Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Clouseau · 11-22-2007, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

LINK not too long

I've read that the Bible is also the most shoplifted book. What does that mean?

That there is pressure on shops not to stock it?

Clouseau · 11-22-2007, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalbeachbum

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clouseau

Thanks.

'In June, government officials issued a public reminder of a ban on door-to-door proselytizing and the offering of food or other aid only to those who join churches.'

How do you know that food or other aid has been offered only to those who join churches?

This is not the first time I've seen an article on this subject.

Can we see another, please?

Joan of Bark · 11-22-2007, 04:59 AM

I would argue that most Bibles that have been printed have been given away free by the Gideons, etc. Certainly the Bible has been READ (cover to cover) by less people than have read other 'bestsellers'.

straight dope

Quote:

Today, the Gideons place more than 45,000,000 bibles annually in prisons, hospitals, military bases and, of course, hotel rooms.

Clouseau · 11-22-2007, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan of Bark

I would argue that most Bibles that have been printed have been given away free by the Gideons, etc. Certainly the Bible has been READ (cover to cover) by less people than have read other 'bestsellers'.

But one hardly needs to read the Bible cover to cover. One can get the drift from, say, 0.1% of it, and one can get that f.o.c. on the 'net. I can't say I've ever got far into a H. Potter book, but then I'm maybe a bit too old.

Laurentius · 11-22-2007, 05:14 AM

I've been given this argument countless times: there must be a reason why the Bible is the #1 selling book in the world. If this is true, it only shows the wide extent of proselitism attempted by Christians:

Christians think they hold the absolute truth which should be held by everyone.
Christians show the highest proseliting fervor.
This high proseliting fervor involves handing out Bibles ad infinitum.
Chrstians support the publishing and handing out of Bibles ad infinitum.
Thus, the Bible becomes #1 selling book in the world.
Which reassures Christians that they hold the absolute truth which should be shared to everyone.

It's the typical circular argument that makes believers tick.

Joan of Bark · 11-22-2007, 05:15 AM

As usual, Clouseau, I beg to differ. Whenever I quote a controversial biblical passage, the believer will tell me: "you've got to put it in context! Jesus didn't really mean for us to hate our parents! We're not supposed to kill people for working on the sabbath! Women are allowed to speak in church ..." etc.

How can you put it in context if you haven't read it all?

Clouseau · 11-22-2007, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan of Bark

As usual, Clouseau, I beg to differ. Whenever I quote a controversial biblical passage, the believer will tell me: "you've got to put it in context! Jesus didn't really mean for us to hate our parents! We're not supposed to kill people for working on the sabbath! Women are allowed to speak in church ..." etc.

How can you put it in context if you haven't read it all?

So hermeneutics makes the Bible make sense, after all? Though by using common knowledge, normal literary standards and common sense one ought to be able to find a coherent message, I would have thought.

Joan of Bark · 11-22-2007, 07:02 PM

Many claim so, but there is still huge disagreements between believers.

Clouseau · 11-22-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan of Bark

Many claim so, but there is still huge disagreements between believers.

Of course there are. If there were not, the Bible would be wrong.

'"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."' Mt 7:15 NIV

Salam · 11-22-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clouseau

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan of Bark

Many claim so, but there is still huge disagreements between believers.

Of course there are. If there were not, the Bible would be wrong.

'"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."' Mt 7:15 NIV

Watch out! you might be following a false prophet.

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11-22-2007, 05:14 AM	#15
Laurentius Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lucky Bucky, Oz Posts: 5,645	I've been given this argument countless times: there must be a reason why the Bible is the #1 selling book in the world. If this is true, it only shows the wide extent of proselitism attempted by Christians: Christians think they hold the absolute truth which should be held by everyone. Christians show the highest proseliting fervor. This high proseliting fervor involves handing out Bibles ad infinitum. Chrstians support the publishing and handing out of Bibles ad infinitum. Thus, the Bible becomes #1 selling book in the world. Which reassures Christians that they hold the absolute truth which should be shared to everyone. It's the typical circular argument that makes believers tick.

11-22-2007, 05:15 AM	#16
Joan of Bark Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pua, in northern Thailand Posts: 2,823	As usual, Clouseau, I beg to differ. Whenever I quote a controversial biblical passage, the believer will tell me: "you've got to put it in context! Jesus didn't really mean for us to hate our parents! We're not supposed to kill people for working on the sabbath! Women are allowed to speak in church ..." etc. How can you put it in context if you haven't read it all?

11-22-2007, 07:02 PM	#18
Joan of Bark Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pua, in northern Thailand Posts: 2,823	Many claim so, but there is still huge disagreements between believers.

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