A Heathen’s Analysis of The Bible 1: Genesis 1.1
by The Bible is perhaps one of the most popular books ever to have been published. Reports suggest that more homes own a copy of the Christian text than The Da Vinci Code. Many people live their lives by its contents, but how does the text itself stand up to scrutiny?
If you walk into any library or bookstore, you will usually find a fairly clear divide. The tomes which reside upon their shelves will be split into two distinct categories – fiction, and non-fiction. Looking for a good romantic comedy? Over to the left. Looking for a motorcycle repair manual? Head on over to the right.
The categorisation of one book, the Bible, is a matter of intense debate between Christians, for whom it is their central religious text, and non-Christians, for whom it is simply a centuries old collection of fables. For those who identify themselves as Bible-believing Christians, both the New and Old Testament are regarded as the undiluted Word of God; spoken by God and written down in its perfect form by humans. As such, it should be regarded as an instruction manual for life; a reference book containing historically accurate, factual information. For non-believers, it is a hypocritical, error-riddled work of pure fantasy; a medieval Mills and Boons example of trash fiction.
It is not difficult to criticise the Bible, quoting verses which have fallen into the public domain, many easily mocked in more enlightened times. But how does the text as a whole stand up to analysis and critique? I intend to find out the hard way – by reading it cover to cover and documenting my journey. I have purchased a Bible (King James version) – from a charity store I may add, so that the funds may be well used – and will be looking at each page therein to determine, the Bible – fact or fiction? I will post all questions that are raised, and look forward to answers from believers and non-believers alike. The experiment is designed to be as interactive as possible, so please feel free to post any (on topic) comments below.
Genesis 1
1.1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
The earth and heaven, by which common consensus is that we’re talking the universe, rather than the place with clouds and harps, are created together. Current scientific estimates have the earth at about 4 1/2 billion years old, whilst the universe has been around for about 13 1/2 billion years. Is this an error, or is there another explanation? Would it to be fair to say that this is a mistake made due to the limited scientific understanding of the time; a mistake that what not have been made if this was dictated by God?
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Post CommentPetalm
On October 11, 2009 at 5:25 am
You make some good points. But religious people are going on “belief” which doesn’t involve having much proof. WHo knows what it means, but if it gets people to behave well, and follow a few simple ethical and moral rules in life then it’s a good thing!
fivegoldstars
On October 11, 2009 at 9:23 am
The article isn’t intended to sway anybody – it is simply a look at the Bible, and the information contained within. It fascinates me how Christians claim to live their lives by it, but in reality, they pick and choose small portions. I agree that the thread of morality, in the New Testament at least, could be seen as a good thing, but the inaccuracies, hypocrisy and downright silliness needs to be examined too. Atheists and non-believers are perfectly capable of leading good, moral lives, as were those who lived BC.
dawngordon
On October 11, 2009 at 10:58 am
I do not pick small portions, I believe the entire bible, other then when they stoned people to death and killed others that is..