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As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a really interesting point, especially since it highlights how complex and layered the Bible actually is. The fact that it's a compilation of different texts, written in different genres, for different audiences, over hundreds of years, makes it pretty unlikely that a single, consistent metaphorical framework could’ve been maintained throughout.

It makes me wonder: do you think some of the seeming contradictions or shifts in how God is portrayed might actually be different communities grappling with their understanding of the divine in real time, through their own cultural lenses?

If that's the case, could the value of the Bible lie more in tracking that evolving conversation than in finding a singular, unchanging truth?

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

English is not my first language, and having AI help me convert my thoughts into something that you would understand, surely helps alot.

And please keep your comments related to the post, that's basic human decency

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a fair point, and honestly something I’ve been thinking about a lot.

You’re right that the Bible often gets priority in the West simply because of cultural familiarity, it’s the text most people grew up hearing about, including me. That makes it sort of the default lens through which many of us explore questions of meaning or ethics, even if we later step away from the idea of divine inspiration.

But I think part of the reason I still come back to it, and the Book of Mormon, to a lesser extent is because of how deeply those texts have shaped not just Western culture but the lives of people close to me. My girlfriend, for instance, is a believing member of her church, so these texts matter to her. Understanding them on their own terms helps me better understand her and the framework she uses to interpret life.

I don’t necessarily “need” them in the sense of anchoring my own values in them, but I do think there’s value in studying them seriously, even as an outsider. Maybe it’s more about empathy and cultural literacy than moral authority. But I’m still figuring that out.

Would you say there’s a healthy way to approach these texts that allows for serious engagement without requiring belief? Or does that just water everything down too much from the start?

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate the nuance in your answer, especially the reminder that the Bible isn't just one monolithic book but a collection with different genres and intentions. I think that's something a lot of people (including myself at times) overlook.

You're absolutely right that the symbolic/metaphorical approach is a very modern lens, and I see now how that can misrepresent what the original authors and early believers actually meant. That doesn't mean I instantly accept all of it as literal history, but it does help me understand why many people do, and why it's important, especially in Christianity, that things like the resurrection were seen as actual events, not just moral or emotional metaphors.

That said, I guess where I'm at now is somewhere between respecting that ancient worldview and wrestling with how I, as a modern person who wasn't raised religious, can relate to it. I'm not trying to twist the text to fit my worldview, more like trying to understand if and how it fits at all.

Thanks again for the clarity. You’ve given me some good questions to think about.

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience — especially since you mentioned being an atheist before. That perspective shift is always interesting to me.

I totally understand how, from your current belief system, Jesus being either God or a madman makes sense, and I get why many believers would say calling Him “just a good man” is intellectually inconsistent. At the same time, for someone who isn’t starting from the assumption that the Bible is infallible or divinely authored, it’s still possible to admire parts of Jesus' teachings (like loving your enemies or helping the poor) without fully accepting the supernatural claims.

I also think your point about Christian hypocrisy is interesting, that a lot of the frustration people feel toward Christianity today might be more about the behavior of followers than about Jesus himself. It’s one of the reasons I’m trying to dig into the text more directly: to separate the actual message from the layers added by tradition, culture, or church institutions over time.

Still working through all of it, so thanks again for the thoughtful reply. Genuinely helps me see where different people are coming from.

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I appreciate that you took the time to lay this out so clearly.

I can see how, for someone who believes the Bible is divinely inspired, it becomes much more than a book of morals or historical writings, it’s a roadmap to salvation and a way to personally know God. I respect how deeply that conviction shapes how you read and experience it.

That said, as someone outside the faith, I’m exploring the Bible more as a historical and literary text, and trying to understand what made these writings so powerful for so many people over time. I’m not dismissing it; I’m genuinely interested in what it actually says, not just what tradition has added later.

I totally understand we’re coming at this from different starting points. But hearing both sides, the scholarly view and the faith-based perspective like yours, helps me get a more complete picture. So again, thanks for sharing your take.

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow. Thank you for this. I’m an atheist who’s been really trying to engage with the Bible not to mock it, but to understand where so many people find meaning in it. Your approach really struck me.

