MrMikeV wrote:
AFA interpretations... even the original written bible was an interpretation tainted by man. Since then all texts have been translated/interpreted to the point of being almost unrecognizeable...
This is a common misconception, about transcribing of original texts being substantially altered. This simply isn't true. Research the Dead Sea Scrolls, which among other things, proves that nothing substantial has been altered in hudreds and hundreds of years of transcribing older scrolls so they are not lost. Jewish tradition is exceedingly serious that holy texts are transcribed exactly as written. In addition to copying the texts, before burning the old scrolls, groups of scribes, counted each letter of the entire text, and also counted each letter of every line, to see that the same number of letters were identical on each line of every page of text. In this way, there was very little room for error. When there were errors, which of course is possible, even with this method, the errors were nominal and insubstantial and never changed the meaning of the texts.
That said, unlike many fundamentalists, I would agree that even though inspired, the messages were nevertheless, filtered through the minds and hearts of men, and could contain bias. Which is why I think it is important to accept scripture as holy, being inspired, but also to confirm important issues with other scriptures. The most essential teachings of the Bible are repeated often, across thousands of years, and by different prophets, and there should be no real confusion as to their message, and it's validity. But minor issues, when found in a single text or so, cannot be considered essential, realizing that God "inspires" alot of repetition, where important messages are concerned. I guess what I am saying, is that when the message of a single verse is not found in multiple locations, it is not worth building a religion around. Stick to the basics, and allow God to lead your heart.
MrMikeV wrote:
There is truth in all religion/religious writing/effort... ultimately, man reads and makes his own interpretation... compares this to the words on his heart, and does his best to do what he knows is right... but we all fall short.
I agree that truth is not unique to Christians or Jews or Muslims or any minor religions. God can inspire truth to anyone He so chooses. So too, can he extend salvation to members of ANY religion, including tribal people's that may not have access to written books like the Bible. Paul was clearly saved on the road to Damascas, and no member of any church preached to him, there was no New Testament to read from at the time, and salvation did not come in the form of a prayer for that matter. He recognized Christ's divinity, not even knowing who the personage was and knelt down in humility and said "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?".
Clearly, in the humility alone, and accepting the presence as his Lord, and his willingness to surrender his life and will over to that presence. That was enough. It occured, less in words, than in the reality of God's heart penetrating Paul's heart, and his submission to it. No text. No prayers. A spiritual, heart to heart conversion. Nothing more. Nothing less.
If Paul can be converted in such a way, so too, can anyone else, no matter their religious convictions at the time, no matter their culture, language or location.
Oh well, it's fun here at least, even if at times people go at each others throats.