How could a good God tell Abraham to sacrifice his own son? How could He tell the Israelites to massacre their enemies? Why does He say that He will punish children and grandchildren for their parents’ faults? This booklet answers these questions and more; but it goes beyond that into the whole question of the Bible’s authority and accuracy. For those many Christians who have never actually sat down and read it, it gives a first reading guide; and points out some of the interesting books which are too often neglected. |
From the Preface:
If you are over 21 years old, then you will probably have been offered at least two leaflets or booklets containing what they claim is the “correct” interpretation of scripture. What they turn out to be is just a parade of the author’s own beliefs, with no attempt to prove or justify them. This booklet is meant to be a helpful guide to understanding the Bible, so I have made sure that every statement in this booklet is backed up by fact, if possible. Inevitably my own beliefs and opinions are going to intrude, but I have tried to keep these to a minimum, and indicate clearly when something is known fact or just my view.
This book is aimed mainly at Catholics. If any non-Catholic reads and gains something from it, then that is a bonus. However, I must warn you, that if you believe that the Bible is literally true all the way through, or believe that it was dictated by God, then you will not be able to accept what I have said.
If you are over 21 years old, then you will probably have been offered at least two leaflets or booklets containing what they claim is the “correct” interpretation of scripture. What they turn out to be is just a parade of the author’s own beliefs, with no attempt to prove or justify them. This booklet is meant to be a helpful guide to understanding the Bible, so I have made sure that every statement in this booklet is backed up by fact, if possible. Inevitably my own beliefs and opinions are going to intrude, but I have tried to keep these to a minimum, and indicate clearly when something is known fact or just my view.
This book is aimed mainly at Catholics. If any non-Catholic reads and gains something from it, then that is a bonus. However, I must warn you, that if you believe that the Bible is literally true all the way through, or believe that it was dictated by God, then you will not be able to accept what I have said.
Table of contents
Chapter 1. A Brief History of the Bible
The Bible in English
Chapter 2. The Bible’s Authority
Chapter 3. The Bible’s Accuracy
Chapter 4. The Bible’s Moral Errors
Chapter 5. Interpreting Scripture
Chapter 6. Some Difficult Passages
The Red Sea crossing, Exodus 14
Adam’s rib, Genesis 2
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, Genesis 22
The Battle with Amalek, Exodus 17
Hatred in the Psalms
Zionism
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Mark 15:34
Christ’s prophesies The End. Mark 13
The Infancy Narratives
Chapter 7. Some Neglected Books
Ecclesiastes
The Book of Job
1 Maccabees
Deuteronomy
Appendix 1. A suggested first reading program
Appendix 2: The visit of Paul to Jerusalem, or you too can be a theologian.
Chapter 1. A Brief History of the Bible
The Bible in English
Chapter 2. The Bible’s Authority
Chapter 3. The Bible’s Accuracy
Chapter 4. The Bible’s Moral Errors
Chapter 5. Interpreting Scripture
Chapter 6. Some Difficult Passages
The Red Sea crossing, Exodus 14
Adam’s rib, Genesis 2
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, Genesis 22
The Battle with Amalek, Exodus 17
Hatred in the Psalms
Zionism
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Mark 15:34
Christ’s prophesies The End. Mark 13
The Infancy Narratives
Chapter 7. Some Neglected Books
Ecclesiastes
The Book of Job
1 Maccabees
Deuteronomy
Appendix 1. A suggested first reading program
Appendix 2: The visit of Paul to Jerusalem, or you too can be a theologian.
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40 pages A5. Price in U.K. £4.50. Post and packing £1.76.
To order The Bible - The Difficult Questions:
Send me an email and/or pay £6.26 through PayPal,
using my email address: [email protected].
Either way, remember to include your name and address.
Also it will help if you let me know how you heard of the book or webpage.
To order The Bible - The Difficult Questions:
Send me an email and/or pay £6.26 through PayPal,
using my email address: [email protected].
Either way, remember to include your name and address.
Also it will help if you let me know how you heard of the book or webpage.