There are a number of subjects that are almost impossible to discuss without creating arguments, disagreements and maybe even fisticuffs. A lot of people are die-hard sports fans and can’t tolerate any criticism of their favorite team. Of course politics, especially the past few years, is a subject to stay away from if you want a civil conversation. Religion has always been a subject to disagree on. And it seems like the Bible is one book no one can agree about.
The Bible is the bestselling, most-read book in the world. But the religious world can’t even agree on one Bible. I’m pretty sure all Bibles have 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament, but there are additional books accepted in various religious sects. For example, the Protestant Bible has 66 books, the Catholic Bible has 73 books and the Orthodox Church doesn’t have a universally approved biblical canon — Orthodox Bibles can have between 79 and 86 books.
There are I don’t know how many “versions” of the Bible. There is a King James Version, a New King James Version, an American Standard Version, a New Revised Standard Version, a New American standard Bible, a New Living Translation Version, a New Century Version, the Holman Christian standard Bible — just to name a few.
One thing that seems to contribute to misunderstanding/disagreement about the Bible is that many Bible stories or verses are taken without context. Another thing that probably contributes to the problem is that the context for many of the parables occurred thousands of years ago and don’t necessarily translate very well to to the modern era. Of course that doesn’t stop people from trying to apply them in today’s world.
There’s no doubt that the Bible has some great advice for Christians or anyone trying to be their best self. Do not judge lest ye be judged yourself, love thy neighbor, may he who is without sin cast the first stone, and lots of other verses aren’t generally the ones that stir up the controversy. But the Bible is full of stories that seem to condone deplorable practices — even some that are prohibited in the 10 commandments. Here are a few that taken at face value, or our of context might make you say, “Whaaa?”
• (Exodus 21:20-21) And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.”
• (Leviticus 20:10) And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
• (Matthew 5:28) But I say unto you, that whosoever loocketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
• (Exodus 22:19) Whosoever leith with a beast shall surely be put to death.
I’m sure there are tons more verses in the Bible which seem to contradict modern values… but remember when the Bible was written.
Religion is a very personal thing — maybe it’s good that the Bible is open to so many interpretations. The problem, of course, is that your interpretation is your interpretation… not to be forced on someone else that interprets it differently. The majority of wars have been fought over “interpretation.”
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