Which bible do you Read?

[Getinonthis]

KJV, NWT, and the BoM.

At least I did read and compare them up until I closed them in disgust. There are far better, enjoyable, and enlightening things to read in this world than an ancient book about a guilt-tripping childish god and magical superheroes who play the false-dilemma game left and right.

Hey Falconer so you always wake up miserable (Misery loves company so I'll be your friend), just try being open minded it's not tolerance but intelligence. So you don't believe God exist even though you can't prove that theory. (I'm cool with that, that's your prerogative) While for those of us who "believe," we have a reason for doing so that we're satisfied with. So if you choose not to yet you're still so miserable? Try something new. Ask God to reveal himself to you and read KJV Bible "Gospel of John." I would recommend the NIV for translation but a person with your vast intellect needs no translation right? 

[Falconer02]

Hey Falconer so you always wake up miserable (Misery loves company so I'll be your friend),

I'm sorry...what?

So if you choose not to yet you're still so miserable?

Miserable? That's a statement I'd expect from a Scientologist but a Christian? lol I'm far from miserable. One of the only 'miseries' I get is when I wake to see people still think this stuff 100% legit when --intelligence needed-- it's obviously furthest from.

Try something new. Ask God to reveal himself to you and read KJV Bible "Gospel of John."

I have in the past. And yet here I am-- Mr. freethinking random forum poster.

I would recommend the NIV for translation but a person with your vast intellect needs no translation right?

I've kind of passed the stage of trying to find which translation is correct and which is not-- they're all wrong due to introducing magical properties and supernatural events and characters that parallel other major belief systems in the past. Like any rational individual, I base my beliefs on proofs. Through years of just researching, I've just come to realize no matter what bible you use, it really has nothing to back up its claims except the good ol' "Have faith!" statement which amounts to simple self deception the more you rise above it and look down.

[Getinonthis]

Hey Falconer so you always wake up miserable (Misery loves company so I'll be your friend),

I'm sorry...what?
So I take it you're turning down my friend request.

So if you choose not to yet you're still so miserable?

Miserable? That's a statement I'd expect from a Scientologist but a Christian? lol I'm far from miserable. One of the only 'miseries' I get is when I wake to see people still think this stuff 100% legit when --intelligence needed-- it's obviously furthest from.

Christianity does involve science, just differs from your expectation. So you're miseries are from others not doing what you want (my son cries for the same thing too).  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12

Try something new. Ask God to reveal himself to you and read KJV Bible "Gospel of John."

I have in the past. And yet here I am-- Mr. freethinking random forum poster.

I understand but who your are then and who you are now is completely different, try reading it again the outcome will be different because God can and will use the experiences you've developed through your unbelief. 

I would recommend the NIV for translation but a person with your vast intellect needs no translation right?

I've kind of passed the stage of trying to find which translation is correct and which is not-- they're all wrong due to introducing magical properties and supernatural events and characters that parallel other major belief systems in the past. Like any rational individual, I base my beliefs on proofs. Through years of just researching, I've just come to realize no matter what bible you use, it really has nothing to back up its claims except the good ol' "Have faith!" statement which amounts to simple self deception the more you rise above it and look down.

Actually that's guidance for new converts. But this goes beyond just having faith, it's a realization that you were created with and for a purpose, that there's a spiritual battle going on over our souls, that God loves us beyond measure but our sins separate us from him (Through Christ death & resurrection we're restored), Lastly all that's going on right now will come to an end, and God will judge the all, believers and atheist alike.
Now with a positive mindset and an open heart read the recommended book of the bible, the give me your response. Scofield Study bible has the answers you seek. 

[jcribb16]

I prefer the King James Version, but will use NIV and Living Bible for giving a little more clarity and understanding.  I like the Thompson Chain Reference because of all of the extra helps in the back.

[Falconer02]

So I take it you're turning down my friend request.

