Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
I guess this isn't what you were looking for, but one of the most important passages in my "deconversion" is Exodus. Take it literally or figuratively, either way, it doesn't portray God in a good light. In the story of the exodus, from beginning to end, we see a God who is childish, petty, unjust, dishonest, and just plain mean. He sets everything up as an excuse to show how powerful He is, and to become famous! (Look it up -- that's what God said.) He punishes Egyptian families, repeatedly and brutally, because of what Pharaoh did. And Pharaoh would have (says the story!) said Yes, if God hadn't hardened his heart. The request was for a three day's journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices -- not to leave forever, which was the true intent: God told Moses to mislead.
IMO.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
I guess this isn't what you were looking for, but one of the most important passages in my "deconversion" is Exodus. Take it literally or figuratively, either way, it doesn't portray God in a good light. In the story of the exodus, from beginning to end, we see a God who is childish, petty, unjust, dishonest, and just plain mean. He sets everything up as an excuse to show how powerful He is, and to become famous! (Look it up -- that's what God said.) He punishes Egyptian families, repeatedly and brutally, because of what Pharaoh did. And Pharaoh would have (says the story!) said Yes, if God hadn't hardened his heart. The request was for a three day's journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices -- not to leave forever, which was the true intent: God told Moses to mislead.
IMO.
Brings to mind the scripture: the letter kills but the Spirit brings life.
I understand what you are saying, I just recently read this passage of scripture and it's not my favorite.
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All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. ~Tolkien
Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
I guess this isn't what you were looking for, but one of the most important passages in my "deconversion" is Exodus. Take it literally or figuratively, either way, it doesn't portray God in a good light. In the story of the exodus, from beginning to end, we see a God who is childish, petty, unjust, dishonest, and just plain mean. He sets everything up as an excuse to show how powerful He is, and to become famous! (Look it up -- that's what God said.) He punishes Egyptian families, repeatedly and brutally, because of what Pharaoh did. And Pharaoh would have (says the story!) said Yes, if God hadn't hardened his heart. The request was for a three day's journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices -- not to leave forever, which was the true intent: God told Moses to mislead.
IMO.
Well...think of it this way. Even when God softened his heart...didn't he come after them anyway?
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1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Matt
Well...think of it this way. Even when God softened his heart...didn't he come after them anyway?
I don't see any softening. I see the opposite, in Ex 14:4. "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. " And v 8. "And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand."
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
I don't see any softening. I see the opposite, in Ex 14:4. "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. " And v 8. "And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand."
Maybe I should actually read what we're talking about before trying to catch you in something...
__________________
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
I guess this isn't what you were looking for, but one of the most important passages in my "deconversion" is Exodus. Take it literally or figuratively, either way, it doesn't portray God in a good light. In the story of the exodus, from beginning to end, we see a God who is childish, petty, unjust, dishonest, and just plain mean. He sets everything up as an excuse to show how powerful He is, and to become famous! (Look it up -- that's what God said.) He punishes Egyptian families, repeatedly and brutally, because of what Pharaoh did. And Pharaoh would have (says the story!) said Yes, if God hadn't hardened his heart. The request was for a three day's journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices -- not to leave forever, which was the true intent: God told Moses to mislead.
IMO.
I still think you should read the book of Job again Timmy.
I do see what you're trying to say and the "irony" of so many things in scripture, like God hardening hearts, and creating evil, and so on...
And... Job had quite a few questions and objections himself. And he was justified no doubt in all his questions... But in the end, he realized, how can you fight against the one who created you? I mean, are you, yourself going to be able to change the mind of God with your questions?
Re: What Scripture Had The Most Profound Effect On
Quote:
Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord
I still think you should read the book of Job again Timmy.
I do see what you're trying to say and the "irony" of so many things in scripture, like God hardening hearts, and creating evil, and so on...
And... Job had quite a few questions and objections himself. And he was justified no doubt in all his questions... But in the end, he realized, how can you fight against the one who created you? I mean, are you, yourself going to be able to change the mind of God with your questions?
Just a thought...
OK, I will reread it, and get back to you. No off-the-cuff reactions, this time.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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