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April 20th, 2011
01:00 AM ET
My Take: Learn about the Bible, even if you don't believe it
By Kristin Swenson, Special to CNN "True Grit's" stern little girl Mattie - shoot, the Coen Brothers’ entire movie - dramatizes a single line of biblical text. And the way the film interprets that particular text makes that biblical verse directly related to the governor of Illinois' recent decision to ban the death penalty, a decision which was reportedly informed by the Bible. The movie’s and the Illinois governor’s conclusions - about capital punishment in this case - are exactly opposite. While Mattie's justice requires death for the man who killed her dad, the governor's has no place for such execution. Yet both have biblical precedent. So knowing about the Bible not only makes the movies more fun and enables critique of public policy, but it also paradoxically encourages you to think for yourself. The Bible's long history of development, reflecting many voices, and the fact that it’s usually read in translation invite our engagement with it not merely as passive recipients of a fixed meaning but as unique individuals bringing different points of view to bear. The trick, of course, is knowing something about the Bible, even if you don’t believe in it. And the more you know, the more intriguing it gets. If you're not biblically literate, you can get along all right, but you're missing out. It's like a cocktail party with raucous conversation. You're invited, but until you know something about the Bible, you'll be stuck talking about the weather at the punch bowl. Yes, "True Grit" is entertaining no matter what, and you can take Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn at his word that his death penalty decision has biblical basis, but each invites a deeper understanding. And together, they reflect the Bible's ambivalence - in this case about crime and punishment. "The wicked flee when none pursueth," a line from Proverbs 28:1, hangs auspiciously on the screen at the beginning of "True Grit." Knowing that Hebrew (the original language of Proverbs) creates its poetry out a system of parallel lines, might lead you to check out the line after the one quoted in True Grit: "but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Linking the criminals' running to the boldness of a lion, the biblical verse suggests a world in which courageous good guys chase down the yellow-bellied bad with the same determination, cunning and strength as the king of beasts. That's our Mattie, at 14 years old a cub, but single-minded in her quest to bring to justice the man who killed her father. Mattie is "the righteous," of course, and the justice she seeks is death. Because the Bible is sacred scripture, authoritative and instructive for millions of people, many people believe, like Mattie, that certain criminals should be put to death because of what it says. After all, the Torah, or "law," prescribes execution in several specific cases, including murder. Yet Illinois Gov. Quinn is said to have consulted the Bible while wrestling with his decision to abolish the death penalty. What gives? People looking to the Bible for a single, clear, yes-or-no answer about the death penalty will be disappointed, just as they are when seeking a simple, one-size-fits-all answer to abortion or environmental ethics. For one thing, another translation of torah is "instruction." So maybe those "laws" shouldn't be taken so literally. Indeed, while the Bible allows for all sorts of killing and would seem to demand criminal execution in certain cases, it also commands "thou shalt not kill/murder," identifies God as the only ultimate judge, and praises forgiveness and mercy. I don't know Quinn, but I suspect he knows enough about the Bible to know that he also had to think for himself. He wisely considered that our human systems, justice included, are imperfect - and that the wrong person might be pegged for a capital crime. Knowing about the Bible, no matter what you believe, enables you see not only why Quinn would settle on the ban but also why it was such a difficult decision: sometimes the Bible says different things. "God said it, I believe it, that settles it," is available for bumper stickers, t-shirts, mugs, and posters. Yet the Bible's multiplicity of voices and complex history invite you to learn more and in the process to add your own voice, thoughts, and deliberations to the conversation. First, though, you’ve got to learn about it. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Kristin Swenson. soundoff (1,814 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Next »
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Editor's Note: 
Get a job!!!
This article is spot on. To read is to inform and educate. We have far to many highly opinionated yet ignorant people in this world.
I, for one, am a devout athiest. Yet, I have read the bible cover to cover. Many of my Christian friends (yes, I happen to have many of those) have only read parts "recommended" to them by others. Perhaps this is why some have such a black and white and strong-headed view of things, when the issues are much more complex in reality.
