The Bible and history

[HydrogenBond]

I believe that the much of the nonscientfic data in the bible is meant to be taken figuratively or symbolically. In the new Testament, Christ often spoke in parables. Rather than speak directly with logic and data, he used parables so people would have to use their common sense to come to an understanding. He did not want them to just memorize, but understand.

Genesis refers to the evolution of human consciousness and not the evolution of the universe. The bible's age coincides with the formation of the first human civilizations. The prehumans took a million years or more to reach this point in evolution. All of a sudden, there is science, math, religion, government, engineering, mythology, a quantum increase in population density as early cities begin to form, farming, trade, etc.. Just a few hundred years earlier there were only tribal groups, cave drawings and some stone tools. Something changed in the human brain. This first modern human is symbolized by Adam.

When someone discovers something new it is usually dated on the discovery date instead of when the phenomena first formed. For example, although the American Continent has been around for millions of years it is celebrated as being discovered in 1492. When symbolic Adam appeared, he symbolized the first modern humans advanced enough to begin civilization and all that entails. His more powerful modern human brain created a new awareness of the universe around him. In essense he discovered the universe. The universe had already been around for, 15billion years, but genesis describes the discovery date when humans began to contemplate the universe.

The fundamentalists don't like this interpretation of Genesis, but there is evidence in the bible. This is connected to the story of Cain and Abel. Cain was the tiller of the soil and Abel the herder of animals. When Cain kills Abel, symbolically this means farming supersedes nomadic herding (from the last ice age) and civilization appears. When Cain is about to be exiled, he is afraid and says" whomever shall come upon me, shall kill me". The question becomes, who were these whomevers Cain was afraid of, if only Adam, Eve and Cain were on the earth. The answer is the prehumans who had not yet evolved the modern human mind. God gives Cain a sign for protection. We lose track of Cain, but he probally lived among the prehumans teaching them the ways of the future.

The six days of Genesis ,as the heavens and earth are created should be rephrased as taken six days to become aware of the world. An animal sniffing for food, does not take the time look at and comtemplate the world around him, unless he is looking for food or for preditors. His instinct are focused only on looking for what he is trained by nature to do. With symbolic Adam, evolving the stronger a human brain, he becomes a stranger in paradise. For example, separating the waters from the waters. Adam looks up and notices that the rain water is different that the water in the ocean. He never noticed that before. When plants appear, this symbolizes Adam noticing all the diversity of plants he never saw before. As a prehuman, he was only concerned with food plants but now he sees a wider variety of fauna.

In Genesis, it has the plants appearing before the sun. Ancient people were well aware of the importance of the sun to grow plants. This order was retained so people would not take things literally but symbolically. When the sun and moon appear (become conscious), Adam notices how they move across the sky and becomes aware of their use for telling time.

[YYYY]

Originally Posted by PetriFB

In first council of Nicea formed doctrine of trinity .........

In second council of Nicea was accepted honouring of images ....and then was set 22 canons...........

Bible is not rational book, but spiritual book .....and is the word of God ........

Hi Petri
As The Big Dog says

Please do not start with "the bible is the word of god"

This is a science forum and to make a statement like this is just going to make people walk away.

If you honestly believe that, then why is there any need to discuss ANYTHING that is in the bible?

It is the word of of god and that should be the end of it.

How can YOU or anyone debate what you believe to be THE WORD OF GOD?

It is ultimately pointless if that is your point of view.

[Pyrotex]

Hi Petri,
I was once a God-fearing Bible-thumper, and spent many an hour of my teens trying to rationalize the miracles, the creation, the virgin rapes, eternal life and all that. So, I really understand where you are coming from.

However, I also read other stuff. Science, philosophy, history, math, science fiction, Socrates, Plato.

I have to tell you this. If you step into this website armed only with "the Bible" it is going to be like showing up to a tank battle, against Abrams M1 tanks, and you armed with a dull pocket knife.

Those who have experienced education, knowledge and real logic cannot be persuaded by religious pulpit-logic. It appears that all you got is a "sermon". This may not be the most receptive audience around. Good luck.

[infamous]

Originally Posted by Pyrotex

Hi Petri,


I have to tell you this. If you step into this website armed only with "the Bible" it is going to be like showing up to a tank battle, against Abrams M1 tanks, and you armed with a dull pocket knife.

I must say Petri that, even though I'm a believer, I must agree with Pyro on this point. Pounding on the pulpit will gain you little favor amounst our membership. Religion can however, be discussed at this forum but it must be done so in the context of; What do we know for sure about the history, I emphasize know for sure, the philosophy, the social relevance, ect, ect. I am a born again Christian but I resist preaching at this forum, it won't be properly received. So if you can't attach some historical evidence or social implications, ect, ect, to your message, I fear you will only succeed in creating much grief for yourself.....................Friendly admonition.............Infy