That was NOT a friend request. That statement just took me awkwardly because you're assuming false things and antagonizing/insulting me. And you still are from this sentence I quoted! First you call me miserable and then you say I'm turning down a friend request? Then later in your last post you compare me to your immature kid? I mean this in the sincerest way possible, but you really need to work on your social skills if this is how you try to make new friends. Others may show disdain towards you.

Christianity does involve science, just differs from your expectation.

Creationism is furthest from science. Mixing any god with science is just like mixing astrology with astronomy. Science has the ability to change for the better-- religion has difficulty with just the word 'change'.

So you're miseries are from others not doing what you want (my son cries for the same thing too).

Everyone has the right to believe what they believe as long as it does not harm others. That is what I believe and want. Not a bad thing to live by, right? When I still see dogmatic religions constantly intruding into peoples' lives like they have massively in the past and present, I get a little disgruntled. It's constantly in the news-- religion striking and trying to dominate education, politics, morals, sex, etc.-- religion is constantly intruding in all of these and guilt-tripping people into doing what your religion wants them to do-- what your religion thinks is right. And when they don't get their way, they parade around saying "this is proof that the end is near!" So it's quite the opposite.

Btw I like the little antagonizing thing you put comparing your whining son to me. Very nasty!

the outcome will be different because God can and will use the experiences you've developed through your unbelief.  

I plan to study islamic beliefs next because strangely they say the same thing. As do many others. No-- not to convert to a muslim, but just to understand it better. So as far as the bible goes- been there, done that.

But this goes beyond just having faith, it's a realization that you were created with and for a purpose, that there's a spiritual battle going on over our souls, that God loves us beyond measure but our sins separate us from him (Through Christ death & resurrection we're restored), Lastly all that's going on right now will come to an end, and God will judge the all, believers and atheist alike.

Please explain to me how it's fair that a god will judge all of mankind when he knew from day one what they all were going to do (seeing how he's all-knowing, omnipotent, perfect, etc.). It's like knowing a dog hasn't been outside for 12 hours and is whining to go pee (and you know the signs that it's about to pee), and when it finally pees all over the carpet you scold and slap it. Explain to me how either of these situations are not malevolent.

Scofield Study bible has the answers you seek.

Well I'll just plop down 50$ and start re--wait a minute! This was all a sales pitch! I knew it! lol

[Getinonthis]

So I take it you're turning down my friend request.

That was NOT a friend request. That statement just took me awkwardly because you're assuming false things and antagonizing/insulting me. And you still are from this sentence I quoted! First you call me miserable and then you say I'm turning down a friend request? Then later in your last post you compare me to your immature kid? I mean this in the sincerest way possible, but you really need to work on your social skills if this is how you try to make new friends. Others may show disdain towards you.

Christianity does involve science, just differs from your expectation.

Creationism is furthest from science. Mixing any god with science is just like mixing astrology with astronomy. Science has the ability to change for the better-- religion has difficulty with just the word 'change'.

So you're miseries are from others not doing what you want (my son cries for the same thing too).

Everyone has the right to believe what they believe as long as it does not harm others. That is what I believe and want. Not a bad thing to live by, right? When I still see dogmatic religions constantly intruding into peoples' lives like they have massively in the past and present, I get a little disgruntled. It's constantly in the news-- religion striking and trying to dominate education, politics, morals, sex, etc.-- religion is constantly intruding in all of these and guilt-tripping people into doing what your religion wants them to do-- what your religion thinks is right. And when they don't get their way, they parade around saying "this is proof that the end is near!" So it's quite the opposite.

Btw I like the little antagonizing thing you put comparing your whining son to me. Very nasty!

the outcome will be different because God can and will use the experiences you've developed through your unbelief.  

I plan to study islamic beliefs next because strangely they say the same thing. As do many others. No-- not to convert to a muslim, but just to understand it better. So as far as the bible goes- been there, done that.

But this goes beyond just having faith, it's a realization that you were created with and for a purpose, that there's a spiritual battle going on over our souls, that God loves us beyond measure but our sins separate us from him (Through Christ death & resurrection we're restored), Lastly all that's going on right now will come to an end, and God will judge the all, believers and atheist alike.

