KJV

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To me it is the quality of the language that makes the KJV worth reading.

Since I see scripture as allegorical, rather than historical, I am quite prepared to tolerate the vagaries of translation, because literalism has no place in reading scripture. Scripture is a guide from which one may take as much or as little as one needs.

We are all torn between the conflicting goals of our own self interest, and maintaining our place in a larger society. Sometimes all we need to remember is, "that which is hateful to you do not do to others." Sometimes we need more explanation. An inspiring story, written in beautifully crafted language can often serve that purpose.

And sometimes it's just nice to read beautiful language.

If it is language you are interested in read Tolkien's Silmarilion. It is a better creation myth and it is better written than the KJV which is filled with misspellings.

ruveyn

Whatever the quality of Tolkien's work the concept of not appreciating any work unless it hits a particular standard strikes me as elitist nonsense. I find delight in Shakespeare, Ogden Nash, Dr. Seuss and Dylan Thomas. Each has a contribution and my life is richer for each being read. To deny the experiences on some sort of comparative nonsense is grossly stupid.

Agreed.

" it is better written than the KJV which is filled with misspellings."

Oh, well - if THAT is your standard and understanding!

Why should I limit myself to only one? No author has a monopoly on beautiful language, and the reader should take pleasure in it whereever it is to be found.

Between the KJV, The Silmarilion, the works of Shakespeare and the myriad works of other authors and poets I will not choose one over another, but read and delight in them all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_7:14

It is rather interesting: all of Christianity depends upon the interpretration of Isaiah 7:14 as foretelling the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus. And, if you don't believe this interpretation, then you are doomed to everlasting torment in Hell. You might just as well believe that dinosaurs walked the earth for millions of years before humanity "evolved."

And to think that millions of people slaughtered each other in Europe over such trifles as transubstanciation versus consubstanciation. Such utter foolishness.

Here is some information on early English translations: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Mode ... anslations

"It is rather interesting: all of Christianity depends upon the interpretration of Isaiah 7:14 as foretelling the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus. And, if you don't believe this interpretation, then you are doomed to everlasting torment in Hell. You might just as well believe that dinosaurs walked the earth for millions of years before humanity "evolved."

It would be so nice if people would find out what is truly essential to Christianity before getting up on the high hobby horse.




And to think that millions of people slaughtered each other in Europe over such trifles as transubstanciation versus consubstanciation. Such utter foolishness.

Certainly. Like fighting over - what were the issues in the Civil War and WWII, exactly?

The basic tenet of Christianity is that Jesus' mother was a virgin. If one disbelieves this, then the entire religion unravels.

The civil war was utter foolishness. Defeating Hitler--well, that probably was a good idea.

Since a huge number of people are gullible enough to accept the virgin birth Christianity seems in no danger. Human gullibility has kept the priesthood and all the politicians well fed since the dawn of civilization so the only thing endangered is the survival of the species.

I'm not sure the Afro-American population would concur as to the value of the Civil War.

What about articifial insemination in cattle?, do you have to be gullible to belive in virgin cows becoming pregnant?

Those cows aren't virgins. They have been f*cked by a turkey baster.

ruveyn