the bible, appears to be believing that the characters and/or events in the bible are real,
without having any understandable reason to do so. Very frustrating.
It was not life-changing to read the bible, Wanderer777. Sorry.
When I first came to ATS, I could not believe how many athesists actually existed in the world. Even though Im older, I hadn't seen the world or
talked to many people outside of my state, lol so coming here really opened my eyes. I wanted to share my experiences and even back a couple of months
ago I didn't get it. I didn't get how people will dismiss anything they do not experience for them self.
When I watched Akiane's videos I was reminded over and over that each person has a different path that is unique in its own right.
This little girl cares not for a permanent residence, she wants to see the world and gaze out of her eyes like a child. Always in wonder of
experiencing new things. She "trusts" God to guide her when she has no clue where to go or what to say to people. Its more of a trust than faith, I
think.
I say this because I do not want you to dismiss what you have yet to experience. Keep an open mind. Open your heart to all the many possibilities that
exist in this infinite Universe.
For me, I can honestly say that only this year did the Bible make more sense to me. Reading it front to back a few times was the way to go for me.
When I began studying in depth (my way) I realized the Bible comes alive. No joke! It does. The reader/seeker/me began to see the multi layers that
exists within in its pages and notices the literal meaning but sees beyond the literal as well. Its also spiritual and metaphysically layered and when
you realize this you are taken back and in complete awe. It comes alive in all of time. All of time can be seen in that book that I discounted many
years because I blamed others for my misunderstanding. When I realized I can't blame others and had to read it for myself over and over again and
did.... is when I was so thankful I had not given up on the text. Even now though, I don't connect with the Christian belief.
For example.... Israel is a Country. Jacob was named (BY GOD) Israel. Israel means rebel. Jacob was the "father" of the 12 Israelites (rebel tribes)
tribes. Only one of them was Judah (later became religion of Jews).... there are 11 more and then we can't forget the "two lost tribes". Anything
12 represents mankind, like that of the Zodiac. We (all spirits) ARE Israelites as well as Israel.
The six days of creation sets a stage before man. Before man was created we were the stars singing in Genesis in our true spirit form.
The Old Testament shows us what MAN himself thought of God. In the New testament the belief of God destroying cities and such then became a blame for
"satan". The New Test. has good news (Jesus) and a lot of love and this is where man can be seen to evolve into his spiritual essence of a loving
spirit.
Jesus tells us all about reincarnation and how this one used to be that one and so on. I know.... I know.... The Chrisitan will not believe such but
its one of the oldest spiritual teachings and one who is true to himself when reading the Bible will see it over and over again.
So.... if there is indeed reincarnation. Jesus reincarnated. If Jesus reincarnated then he helped write what would be in the Bible today. We can see
Him evolving over the course of time in the Bible. Its really cool! lol
We are spirit.
Akiane agrees that we are spirit. We are more than the eyes can see, although some eyes do see much more. Its easy to discount anothers experience.
Just be open to the changes your heart may indeed go through until your dying day because God will always try to get through.
s&f 