Robert, I applaud you for reading the Bible and discussing it. I am not surprised you have Christian friends- why would I be? Do you assume Christians wouldn't want to be your friend? I'm sure there are some, but it hasn't been my experience.
On the subject of who has read the whole Bible and who hasn't- I think there are many who are making an argument like this
1) I have read through the entire Bible
2) Some Christians have never read the whole thing
3) I am an atheist
4) (unstated but implied) if Christians read through the whole thing, they'd be atheists too.
I could make a similar argument
1) I have read through the entire Bible
2) Most of my atheist friends haven't read more than a few chapters
3) I am a Christian
4) (not stated, but implied) They'd be Christians, too, if they read the Bible.
See where I'm going with this? The logic does not follow.
I think there is a real problem in the Church with people who call themselves Christians not understanding the Bible and maybe not even reading the whole thing. There is a huge problem with people misunderstanding the New Testament without the context of the Old Testament. But personal experience, yours or mine, does not establish the truth contained in the Scriptures.
I find it offensive that my previous comment is awaiting moderation when I have made a rational non inflammatory argument. Especially when there are many non rational and inflammatory "arguments" on the blog. Is there a religious censor on this blog that thinks that non rational arguments won't offend believers but rational ones will?
Actually, there are pitfalls to avoid any word with a string of letters tha, if they stood alone, would be a "naughty word" such as t-it will cause you to be blocked. So, consti-tution would or succu-mb, for example. USe a hyphen
interesting to know thanks for the information. I have never had a comment denied so I would assume they just have to look at it to make sure you are not being scathing to the other forum users.
My brother's son was excited about what he had just learned in school. I think he was in fift grade or so. As he was leaving he stated as a matter of fact, that his ancestors had tails. Without missing a beat, I replied, "Must be on your mother's side."
LOL, but on both sides actually.
Comments like that have been the difference to my son... They have given me the opportunity to sit down with him and explain why some people refuse to look beyond their small worlds and grow, rather than to expand their knowledge at all times. They also make it really really easy to decide who I should and should not let him spend long lengths of unsupervised time with, so that he may be aloud to make his own informed decision after being old enough to review the evidence at hand. "after college we will debate these things son, for now learn your math, read as much as possible from every genre in the book store and question all things, even me."
Reading gives you knowledge. Bible will be the last book I will read for that reason.
You should read Everyone Poops, even if you don't believe.
Anyone can misquote the Bible and take it out of context. People do the same to Obama and Palin all the time.
I like to copy and paste bible quotes in here so people think Im smart.
Amen.
Hasn't worked so far
So is it better to just put down the name of a passage or to actually quote it so people know what you are referring to? Comments that are nothing more than references to look up leave most people uninterested.
get a life people, why scope out belief blogs if your athiest. its sooooo much fun to dwell on something you wont change. there are athiests and there are believers. so intense about something you have no power to change. its funny how most of us will never be remembered but a man that lived 2000 years ago rocks the world. love you jesus. post all responses in vain i'm gonna go to fox news cnn is a downer.
Yes, judging by your post and your adroit use of punctuation, I expect you will be more, shall we say, "comfortable" over at fox.
We are changing it though, through education. Less and less believers in all the strong, educated countries of the world. 😉
and I quote:
"crittle02676
AWWWW need a hug widdle baby
April 20, 2011 at 3:47 pm | Report abuse |"
adriot is a cool word
please you isnt changin' nuthin' (i tried to do betta punctuation) sad little people
Where is the "Like" button for Colin's reply?
This is stupid. Aesop's fables are less violent and have better morals. At best, the Bible is a skewed historical account (written by people who wanted to maintain power in a crumbling empire) that should be taken no differently than the Iliad.
Ah, ignorance finds its voice....
"I have no need of that hypothesis."
LaPlace
Hey!- Read 'The Message" by Eugene H. Peterson. It's the Bible, but READABLE! It reads like these articles (well, better written) and you wouldn't believe how fast it goes. So much more is clear since you don't have to "get" one sentence at a time. Go into a bookstore and open it to any page. If that doesn't sell you, well, that's your final problem.
