Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Codec · 10-03-2006, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregor

[stolen idea]

I'd place inside the front cover in 18 point bold font:

"The stories you are about to read are fictional. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is merely coincidental."

Its a nice idea, and would cause a chuckle.

I think it would be untrue however. I think there is good evidence that at least some of the characters existed. David and Solomon probably existed in some form. Cyrus and other persians almost certainly existed too. The exile and a few other events I think there is evidence for - including styla.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf

Another warning label that might be in place would be something like:

Warning: The material inside is not suitable for children and the contents is filled with grotesque description of slaughter, murder and other cruel act of violence in the name of yahweh. It also encourages immoral activities such as harassing gay, owning slaves and feature incest, rape of minors and other acitivities that is not acceptable in a modern society. People have in the past used this material to endorse or encourage mass murders, slaughter, burning of people and books and the material is on the whole very damaging to any society.

All too true.

The Bible besides being a religous tomb is also a history book. It seems silly to throw away a deal of historical evidence just because its been hijacked by radical groups. Its veracity might be doubted, but it is at least a source.

Dean Anderson · 10-03-2006, 04:35 AM

I think Hillel the Elder had already done a far better job than I could...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.

Alf · 10-04-2006, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pervy

I think Hillel the Elder had already done a far better job than I could...

You forgot to mention that many christians love to present a similar Jesus "saying" which is a rephrasing of HIllel as "original Jesus". Of course, they typically do not know about HIllel.

Alf

Joan of Bark · 10-04-2006, 04:32 AM

What should we do with the Song of Solomon?

Codec · 10-04-2006, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan of Bark

What should we do with the Song of Solomon?

I think explicit pictures would be a neat step!

andrewcriddle · 10-04-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf

You forgot to mention that many christians love to present a similar Jesus "saying" which is a rephrasing of HIllel as "original Jesus". Of course, they typically do not know about HIllel.

Alf

Since the Hillel saying is first quoted IIUC in the Babylonian Talmud, one cannot be sure that it is authentic Hillel.

Andrew Criddle

ninewands · 10-04-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan of Bark

What should we do with the Song of Solomon?

Publish it on a "soft porn" website?

Doug Shaver · 10-06-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codec

Or maybe you think none of the stories relate to one another?

No, I wouldn't say none do. Many of them clearly have similar themes and are meant to convey a common message. Taken as a whole, though, I think the diversity of the various cultures that produced them is apparent, notwithstanding the efforts of the editors to mask the differences.

Alf · 10-09-2006, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewcriddle

Since the Hillel saying is first quoted IIUC in the Babylonian Talmud, one cannot be sure that it is authentic Hillel.

Andrew Criddle

My point was that it is certainly not original Jesus. I think we both agree on that point.

Alf

andrewcriddle · 10-10-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf

My point was that it is certainly not original Jesus. I think we both agree on that point.

Alf

IIUC we have much earlier attestation in Christian literature than in Rabbinic literature.

Jesus might well have said it.

Andrew Criddle

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10-04-2006, 04:32 AM	#14
Joan of Bark Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pua, in northern Thailand Posts: 2,823	What should we do with the Song of Solomon?

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