Please explain to me how it's fair that a god will judge all of mankind when he knew from day one what they all were going to do (seeing how he's all-knowing, omnipotent, perfect, etc.). It's like knowing a dog hasn't been outside for 12 hours and is whining to go pee (and you know the signs that it's about to pee), and when it finally pees all over the carpet you scold and slap it. Explain to me how either of these situations are not malevolent.

Scofield Study bible has the answers you seek.

Well I'll just plop down 50$ and start re--wait a minute! This was all a sales pitch! I knew it! lol

1. It was a friend request but you have to admit that because you're so passionate about being at Christians you were not expecting that I would actually request your friend ship, which the offer is still open if you'll accept.

2.Christianity is all about CHANGE, and that's the reason why it's rejected because of it's the opposite of what people are used to. For some it's just too easy guilt causes people to want to pay a price they can't/could not afford (it's easier to ask someone to pray for you than for you to do so yourself, because some not you feel unworthy).

3.In comparison to my son it was in no means to insult your intelligence, but a jest to rebuttal the disdain you show towards my belief while saying you're free to believe what you want but when I do so it angers you (am I not entitled to my beliefs).  

4. So how is it that you fail to recognize God but you're willing to go in pursuit of religions? I'm asking that you give the passage I quoted another chance, being more open minded, and I guarantee a different result seeing that your understanding is a lot more advanced that it was then.

5. We were all have free will, the ability to make a choice. Adam and Eve sinned yet God showed mercy and blessed them (Genesis 3:21-22 clothed them, left them with a knowledge of good & evil.)
Imagine a road that goes directly to your destination and another that doesn't. We have a choice to stay on the road that does or chose otherwise, God gave us that choice but we choose otherwise and when we encounter trouble even then He's still willing to help.
Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
(NO pun intended by this eg.) It's like a child, you tell that child to do one thing but the child in turn does another. Even though you know the risk you chose to give the child a chance to choose to follow your lead or do otherwise. Is God unfair for giving us a brain, wisdom and an inspired manual BIBLE (Basic Instructions Before Leaving the Earth.) CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION? AND IF YOU CHOOSE OTHERWISE, JUST AS A PARENT WOULD SCOLD A CHILD, WE'LL RECEIVE JUDGEMENT FOR OUR CHOICE!! To me that's FAIR.

6. No Bro I recommended the Scofield study bible because I've read it, and found it to be the most informative.

7. By now you should realize that I've been Forward yes but not judgmental as some tend to be, except for times when we're debating, Also I apologize if I have offended you at any given time. So what's the next question or should I do another post.  

[Falconer02]

1. It was a friend request but you have to admit that because you're so passionate about being at Christians you were not expecting that I would actually request your friend ship, which the offer is still open if you'll accept.

Being what? But sure! No problem on this end-- we're just having a debate here.

2.Christianity is all about CHANGE, and that's the reason why it's rejected because of it's the opposite of what people are used to.

If christianity is all about change, why can't any christian change all of the massive things that are wrong in the bible (scientifically, historically, and morally)? Even the first chapter is chok-full of obvious errors and all christians tend to do is say "it says this but it actually means this!" That's just bad writing. It says there are 2 light sources for the earth when there's only one, that light was created before the light sources, etc. How can one trust a book in its entirety when it's so massively wrong in the first chapter?

3.In comparison to my son it was in no means to insult your intelligence, but a jest to rebuttal the disdain you show towards my belief while saying you're free to believe what you want but when I do so it angers you (am I not entitled to my beliefs)

Where did I say you're not entitled to your beliefs? I'm saying it's proving to be a problem within our society since people are pushing them onto things which shouldn't have them. The bible itself is a very wordy, sketchy, and surprisingly evil book if you read it from start to finish.

