World History according to the Bible

[R_P_A_S]

Now I'm not sure how ignorant I might sound but I've never really read more than a few pages from the Bible. But as I am interested in world history I understand that the Bible has some of this events right? are they even accurate?

Basically where else can I read about the history of that area , where Jesus was claimed to be from but with out the religious gospel. I'm after history and the people of that time and the events that took place.

[Janus]

The Biblical account of creation for example is regarded as mythology as well as the Patriachs such as Abraham and Jacob. The rest of the Old Testament seems to be fairly reliable with the exclusion of certain supernatural incidents that occured. As for the New Testament, there is controversy around the historicity of Jesus.

Although archaelogists and historians have confirmed some of the people, races, and events in the Bible the point is that it shouldn't be looked upon as an accurate historical piece but rather as a work of literature and theology.

[R_P_A_S]

Originally posted by Janus@Oct 15 2006, 02:11 AM
The Biblical account of creation for example is regarded as mythology as well as the Patriachs such as Abraham and Jacob. The rest of the Old Testament seems to be fairly reliable with the exclusion of certain supernatural incidents that occured. As for the New Testament, there is controversy around the historicity of Jesus.

Although archaelogists and historians have confirmed some of the people, races, and events in the Bible the point is that it shouldn't be looked upon as an accurate historical piece but rather as a work of literature and theology.

the reason I was talking about the history events and people in the bible is because I want to learn more about the roman empire and what they did to the people and all the places and just history behind it. dealing with the Jews and the Muslim. I've just realize how important israel is to everything even today! I would like to make sense out of all this. I dont know where to start. thats why I thought of the Bible

[RedAnarchist]

Islam wasn't around at the time that the Bible was made - basically, the main religions in the Middle East and Europe were indigenous religions such as those of the Greeks and Egyptians and Judaism.

[Rollo]

God used magic to put people on earth.
Got used magic to give them the ideas to make things such sa clothes and how to eat.

[RedAnarchist]

There is only belief in God because most people have been brought up with the assumption there is one, and people are too scared to question the existence of a diety. Its why some people don't want to question other forms of authority such as the police or government, because they think it's wrong. As more people become secular and irreligious, then we will see generations of people being brought up without the concept of a god, which will make it easier for them to question all authority.

[Rollo]

Originally posted by ThisAnarchistKillsNazis@Oct 15 2006, 11:13 PM
There is only belief in God because most people have been brought up with the assumption there is one, and people are too scared to question the existence of a diety. Its why some people don't want to question other forms of authority such as the police or government, because they think it's wrong. As more people become secular and irreligious, then we will see generations of people being brought up without the concept of a god, which will make it easier for them to question all authority.

I went out with a girl a while ago and I remember she said " I would be an Atheist but I'de be too scared of gods smite".

[Janus]

the reason I was talking about the history events and people in the bible is because I want to learn more about the roman empire and what they did to the people and all the places and just history behind it. dealing with the Jews and the Muslim. I've just realize how important israel is to everything even today! I would like to make sense out of all this. I dont know where to start. thats why I thought of the Bible

When the Bible is matched with other accounts of the Roman Empire at the time, it could be considered fairly reliable but I would recommend an actual historical book about the Romans' policies and actions in the Middle East rather than any theological book.

[R_P_A_S]

ok thanks for the advise. I'll look into that more!

AND by the way no one is talking about God!

[Cheung Mo]

The Bible is a history of a bunch of semi-nomadic lunatics who committed genocide in the land that they settled and then used the favour of a demented sky-god they invented as justification for their crimes against humanity. In other words, the Hebrews were among the first proto-fascists...

But to be fair, many ancient civilisations who were powerful enough to subjugate their neighbours did the same damn thing.

We just let the Hebrews get away with it because their myths form the basis of the mythology used by the European ruling class to control their subjects.

[phragit]

Originally posted by ThisAnarchistKillsNazis@Oct 15 2006, 01:01 PM
Islam wasn't around at the time that the Bible was made - basically, the main religions in the Middle East and Europe were indigenous religions such as those of the Greeks and Egyptians and Judaism.

In the middle east the persians still worshiped their fire god, at that time....not to say it's any less legitimate than christainity.

[which doctor]

The bible is a horrible piece of literature. Very boring. Very infactual (sic). You will also find it contradicts itself numerous times.

[Blue Collar Bohemian]

I am currently taking a class called Intro to Biblical Literature. Its a scholarly approach to the Bible and focuses on the actual text, the history behind the text and behind the authors of the text, and the different ways in which the text has been interpreted.

The class is fascinating and the professor is very knowledgeable.

If you have any specific questions R P A S, I'd be more than happy to aid you in anyway I can.