First the Gulf Now China

JoeRedskin

^^ (Jumping into the firestorm): The Bible is beautiful literature and an inspired writing. It is also several parts recorded history, poetry and allegory. Sometimes all mixed in within a couple of Chapters or verses.

Although the passage read may have seemed to allude to the gulf crisis "word for word", out of context reading of the Bible can be used for any number of things. Don't have mine with me right now, but I could justify, rationalize or show as predictions any number of actions or world events.

Obviously, lots of passages can be read out of context and not lose their meaning. But even these gain greater meaning when you look at the surrounding verses, to whom the particular author was writing, the particular themes being addressed by the author, etc.

Passages pertaining to the world's end and the apocalypse have been read by many for centuries to justify fear mongering. The apocalyptic, end of the world stuff is some of the most controversial, oft-quoted, misunderstood stuff in the Bible. In my humble opinion, it's not something to be taken literally, but to be studied as an allegory for human behavior. Again, part poetry, part symbolism and prophecy in only the broadest definition of the word.

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My Little Pony: Friendship is magic? or ... a repressive matriarchal society where individuals' roles are defined by their immutable physical characteristics and governance is reserved for those who demonstrate the genetic purity of the pony master race?

JoeRedskin

Yup. Into the breach we go.

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My Little Pony: Friendship is magic? or ... a repressive matriarchal society where individuals' roles are defined by their immutable physical characteristics and governance is reserved for those who demonstrate the genetic purity of the pony master race?

CRedskinsRule

I believe the Bible. Not much reservations in that at all. Having said that, if a preacher is claiming to know a prophecy is being fulfilled, you better test his prophetic abilities, God was pretty clear on false prophets. Further, while these may/may not be signs of the end time a preacher who is claiming these are directly reflected in the Bible is one I would personally steer clear of. It is very similar to how Nostradamus can talk about a man pig flying, and people say he predicted jet flight. Not impossible, highly improbable.

firstdown

When he says the world is coming to an end does he then ask for a large donation and give you his address? LOL

Slingin Sammy 33

Don't sweat what the preacher is saying. I'm a practicing Catholic and I agree with Angry, JoeR, and CRR on this. To interpret the Bible there needs to be not only context of the passages, but one also has to consider historical context. Who was the writer speaking to and why. Often when this type of context is considered, it gives a totally different interpreation of scripture.

Anytime you hear folks preaching about "The end is near", I would suggest remembering Matthew 24-30:44, with particluar attention to verse 36: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

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...[If] an angel fairy came down and said, '[You can have anything]....you would like to own,' I wouldn't be surprised if you said a football club and particularly the Washington Redskins.'' — Jack Kent Cooke, 1996.