4. So how is it that you fail to recognize God but you're willing to go in pursuit of religions? I'm asking that you give the passage I quoted another chance, being more open minded, and I guarantee a different result seeing that your understanding is a lot more advanced that it was then.

Because, like my original post in this thread said, I have already studied christianity. It is full of holes and false information. Ontop of all that, there's an evil jealous child-like genocidal god that allows for eternal torture! Yikes! I hope you realize there are a lot of deities out there and I just want to learn about them and why people believe in them. You're telling me that's not being open-minded? Your god is just one of many and people believe that they're all true gods. Knowing that, one could say you and I are practically both atheists. I just believe in one less god than you.

. We were all have free will, the ability to make a choice. Adam and Eve sinned yet God showed mercy and blessed them (Genesis 3:21-22 clothed them, left them with a knowledge of good & evil.) Imagine a road that goes directly to your destination and another that doesn't. We have a choice to stay on the road that does or chose otherwise, God gave us that choice but we choose otherwise and when we encounter trouble even then He's still willing to help.

Again, how can we have free will when your god knows your future actions already since he's all-knowing and omnipotent? Explain to me how that's fair when he already knows what you're going to do. Secondly, don't you think it's kind of evil to give Adam and Eve the knowledge of right and wrong after they made the wrong choice? Because that's what it says in the bible.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION? AND IF YOU CHOOSE OTHERWISE, JUST AS A PARENT WOULD SCOLD A CHILD, WE'LL RECEIVE JUDGEMENT FOR OUR CHOICE!! To me that's FAIR.

You really haven't answered anything so I can't choose a destination. And there's a big difference between scolding a child for something and knowing beforehand and then watching the child do the bad deed followed by eternally punishing him.

By now you should realize that I've been Forward yes but not judgmental as some tend to be, except for times when we're debating, Also I apologize if I have offended you at any given time. So what's the next question or should I do another post.  

Oh no worries. Trust me-- there have been some absolutely terrible and scary religious people on this forum.

[freepcmoney]

  I mostly read the original King James translation, but I also read The Living Bible and several other versions. I also have a Strong's Concordance, that I use often, to get the ORIGINAL MEANINGS of words that are translated.

[healthfreedom]

I love the king james version.

[Getinonthis]

1. It was a friend request but you have to admit that because you're so passionate about being at Christians you were not expecting that I would actually request your friend ship, which the offer is still open if you'll accept.

Being what? But sure! No problem on this end-- we're just having a debate here.

2.Christianity is all about CHANGE, and that's the reason why it's rejected because of it's the opposite of what people are used to.

If christianity is all about change, why can't any christian change all of the massive things that are wrong in the bible (scientifically, historically, and morally)? Even the first chapter is chok-full of obvious errors and all christians tend to do is say "it says this but it actually means this!" That's just bad writing. It says there are 2 light sources for the earth when there's only one, that light was created before the light sources, etc. How can one trust a book in its entirety when it's so massively wrong in the first chapter?

3.In comparison to my son it was in no means to insult your intelligence, but a jest to rebuttal the disdain you show towards my belief while saying you're free to believe what you want but when I do so it angers you (am I not entitled to my beliefs)

Where did I say you're not entitled to your beliefs? I'm saying it's proving to be a problem within our society since people are pushing them onto things which shouldn't have them. The bible itself is a very wordy, sketchy, and surprisingly evil book if you read it from start to finish.

4. So how is it that you fail to recognize God but you're willing to go in pursuit of religions? I'm asking that you give the passage I quoted another chance, being more open minded, and I guarantee a different result seeing that your understanding is a lot more advanced that it was then.

Because, like my original post in this thread said, I have already studied christianity. It is full of holes and false information. Ontop of all that, there's an evil jealous child-like genocidal god that allows for eternal torture! Yikes! I hope you realize there are a lot of deities out there and I just want to learn about them and why people believe in them. You're telling me that's not being open-minded? Your god is just one of many and people believe that they're all true gods. Knowing that, one could say you and I are practically both atheists. I just believe in one less god than you.

