Casper

I'd call it human nature; mob mentality wrapped up with self-righteous window dressing.

I'm not about to defend your examples, and I readily admit to seeing such myself. But I won't make the blanket statement that everyone reads the verses through the same glasses. Certainly you and I (based on your posts only at least) share some disdain for the evengelical memes and all they bring.

Maybe I can rephrase my point; if the word "torture" is replaced with something different for the 21st century reader, what words would be appropriate? Would it make any difference? I think it wouldn't to those who have a preconcieved notion. And I'll sheepishly admit that I fall into that trap.

That being said, there is certainly a conflict of philosophy in the parable, as I see it; if we (figuratively) do not turn the other cheek, then the creator certainly won't do so. Pretty damning indictment of a "higher consciousness" if you ask me. I think that is the better way to question the underlying meaning. But YMMV, I can respect that.

Sheshbazzar

It seems that the composer of that particular parable could have came up with a much better example of a king dispensing real justice, rather than a tyrant resorting to barbaric torture, for instance instead of;

"In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. "

"in anger his master ordered that his debt be reinstated in full, and that the debt of him that was indebted unto this unworthy servant be dismissed ever more."

Then the other servants would all hear, and serve that King out of respect for his great wisdom and his justice and equity, and out of sincere love and loyalty rather than through his imposition of tyranny and terror.
But of course there is no denying that the writer gave to us what he chose to give us, a king whose idea of dispensing justice was (is) barbaric, cruel, and unjust.

Actually what he gave us was not even as merciful as what the Law of Moses originally provided for, which was a regularly scheduled release from indebtedness, where everyone was granted a "fresh start" every seven years.

The pattern for this particular parable "king" seems to have been the creation of a foreigner who was either unlearned in, or in contempt of, or willfully attempting to undermine The Laws of Israel. (Forget The Law, forget, forget, forget,.... we have a "New" testament, forget, forget, forget,...... seeee...it is passed away,.... forget, forget,... ahhhhh! now that's better, much better :devil1: heh heh heh)

As such it seems to dovetail just a little bit too well with all of those "Render unto Caesar" and "be in subjection to the authorities" types of sayings.
Bearing the earmarks of being the handiwork of a foreign power that would use religious credulity, coupled with the tactics of propaganda, and threats of terror, to manipulate a people.

eta. And please spare us from another of those "that's not the point of the story....blah blah blahs", The ending of that parable, supposedly written under the inspiration of the holy spook, if it is "inspired", is just as certain as the "forgive debts" part.

WVIncagold

Now granted i do tend to look at the religious with a slanted eye i will give you that. But a major part of the doctrine of Xians is condemning others to the pits of hades. Very few do not come back with, even if they are not fundamental, in thought that whole "well we will see when we die" type reference as if to imply they get a free ticket to heaven and because you lack belief you go to their hell. Their Dogma revolves around it otherwise what the reason to believe? In a way Xians worship Satan more then they do Yahweh. They believe not in the anointed one because it is right but from an inane fear of going to the morning star. Its more a fear of the morning star than love of the anointed son.

Crowley

I believe this parable, like so many in the Bible, is about fear. Do as god directs, act as god dictates, behave as god would wish you to behave or you will be punished.

Fear is a powerful tool to control and manipulate people. It is a tool that is used by almost every religion throughout history. Christianity is no different in this respect.

Yes, the Bible contains positive messages. Yes, the Bible encourages people to be loving, and kind, and forgiving. But underlying that message is the reality that failure to act and believe as laid out in the Good Book will result in eternal punishment. The Bible very clearly contains a dark side. And, to me, this parable is just one example.

Keith&Co.

I try to teach my kids to respect other people because they have value and the right to expect humane treatment from others.

I try to teach the kids to forgive, to be polite, to treat others 'right' because of sympathy for strangers, respect for fellow members of the tribe. I want them motivated by enlightened self interest at the least, compassion at the best.

The main issue i have with this parable is that it teaches that you should be kind to others OR GOD WILL TORTURE YOU. Not that humans are equal no matter their caste or social status, or spiritual awakening, or monetary value on the slave market. Not teaching that the loving christain will follow the triple rede or the golden rule, but should follow god's rules out of fear of god's response.

Bleah.