GM,

I'm not the Bible reader that you are so bear with me. The Jesus whom I admire is the Jesus who sides with the poor and the outcasts. The Jesus who heals the leper and tends to the sick. Much of what I've read of the Sermon on the Mount resonates.  However, given that the gospels were written long after Jesus was crucified, to my mind, it's an enormous leap of faith (to say the least) to believe that they are an accurate depiction of his life and deeds. No disrespect, GM. I mean, I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning. Actually it was Bran Flakes and a banana, but you get my point.

As to my doubting the veracity of other parts of the Bible, well, evolution springs to the top of my list. I don't buy the Garden of Eden story. I think it's an allegory written by some very smart people in an attempt to provide a creation story that's jam packed with lessons the writers wanted told. The discoveries of the remains of early humans in various stages of development compel me to reject the biblical account of creation. Again, GM, no disrespect. The story of Noah's ark also comes to mind. To my mind, it's preposterous to think that all of Earth's creatures were represented on that vessel. After you peruse the skeptics annotated bible link that I cited, let me know your thoughts. In general, I put more credence in the opinions of the best and brightest of our species: our scientists.

I think it comes down to this, GM; if we really have God's blessing on the Bible as it is written, why did he let the writers put in so many contradictions that leave so many good and decent people with differing opinions? Differing opinions that have resulted in so many deaths, and so much misery. Why aren't things crystal clear? Why didn't he adhere to the credo "keep it simple, stupid" (no disrespect). I've written this before but I'll do it again, for one day, why doesn't he write in the sky for all earthlings to see what he wants from us? On that day, the blind will see to read it, the retarded will understand it, worshippers of different religions, agnostics, and atheists, will understand the error of their ways. That's what I'd do if I were the deity for a day. Ain't going to happen though, sure would make for a more peaceful Earth.

Regards,

Peter T.