. We were all have free will, the ability to make a choice. Adam and Eve sinned yet God showed mercy and blessed them (Genesis 3:21-22 clothed them, left them with a knowledge of good & evil.) Imagine a road that goes directly to your destination and another that doesn't. We have a choice to stay on the road that does or chose otherwise, God gave us that choice but we choose otherwise and when we encounter trouble even then He's still willing to help.

Again, how can we have free will when your god knows your future actions already since he's all-knowing and omnipotent? Explain to me how that's fair when he already knows what you're going to do. Secondly, don't you think it's kind of evil to give Adam and Eve the knowledge of right and wrong after they made the wrong choice? Because that's what it says in the bible.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION? AND IF YOU CHOOSE OTHERWISE, JUST AS A PARENT WOULD SCOLD A CHILD, WE'LL RECEIVE JUDGEMENT FOR OUR CHOICE!! To me that's FAIR.

You really haven't answered anything so I can't choose a destination. And there's a big difference between scolding a child for something and knowing beforehand and then watching the child do the bad deed followed by eternally punishing him.

By now you should realize that I've been Forward yes but not judgmental as some tend to be, except for times when we're debating, Also I apologize if I have offended you at any given time. So what's the next question or should I do another post.  

Oh no worries. Trust me-- there have been some absolutely terrible and scary religious people on this forum.

1. Thanks for accepting my friend request.

2. The bible has no error just life examples that relates to our day to day lifestyle, in the end it proves that when we refuse to follow God's precepts we are prone to fall into uncomfortable positions requiring God's assistance to get us out again.

3. Majority of the world have held Christian belief, but the world has been fairing for the worst in their choices as you stated before even with the way we treat the world we live in. In the same manner we've (mankind) made bad choices and choose to blame God each time, which is a custom for man when something goes wrong we blame everyone else except the person who's responsible ourselves. (We mess things up and cry Oh God you're so evil for giving me permission to do what I want, why didn't you make me as a robot, to only follow orders) So the world or those in power have chosen to remove The foundation such as prayer in school, can't discuss God(Which is really targeting the GOD of the bible) anymore, In God we trust is about to be removed from the money we spend because people trust in the money more anyway until they don't have anymore.
In truth we've been the one oppressed, and when we speak we're perceived as the evil. 

4. When I said open minded I'm simply saying that you've perceived the bible wrong in many ways, so approach it without a judgmental attitude, choosing not to be clairvoyant (choosing the outcome before reading)  And again, this is not a sales pitch, I simply recommend the Scofield Study Bible because it's a version that's not biased or misleading. Here's a less costly method use the Scofield commentary from WWW.BIBLE.CC

5. I know this will only lead to another question but it's simple God has set a path for us, when we come to him that strong hold that sin had in our life is broken, thus opening up a door of possibilities for us to make it to Heaven or choose Hell, there's no predestination God is simply saying if you wanna make it follow my lead if not you're going to fail. Your destiny is in your hand/choice, I am always with you should you change your mind but I won't force you. God is not going to force us (that like forcing someone to love you when their affection is not towards you)
Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
He's expecting us to realize that we have a choice or good or evil we don't have to choose the latter.
 
6. We're not children we're old enough to make our own choices, why expect God to do so for us. Now in order for us to follow God's precepts we have to get to know God, start reading the bible and find a REAL bible based church.

Also know this that I have utmost respect for you, and your desire to know for yourself we all need that. But I still recommend you give the bible another chance.

[Falconer02]

The bible has no error just life examples that relates to our day to day lifestyle, in the end it proves that when we refuse to follow God's precepts we are prone to fall into uncomfortable positions requiring God's assistance to get us out again.

The bible has plenty of errors. So many infact that you could find truckloads of them by just doing a simple search on google and doing 2 minutes of research. And life examples? You mean like in Deuteronomy 22:28-29?
If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father.  Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her.