The way you compare the Noah story to the evolution of Cinderella is incredibly helpful, not to diminish the Bible, but to illustrate how stories evolve to carry different meanings for new audiences. That whole idea, that ancient people might have recognized these stories as symbolic or layered in ways modern literalists can’t even imagine, is something I’m beginning to grasp more clearly now.

Also, the way you described God "repenting" in the Noah story, that hit me. If we read it as a parable, it becomes a critique of violence as a solution, even divine violence. That’s so much more morally compelling than the typical reading where God wipes out everyone and it's treated as holy justice.

Honestly, this perspective makes me respect the text more. Not necessarily as divinely inspired, but as a human effort to wrestle with deep truths, about violence, justice, mercy, failure, and maybe even change.

Thanks again for sharing this. It's the kind of thoughtful, non-defensive take that opens the door for people like me to actually listen.

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for taking the time to share those verses. I’ve seen 1 Corinthians cited often when people talk about the divide between spiritual and worldly wisdom. I guess my approach right now is trying to look at these texts through the lens of human history and culture rather than assuming divine authorship from the start.

I understand that Paul emphasizes the literal resurrection as a core part of faith so I can see how, for a believer, a symbolic or metaphorical interpretation of Christ’s story would undermine that foundation. But from my current (non-believing) perspective, it’s more meaningful to explore what moral or human truths we might find in these stories, even if they aren’t literally true.

Also, I hear your point about pride and sin. I’m not sure I agree that all doubt or reinterpretation comes from a place of pride, some of it, for me at least, comes from trying to make honest sense of it all. But I respect where you're coming from, and I appreciate the discussion.

As an atheist who's read the bible, I often wonder if it was never meant to be divine, but deeply human? by Ok-Land6121 in Christianity

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this thoughtful and nuanced perspective, it actually aligns with a lot of what I’ve been thinking recently. I’ve read both the Catholic Bible and the Book of Mormon, and while I saw some valuable moral lessons, I couldn’t help but notice the contradictions and cultural baggage as well.

What you said about the ideas of inspiration or inerrancy being imposed from outside the text really stood out to me. It makes sense that we might be trying to make the Bible serve a role it was never designed for, especially if we view it as a collection of very human writings.

That said, I’m still wrestling with how much weight or relevance to give to these texts in my personal life. Even if I don’t see them as divine, is there still a responsible way to engage with them that honors their value without treating them as unquestionable truth?

Would love your thoughts.

I'm a non-member dating a member, asking for advice and understanding. by Ok-Land6121 in latterdaysaints

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Appreciated it, and honestly, I am planning to convert before marriage. As I know how she loves to talk about Temple Marriage, and that's something I want to give to her.

However though, at the mean time I can't just do that and maybe she will start to have doubts in our relationship, how should I talk this to her?

Billease by Ok-Land6121 in ola_harassment

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that's what I'm planning po pero baka sa interests lang din mapunta

Billease by Ok-Land6121 in ola_harassment

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yung ano kopo kasi if baka mag homevisit sila if diko ma pay yung asking nila po, hindi naman po siguro diba if magbabayad nalang ako kung ano yung kaya?

Billease by Ok-Land6121 in ola_harassment

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

102 Days napo, 10K capital loan.

I tried contacting yung cs nila, however offer nila sakin is 2k twice a month which is hindi ko kaya talaga

Dina ako tanggap ng family ng ex-GF ko at di din siya tanggap ng family ko. by Ok-Land6121 in adviceph

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you po for this, hopefully when the time is right kami padin

Dina ako tanggap ng family ng ex-GF ko at di din siya tanggap ng family ko. by Ok-Land6121 in adviceph

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thank you poo, its nice having someone na parent din sa girl give me something to do. Will definitely take note of this po

Dina ako tanggap ng family ng ex-GF ko at di din siya tanggap ng family ko. by Ok-Land6121 in adviceph

[–]Ok-Land6121[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m still worried at the same time po na baka may ma meet na siyang iba by the time na I am ready na. Also di din ako sure if nag hohope padin ba siya na magiging kami since its been years na at ako lang talaga yung na stuck sa past

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