There is a difference between the literal translation of "the Word" and the true meaning of "the Word," and this is one area where those who take every passage from a holy book literally miss the forest for the trees.

The Old and New Testament are full of analogies, parables, and teachings which are not always obvious to everybody.  They are also full of contradictions and human situations (incest, deceit, etc.) which are meant more to be relevant to the human condition than to be taken literally.   Many times, the great leaders of Israel sinned, and had to seek forgiveness. 

It is a grave mistake to only understand the literal translation of a holy text without understanding the gestalt or "heart" of the matter.


Matthew

KarmaLars,

Thank you for making my point, precisely!    Much of the bible is filled with common, mundane conflicts and is clearly written by men - men and prophets who had to justify conquest and preservation to the masses.   Obviously,  the bible was written by man, but has teachings in it, that were inspired by God. 

As such, there is the general mosaic code (the ten commandments) and then specific and mundane codes and laws, including horrific rules regarding stonings, etc. which men created to live in a more savage time. 

So, no the bible is not literally the word of a separate anthropomorphic sky-God, but there is a code of conduct which many find to be of divine origin to be found in it; namely the golden rule, love of God and creation, and love of other people.

The bibles stand apart as a compliation of rich compelling human drama and stories, which taken as an entire text, help people evolve spiritually and treat each other better. 

Those fundamentalists, and people like yourself who point to a single part of the text written by men, and state (or imply) "see what a barbaric God you have" completely miss the point.


M