Or how about 2nd Chronicles 15:12-13?
They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul; and everyone who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

What about the whopper in 2 Kings 2:23-24
From there Elisha went up to Bethel.  While he was on his way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him.  "Go up baldhead," they shouted, "go up baldhead!"  The prophet turned and saw them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord.  Then two shebears came out of the woods and tore forty two of the children to pieces.

Seriously, you willingly preach and advertise a book that contains this stuff? And this is just the tip of the iceburg! Stuff like this is all over the bible. Rape, incest, murder, genocide, torture, infanticide-- you name it!

but the world has been fairing for the worst in their choices as you stated before even with the way we treat the world we live in.

This is because there's a lack of education. Not because there's a lack of one deity.

When I said open minded I'm simply saying that you've perceived the bible wrong in many ways, so approach it without a judgmental attitude, choosing not to be clairvoyant (choosing the outcome before reading)  And again, this is not a sales pitch, I simply recommend the Scofield Study Bible because it's a version that's not biased or misleading

I originally read much of it in a christian-mindset. Once I got through Numbers, I was quite blown away by the horrific nature of it all. So I took a skeptical approach and did more research and realized it's just all false and full of mythical heroes.

I know this will only lead to another question but it's simple God has set a path for us, when we come to him that strong hold that sin had in our life is broken, thus opening up a door of possibilities for us to make it to Heaven or choose Hell, there's no predestination God is simply saying if you wanna make it follow my lead if not you're going to fail. Your destiny is in your hand/choice, I am always with you should you change your mind but I won't force you. God is not going to force us

Okay so...god has set a path for everyone and so he 'programmed' us to fail and break? And after that he judges everyone and allows one to choose eternal punishment which is due to his programming? Again, how is that not malevolent? Unless this god is intentionally evil or very imperfect, it makes absolutely no sense at all.

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Now this is simple and ancient guilt-tripping in a nutshell. Do you really think mankind is this constantly evil? That right now both you and I are plotting to poison the kool-aid? Of course not! Any decent person could recognize this is complete hogwash. I don't know about you, but I like knowing that people are free to do as they please and arent bound down to a god that intentionally allows bad things to happen, knows beforehand that they will happen, and then blames us for having them happen. That's just immature and evil parenting, right?

Also know this that I have utmost respect for you, and your desire to know for yourself we all need that. But I still recommend you give the bible another chance.

Right back atcha! I may reread it one day, but atm it's last on my list of things to study...again. I've developed a poor habit of finishing books and I think throwing the bible in my lap again is probably a bad decision. Too much stuff going on around here!

[Getinonthis]

The bible has no error just life examples that relates to our day to day lifestyle, in the end it proves that when we refuse to follow God's precepts we are prone to fall into uncomfortable positions requiring God's assistance to get us out again.

The bible has plenty of errors. So many infact that you could find truckloads of them by just doing a simple search on google and doing 2 minutes of research. And life examples? You mean like in Deuteronomy 22:28-29?
If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father.  Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her.

Or how about 2nd Chronicles 15:12-13?
They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul; and everyone who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

What about the whopper in 2 Kings 2:23-24
From there Elisha went up to Bethel.  While he was on his way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him.  "Go up baldhead," they shouted, "go up baldhead!"  The prophet turned and saw them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord.  Then two shebears came out of the woods and tore forty two of the children to pieces.

Seriously, you willingly preach and advertise a book that contains this stuff? And this is just the tip of the iceburg! Stuff like this is all over the bible. Rape, incest, murder, genocide, torture, infanticide-- you name it!

but the world has been fairing for the worst in their choices as you stated before even with the way we treat the world we live in.

This is because there's a lack of education. Not because there's a lack of one deity.

When I said open minded I'm simply saying that you've perceived the bible wrong in many ways, so approach it without a judgmental attitude, choosing not to be clairvoyant (choosing the outcome before reading)  And again, this is not a sales pitch, I simply recommend the Scofield Study Bible because it's a version that's not biased or misleading

I originally read much of it in a christian-mindset. Once I got through Numbers, I was quite blown away by the horrific nature of it all. So I took a skeptical approach and did more research and realized it's just all false and full of mythical heroes.

