The Christian bible is but one of many sources of enlightenment. But it is just that and that alone. Contrary to what many believe, it is not the word of God. Rather it is the writings of individuals over many centuries seeking to understand the cosmos and their place in it. The opinion that such revelation of God's purpose ceased in the first century anno domini and is to be found in a series of books shuffled about over a period of time is, to my mind, unsustainable.
We do not need to understand the bible as the product of a metaphysical entity in order to evaluate and appreciate, indeed act upon, ideas contained therein. Nor do we need blind, unquestioning adherence to the literal meaning of the words of scripture. To suggest there is one set of rules of behaviour that is God given, absolute, stamped with God's imprimatur is to display breath-taking arrogance.
I recommend 'What to believe - twelve brief lessons in radical theology.' by John D Caputo. It is a challenging book, full of ideas, but as might be expected no answers based on 'certainty'. We must not stop being curious about people and faith, about what motivates, triggers individuals to show love and kindness, not only on an individual basis, but in seeking to change policies that produce and perpetuate social injustice.
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