Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Toto · 10-23-2007, 12:45 PM

Scholars try to reconcile 'problematic' religious texts
Christian, Jewish and Muslim experts met this week to add context to passages that have been perceived as hostile toward other faiths

I feel for these scholars.

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Speaking with mutual respect and sensitivity, prominent Christian, Jewish and Muslim scholars and clergy from around the country met in Los Angeles this week to "wrestle" with what one rabbi described as the "dark side" of the three faith traditions.

Experts cited "problematic" passages from the Hebrew Scripture, the New Testament and the Koran that assert the superiority of one belief system over others.

As an example, the Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, ecumenical and interreligous official of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, quoted from the Gospel of Mark: "Go into the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

John Kesler · 10-23-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

As an example, the Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, ecumenical and interreligous official of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, quoted from the Gospel of Mark: "Go into the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

This is an interesting choice as an example, since it comes from the "long ending" of Mark (vv 15-16) and is spurious.:huh:

Toto · 10-23-2007, 01:02 PM

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Originally Posted by John Kesler

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

As an example, the Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, ecumenical and interreligous official of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, quoted from the Gospel of Mark: "Go into the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

This is an interesting choice as an example, since it comes from the "long ending" of Mark (vv 15-16) and is spurious.:huh:

The Rt Reverend makes that point. Do you think he picked that passage because he could argue that it was generally regarded as a later addition, as opposed to other passages that cannot be so easily dismissed?

John Kesler · 10-23-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

The Rt Reverend makes that point.

Sho 'nuf. I should have read the article first. :blush:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

Do you think he picked that passage because he could argue that it was generally regarded as a later addition, as opposed to other passages that cannot be so easily dismissed?

Maybe so. I'd like to see his explanation for John 14:6 and John 3:18,36.

Magdlyn · 10-23-2007, 02:06 PM

What about all the excoriating of Asherah worshipers in the OT? And those "idol worshipers" who worship dead things of wood and metal?

Or don't "pagans" count, just the current big 3?

Ljoilae · 10-23-2007, 02:10 PM

It's easier just to rip up your bible and flush it down the toilet.

(Which I now kinda regret doing since now it's harder to learn more reasons why I frecking hate stupid religions)

Toto · 10-23-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magdlyn

What about all the excoriating of Asherah worshipers in the OT? And those "idol worshipers" who worship dead things of wood and metal?

Or don't "pagans" count, just the current big 3?

There was an Episcopalian couple (both ordained) who tried to incorporate some pagan type rites a while back. The conservative IRD "exposed" them and forced them to either stop it or leave the church, because they were worshipping in a manner expressly forbidden by the Bible - eating raisin cakes in honor of the queen of heaven. (Threads here and here.)

I think you have to be a Unitarian to celebrate pagan rites.

aa5874 · 10-23-2007, 05:25 PM

Are these scholars looking at passages in the Bible that demonize the sick: It is very disturbing to me when the authors of the NT make their main character, Jesus the son the ghost, refer to the blind, deaf, dumb and epileptic as being possessed by devils.

It can be devastating and traumatic to tell a young sick child that their malady is directly caused by a devil, especially when prayer does not remove the malady or the devil.

Clouseau · 10-23-2007, 05:48 PM

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She finds two texts especially troublesome -- one in which Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, says, "I am innocent of this man's blood," and the crowd answers, "His blood be on us and our children!"

Who blames the Jews for the death of Jesus? Not Christians, who think of only themselves as individuals as responsible- a favourite theme of preachers.

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"This is troubling because Imperial Rome had far more to do with the death of Jesus than the Gospels reflect," she said.

So this is, presumably, the notion that Jesus deserved to die for offences against the state. And this keynote speaker is trying to calm things down?

Malachi151 · 10-23-2007, 05:56 PM

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Originally Posted by Clouseau

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"This is troubling because Imperial Rome had far more to do with the death of Jesus than the Gospels reflect," she said.

So this is, presumably, the notion that Jesus deserved to die for offences against the state. And this keynote speaker is trying to calm things down?

LOL, that's the stupidest thing I ever heard (what she said). So, umm.. if the Gospels don't put the blame on Rome, then where is this information that condemns Rome? LOL, just plain stupidity, but then again, what can we expect.....

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10-23-2007, 02:06 PM	#5
Magdlyn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,230	What about all the excoriating of Asherah worshipers in the OT? And those "idol worshipers" who worship dead things of wood and metal? Or don't "pagans" count, just the current big 3?

10-23-2007, 02:10 PM	#6
Ljoilae Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Miðgarðr Posts: 707	It's easier just to rip up your bible and flush it down the toilet. (Which I now kinda regret doing since now it's harder to learn more reasons why I frecking hate stupid religions)

10-23-2007, 05:25 PM	#8
aa5874 Contributor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: the fringe of the caribbean Posts: 18,988	Are these scholars looking at passages in the Bible that demonize the sick: It is very disturbing to me when the authors of the NT make their main character, Jesus the son the ghost, refer to the blind, deaf, dumb and epileptic as being possessed by devils. It can be devastating and traumatic to tell a young sick child that their malady is directly caused by a devil, especially when prayer does not remove the malady or the devil.

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