I know this will only lead to another question but it's simple God has set a path for us, when we come to him that strong hold that sin had in our life is broken, thus opening up a door of possibilities for us to make it to Heaven or choose Hell, there's no predestination God is simply saying if you wanna make it follow my lead if not you're going to fail. Your destiny is in your hand/choice, I am always with you should you change your mind but I won't force you. God is not going to force us

Okay so...god has set a path for everyone and so he 'programmed' us to fail and break? And after that he judges everyone and allows one to choose eternal punishment which is due to his programming? Again, how is that not malevolent? Unless this god is intentionally evil or very imperfect, it makes absolutely no sense at all.

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Now this is simple and ancient guilt-tripping in a nutshell. Do you really think mankind is this constantly evil? That right now both you and I are plotting to poison the kool-aid? Of course not! Any decent person could recognize this is complete hogwash. I don't know about you, but I like knowing that people are free to do as they please and arent bound down to a god that intentionally allows bad things to happen, knows beforehand that they will happen, and then blames us for having them happen. That's just immature and evil parenting, right?

Also know this that I have utmost respect for you, and your desire to know for yourself we all need that. But I still recommend you give the bible another chance.

Right back atcha! I may reread it one day, but atm it's last on my list of things to study...again. I've developed a poor habit of finishing books and I think throwing the bible in my lap again is probably a bad decision. Too much stuff going on around here!

This is the very reason why I recommend that you read the bible, You're still at the introduction, though I must say I admire your perception it is without truth, ill explain.
Leviticus, numbers and Deuteronomy are books that contains laws and instructions that are specifically to the Jews, the descendants of Abraham, a man that God had found faithful and chose to bless him and his descendants. Now god gave them his laws while Moses gave them others that he felt would be a guideline for them (Jews.) I could go in dept into that but since you're not a Jew (don't assume) Acts 15:19-20 shares that everyone else is exempted from these requirements. As no one is bound under those laws anymore but under Grace. (Romans 6:14)
The bible is tailored in a way in which it's readers are led to start from the New Testament then to the Old Testament why because that's the time we're in know the times then go back to the history and you'll gain a wider understanding. (Yes I know it sounds weird, but that's why it's not for reading but studying, the more one reads the bible the more your understanding of it increases.) that's why I recommended the Book of John and the Scofield Notes for Interpretation.

believe it or not it's a prophetic book and nearly all religions are developed from it, business men gain ideals and ideas from it.
have you ever watched the movie "THE BOOK OF ELI," awesome movie I definitely recommend it.

The real issue is that there is too much misleading information on God. (eg how can one create their own God, or consider oneself to be God)
It's a simply deception to cause people to get confused and come to a conclusion that there's no God.
Checkout this video I guarantee you'll draw something form it. Maybe more question lol but it's ok.
                                               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cou5I3jcsRs

Like I said before, the Bible is no ordinary book that you just read and understand and be able pass judgment on. It's not the largest selling book ever written for nothing. Scientist wouldn't be using it to get a paycheck if it was that simple a book. They wouldn't be able to deceive you with their theories?

You of all people should understand this since you enjoy your freewill so much.
God gives us a simple choice choose him or Don't? He won't choose for you.
Now you should find out "what influences your decision" and not blame God for the privilege of choice you were given.

That like I don't want to get married because I might want to commit adultery or I might.. and so on.. which is all FEAR that you can make a decision and stand by it.

My friend as I've pointed out you've never actually read the bible, unless you followed the format I gave. From New Testament to Old Testament. any other way and the results will be flawed, confusion and boredom etc.
P.S. remember to watch that video I posted. it's unbiased...

[loulizlee]

I grew up learning from the KJV, but now we mostly study from the NIV.  I especially love the lyrical Psalms and Proverbs in the KJV.