If you don't believe in God then you don't care much for what he has to say, So if your lucky you might make it thru a few chapters of Genesis before you turn to something else. On the other hand If you actually believe in God you have a interest in what he has to say so you will make more of an effort to understand the Bible but if your a believer I recommend starting with Matthew or John. Genesis is almost the whole bible in one book. A tough read for a beginner. And one other thing for those who dont believe in God the Bible is a Book written by men. Those of us who believe in God believe that if God was going to have men write a book about him and his laws He would make sure it was correct. If he has the power to create a creature as complicated as man surly he can inspire him to write what he wants written. I have yet to read the entire bible I kind of jump around a lot. To me the book is a Miracle. The last miracle that the Lord has performed on this planet. After the Bible he no longer needs proof of his existence, Read the scriptures, Believe that Christ died for your Sins, Thats all thats required. Were all sinners, every last one of us. Theirs nothing we can do to stop it, Its in our nature. We can try our best to slow it down but sin we will, SO we have Christ. Who will always forgive. No mater how many times we fall. But remember we may sin and be forgiven of sin but the consequences of Sin is still on us. So try keeping it down to a minimum.
I applaud your bravery you are one of the few Christians I have ever met that actually admits to having not read the bible in it's entirety... You should be commended for your honesty.
I should amend this with the fact that I was once a Christian, and I was married to another Christian during that time, in which I read the bible 3 times in completion while she picked and pulled her favorite versus. I left the faith and soon after her.
well said
Brought up a sunday school studying xian where I was fed chosen snipets of text here and there and given "interpretations" of those specially chosen tidbits. Then I read the book from cover to cover when I was in my 20s. I did some long and deep research into not only xianity but other religions as well and learned some real science. It was easy toss away the childish beliefs and stop believing in fantasy. A few years later I decided to read it again and sure enough, it seemed even more silly than the first time I had read it. Almost 40 yrs later I have never regretted my journey to reality.
Incest was the method of choice to load the earth with people according to the Bible. Who do you think Adam and his 3 sons used to make babies? According to the Bible, every person on the earth is the result of incest by all of Noah's grandchildren.
well, i doubt anyone named adam existed in the sense as he is portrayed in the bible.
Who is it who has incestuous $ex with his duaghters without condemnation by the Bible? I forget, was it Noah or Lot or some other incestuous pedophile?
Lot slept with both his daughters after they fled from Sodom and Gomorroh. One bore him a son named "Moab" who became the father of the Moabites. The otherbore him a son named benAmmi who became the father of the Ammonites.
He certainly was condemned for this act as were the daughters. It happened after he became drunk with wine and the text states he did not know what they were doing when they did it.
Both the Ammonites and the Moabites became real problems for Israel throughout the Old Testament despite their blood relations with Israel (Lot was Abraham's nephew).
Thanks. I'm sure there are incestuous fathers all over the bible belt who are just thrilled to hear that drunkeness is an acceptable excuse for screwing your own daughter.
@Steve Luke – Gross.
Interesting that the Bible tells us the truth about people and events in the past, not white washing them. Just because something is reported in the Bible doesn't mean that God is condoning it.
Just so long as the oldest sibling gets it first.
You don't think alleging Lot "didn't know what he was doing" is a bit of a whitewash? He got an ere-ction, penetra-ted his daughter and ej-aculated inside of her. And then did the same thing to the other.
And he didn't know what he was doing?? Try selling that beauty to a jury.
th bible only shows one viewpoint. what about the viewpoint of lots daughters?
Colin,
I guess you are the judge and the jury? In your own mind anyway......
It's funny that Christians are roundly accused of moralizing and when I give an accurate account of what is written without moral conclusions drawn- those who accuse us of moralizing are quick to point out it was an immoral act.
I have read the Biblical text and commented on it. The Bible does not condone the action, nor do I. I did not make the logical connection that it was OK because Lot was drunk- someone else did. The passage says the action was instigated by the daughters, not Lot himself. Seriously, I wasn't there and the Bible doesn't give a lot of particulars (pun intended). Read for yourself- Genesis 19:30- 38
30And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
31And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:
32Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
33And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
34And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
35And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
36Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.
