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Post by DaveJavu on Apr 20, 2024 23:12:50 GMT
Well, I suppose you could argue that it wasn't intended as a tool for the powerful (which I don't think I'd agree on) but that's what it's become and in the end, it's all that counts. Except that Christians who challenge the powerful have been inspired by the Bible to do so. Who are they? |
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thor
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Post by thor on Apr 21, 2024 11:46:53 GMT
The intent was (and is) to keep people in line. You could say that the 10 Commandments are a derivation (and not a large one) of the social mores of a tribe of desert nomads. All of them are aimed at keeping internal conflict down within the tribe. Have you read through the thread? Or are you commenting without context? Indeed I did/ And my (and Dave's) points remain unaddressed. |
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Post by Mercy for All on Apr 22, 2024 16:41:08 GMT
Have you read through the thread? Or are you commenting without context? Indeed I did/ And my (and Dave's) points remain unaddressed. Every point was addressed so far. The issue is not whether religion is used to coerce the masses (this is almost indisputable). The contention that the Bible is an effective tool to coerce the masses is an untenable position. I believe that has been sufficiently demonstrated. If the Bible was such an effective tool, then those in charge would not have restricted its access. |
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Post by Mercy for All on Apr 22, 2024 16:41:54 GMT
Except that Christians who challenge the powerful have been inspired by the Bible to do so. Who are they? You can start with the early church under Roman rule...then you could also look at Bible translators (which I've already mentioned). Christian anti-slavery protesters...there's a third example. |
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thor
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Post by thor on Apr 22, 2024 19:55:40 GMT
Indeed I did/ And my (and Dave's) points remain unaddressed. Every point was addressed so far. The issue is not whether religion is used to coerce the masses (this is almost indisputable). The contention that the Bible is an effective tool to coerce the masses is an untenable position. I believe that has been sufficiently demonstrated. If the Bible was such an effective tool, then those in charge would not have restricted its access.Yes and no. There is plenty of good stuff in the Bible. And plenty of bad stuff as well. I will also say that access was indeed restricted. Due to language (this would be mostly deliberate), and literacy issues. |
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