[Falconer02]

This is the very reason why I recommend that you read the bible, You're still at the introduction, though I must say I admire your perception it is without truth, ill explain.
Leviticus, numbers and Deuteronomy are books that contains laws and instructions that are specifically to the Jews, the descendants of Abraham, a man that God had found faithful and chose to bless him and his descendants. Now god gave them his laws while Moses gave them others that he felt would be a guideline for them (Jews.) I could go in dept into that but since you're not a Jew (don't assume) Acts 15:19-20 shares that everyone else is exempted from these requirements. As no one is bound under those laws anymore but under Grace. (Romans 6:14)
The bible is tailored in a way in which it's readers are led to start from the New Testament then to the Old Testament why because that's the time we're in know the times then go back to the history and you'll gain a wider understanding. (Yes I know it sounds weird, but that's why it's not for reading but studying, the more one reads the bible the more your understanding of it increases.) that's why I recommended the Book of John and the Scofield Notes for Interpretation

But the more I studied the bible and the more I read it, the more I understood how goofy and inconsistant it was.  Admittedly the OT was pretty wordy and I got bored of it, so I skipped to Matt, Mark, Luke, and John and afterwards I was just left with "...that's it?" in my mind. I don't understand why anyone would want to have a relationship with a god who willingly kills people over his childish jealousy and amusement. Even if he were real, I would never bow or accept a murderous deity that allows for such atrocities stated in the bible. I don't really know about you, but I know I have a better moral sense than a god who slaughters 40 kids just because they made fun of some bald dude who he was friends with. Seriously, wth?

believe it or not it's a prophetic book and nearly all religions are developed from it, business men gain ideals and ideas from it.

Business men get ideals and ideas from truckloads of other things both good and bad. I would recommend someone to take business classes or get internships with reputable companies rather than just read an ancient book. As a joke, let me requote Deuteronomy 22:28-29-
If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father.  Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her.

What a steal...I mean deal!

Like I said before, the Bible is no ordinary book that you just read and understand and be able pass judgment on. It's not the largest selling book ever written for nothing. Scientist wouldn't be using it to get a paycheck if it was that simple a book. They wouldn't be able to deceive you with their theories?

You mean like the theory of gravity? Or medicine? or culture? Because if you're referring to evolution being deceiving, you might as well swear off every other scientific theory too. Evolution is the fundamental principle of biology and it has been proven countless times-- to say otherwise is showing a severe lack of basic education. We use evolutionary principles when we develop medicines.  You can actually see micro-evolution happen with your own eyes and macro-evolution can be somewhat demonstrated in the same fashion.  The fossil record has an over-abundance of proof as well. The bible is just so wrong about everything in that fashion because it was written by primitive people that thought the world looked like this-
http://christthetruth.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/hebrew-cosmology.jpg

In this world, there are more historians who think the holocaust didn't happen than there are scientists who think the bible is an accurate depiction of the scientific world.

You of all people should understand this since you enjoy your freewill so much. God gives us a simple choice choose him or Don't? He won't choose for you. Now you should find out "what influences your decision" and not blame God for the privilege of choice you were given.

For the third time now you've hovered right over the question. With that said, how can I have freewill if this god of yours already knows what my choice will be because he's all-knowing and all-powerful? Since he created everything and lives in the past, present, and future, he has already chosen for me because he knows everything before it happens. The privilege of choice you mentioned is a mere illusion unless you can explain to me how christians aren't inherently fatalists due to your gods power.

My friend as I've pointed out you've never actually read the bible, unless you followed the format I gave. From New Testament to Old Testament. any other way and the results will be flawed, confusion and boredom etc.

What dumb writer would make their audience read a story at the climax and not the beginning? Oh...wait...I forgot about George Lucas! lol anyway this is just a mere opinion and if it were supposed to be read that way, the ancients should have made their god and their people apologize for all the terrible horrifying things in the rising actions (OT).

[pcoll]

The King James Version Works for me....Personally, I think that the newer versions have somewhat complicated and deduced the actual intended meanings of the scripture.