37And the first born bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.
38And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
What is wrong with doing good for the sake of doing good? Why must religion always climb in? The article is good in that it does provide good advice, such to have an understanding of the Bible even if you don't believe. Point of argument for the Senator: If thou shalt not kill/murder, Then why are we involved in three wars. Is there anybody over there dying? Were not the wars fought biblically sanctioned by God? Therefore did'nt God give humans certain rights. When a police officer makes a life and death decision, should he cry out...okay God, you can take the guy holding a gun to his children's heads out at any moment, should you wish to. I think not! Religion...rubbish! When a 14 year old girl is bullwhipped as sanctioned by Muslim law for adultery that she is not guilty of, should there not be recourse for discent? What you need to know is this...Space is infinite and eternal. We are all just a pile of ants on top of log headed towards a raging river, and every single one of us thinks that we are in charge. Every religion represents a different ant. Reverend Jones and the rest of his followers have real issues...they blindly follow blindly!
I've always been a believer in God and always will be but I had never read the bible before a few years ago and since have read it cover to cover twice and now understand why I never read it before! The bible was written by men not by God, and the stories were passed down and written 2nd, 3rd, 4th hand so to say it is all historical is just b.s. It was written by humans with their own interpretations of events that may or may not have really occured and written to further their own agendas. The bible did not alter my belief, I think there is some good guidance in there on living a good life but it's just a book.
very true!
So you read the bible and chose not to buy into it because "it is written by men". Yet you still cling to your belief in god and religion, despite the fact that oral tradition is no less influenced by men than written material.
Please think about what religion you would have if you grew up with no input from parents, other people, or bibles. Do you think you would still have come to believe in god the way you do now? What evidence in life has convinced you in the existence of god?
Exodus 21:20 “If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, 21 but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.
That was really all I needed to read to come to an understanding about the Bible.
I was pretty much out at the talking snake.
@Colin: There is plenty of evidence of talking snakes. There was a talking snake in "Harry Potter". There was a talking snake in "The Jungle Book" too.
Ya got me Eric. Valid independent historical cooberation if ever I have seen it.
The best way to realize what a crock the Jewish and Christian religons are is to read this book. This is probably why atheists know more about it than Jews and Christians.
The best way to understand the bigotted hatred of an Atheist is to read their Bible, called "The Origin of Species". It's full of racism, lies, ramblings, and was so far wrong that its' own author denounced it.
Ryan, what the hell are you talking about?
Forget trying to enage a creationist. It is like trying to debate rocket science with a chimpanzee. But, to anyone reading this, evolution is a fact, it is still going on all around us, it has never been discredited and Darwin never denounced it. Creationists spin up this lie all the time. Ignore them.
But Colin, you're not a rocket scientist either... just an 'evolved' chimpanzee.... according the 'Origin..."
What's most interesting it that you are reading this story and hanging out on a Religion blog...
Ryan: Atheists do not have a bible. Also, learn to spell.
Colin, I wouldn't deny that evolution is going on around us – evidence of micro-evolution is all around us. It is macro-evolution that I would debate.
It's similar to trying to explain Creation to an Evolutionist. They are so sure that they are right that they refuse to even consider any questions against their all-mighty theory. Ignorance is bliss for them, despite much evidence to the contrary. It's like talking to a wall, one with no brain that can think for itself. They blindly follow the teachings of their patriarch, Charles Darwin, without question.
KD,
"micro-evolution" or adaption. When most people refer to micro-evolution it is debatable if the "change" being seen is from dna mutating or other options built into (or designed into) the dna that already exist. The ability to adapt is built into the dna no DNA changes required.
@Colin – Bottom line is you are a bigot. Apparently you cannot even comprehend the article and are not look at things metaphorically…like your ‘talking snake’ comment. Rejecting good morals and values taught through metaphors simply because they are in text you do not believe to be factual is narrow-minded. Maybe this is why you are so tempted to be mean spirited in your rants. And you call the religious narrow-minded. Try being nice, it is far less stressful.
Rick: Atheists do have a central book upon which all their teachings are hinged (their "bible") called "The Origin of Species." It is taught at organized gatherings around the country called science and history classes in schools, much like Sunday School is taught in church. Unlike religion, it is blindly taught without question. Religion welcomes questions so people can get answers. Our pastor regularly takes questions in his classes and tries to answer them. Any question he can't answer, he says "I'll get back to you when I find out the answer" and he does. At least we try, rather than blindly following the teachings of a demented old man who claimed black people were between chimpanzees and neanderthals on the evolutionary ladder and that teh female of every species is less evolved than the male. I can think for myself, which is why I chose Christianity and not Atheism.
colin you must take the bible as a metaphorical and allegorical reference point. we dont know what in the Bible actually happened and what is meant for us to read. and you are referencing the old testament, i suggest you read more of the New Testament, and for you "cups of tea" guy Muslims, Jews and Christians believe in the same God. Jesus, Moses, Isaiah and many others are all prophets in Islam as well as Judaism and Chistianity. the main message of the Bible is to treat people how you want to be treated and that love prevails, and that there is one true God. Dont get cough up in the subtle nuances and word play that so many do when reading the Bible.
@Ryan: You mentioned that you have evidence to support your hypothesis. Is this evidence supporting Creation theory? Can you please provide the evidence for verification?
Your understanding of an atheist is not accurate. I am very open to questions and challenges of my knowledge. It is through these challenges that we aquire additional evidence. This evidence may support or refute claims made by any theory. Either way, the evidence enhances our understanding of our world. If you have any questions regarding atheism, I would be happy to do my best to answer them.
I look forward to your supporting evidence for the Creation theory.
@ Eric G – I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. I was spending time eating dinner and watching movies with my wife last night and didn't check CNN until this morning.
I do have quite a bit of evidence to support Creation, but too much to write in this blog. Instead, go to Google and search for Creation Magazine and/or Doctor Ken Ham – this is where I get much of my information, but not my only source. This provides incredible detail into how Creation works as well as hard scientific evidence to back it up and inteviews with many top scientists, including ones that believe in Evolution, just to show that they do look at every angle. My comment about Evolutionists was in direct answer to Colin's comment about Creationists and, I admit, a generalization; I apologize if it offended you. I myself am also open to other theories. I sometimes read National Geographic and I have read some of The Origin of Species and have studied Evolutionary Theory in school, though it's been awhile. Anyway, enjoy the articles, as they're not just mindless dribble like some post on this blog (like Colin). Happy hunting!
God's Word is Awesome!
Which words, the ones about killing entire tribes, smiting idol worshippers, throwing your daughter to a ravenous horde, or supporting slvaery?
jmb2fly wrote: "God's Word is Awesome!"
Which one of the thousands of gods mankind has invented did you have in mind?
I think he is referring to the Bible as the Muslims God does Sharia law. Either way...they both think that their God's word is awesome!
God's Word is Awesome! God's Word is Truth!
Oh, I thought he was referring to Thor, the only true God I know of.
Based on your response, it is obvious that the only line I can offer you comes from Jack Nicholson "You can't handle the Truth."
God's Word is Truth! Truth about God and man. You can accept or reject it.
When god speaks to us outside of the revealed religion in the bible we will indeed feel it is awesome. But hearing god's word second hand, third hand or even many-handed as written in the bible leaves many to be skeptical.
No more delusional or truthful than Brother Leary's mantra. What you seek and long for is inside you.
You know...in a way its funny. Religion is alot like people position on guns. I mean...there are people that are radical either to the left or the right of gun laws. There are people that remain objective, and perhaps the best source of conversation. Unfortunately, when a radical to either left or right of the conversation gets involved, it becomes non-productive and counter-intuitive. I prefer science as my choice, and you prefer heaven as yours. I respect your decision and hopefully you respect mine. However, the bigger challenge you have is not with my numbers, but with the Muslim numbers and their teachings. Study them first...you may find yourself in a rude awakening.