basically
https://youtu.be/VdtrZuWmo40

actually rather admirable. many holy books do contain many morals and aesops that can be used in positive ways overall in life regardless if one believes in a god or gods.

I'm an atheist who unironically believes in the value of the Bible and the story of Christ.

One thing I've learned is that there are really only two types of Christians: those who love and follow Jesus, and those who are in it for any other reason. People in that first group are easily some of the best people I've ever known.

Originally posted by salamander:

actually rather admirable. many holy books do contain many morals and aesops that can be used in positive ways overall in life regardless if one believes in a god or gods.

There's also a verse about people having pride in their accomplishments but to not judge others or make others feel lesser. I think this is an important value for society, nobody wants to work simple jobs because they don't want to be embarrassed by people who judge/laugh at them for it. It's not good for society to be like that. The smart people should be humble and acknowledge we're all in this together, not to laugh at who's poorer or boast about wealth.

There's lots of "good" bits in the Bible, but there's loads of Terribad stuff too.

Its not a book to follow, the 10 Commanments might be ok as a general guide but the Bible as a whole? No.

its contradictory and/or utterly mad in places.

Ne? I just follow my moral compass. far more reliable.

Originally posted by -OrLoK- Слава Україн:

Ne? I just follow my moral compass. far more reliable.

I agree. If man is the ultimate measure, then you can do much better than Cafeteria Christianity imo.

Very nice.

OTOH, if you want to learn to build your understanding, you probably started at the wrong end. Paul's letters are the top of the pyramid, they are written to disciples who already mastered the basics and beyond that require lot of context and knowledge of what was goning on at the time. Hence the ubiquitous misuse and abuse of quotes. (Yeah, some people are capable to find the wrath of god in the ephesians letter and dismiss the love.)

If you're interested in Christianity, then best place should be obviously igonre all the churches, all the add-ons and look exclusively what Jesus was teaching. For most of that Matthew is more than enough. And you can extend from there.

Also a good comminity helps with pastors who understand. I found pbc.org is full of great sermons, collected over decades.


a sample, connecting to your last post:
https://cdn.pbc.org/Main_Service/1994/12/03/4414.html

unfortunately it suffered several migrations so crosslinks are broken and some material is not accessible or well buried -- but there is a search engine from the front page that can be figured out once youahve an idea what you're looking for by author or topic.

Originally posted by -OrLoK- Слава Україн:

there's loads of Terribad stuff too.

Like what? Example?

Another misguided individual.
Read the prophetic texts and refrain from explaining your lack of faith to others, suggesting that it is not so serious to use explanations that violate the Ten Commandments of God or the deadly sins themselves. It is embarrassing, considering what we have been experiencing for the past ten years and what has been described and warned about in all the texts.

I'll give you a little tip. It applies to all religions.
1. Only one will remain, and that will be the cross and the Savior.
2. Those who have not truly and sincerely believed in the cross during the three days of darkness will be crushed. In other words...the abyss.
This includes false Christians, i.e., hypocrites.
3. The beast will give you all a number, and then at the latest you will know, or not know, what you are, whom you serve, and what you must do to end up at point 1. Number and mark are two different things and only mean “pay” or “damnation.”

You can learn everything else in the Revelation of John, the Lindelied of 1850, and Alois Irlamier as an example of one of humanity's most important seers. All you have to do is pray and ask God for knowledge.
However, those who point their middle finger toward heaven will likely be left with nothing but the abyss.
And don't worry...we all already have within us what we are. God has already decided before we even realize it. For each and every one of us.
That's why there are so many fools in these end times PART 1.

Have fun...or should I say good luck? No, it has nothing to do with luck. ^^

And remember. It is the cross that saves you and the Savior who hangs on it. Not symbols of the sun and trinkets.
Those who do not repent deserve only the second death in sin.

You only need to read 2.Thessalonians.
“The appearance of antichrists.”
To understand that these people all serve lies, just as they are and do, and what they will do that is even worse and worse.
Until the beast later forbids all belief in God and thus in Christ.


Don't let yourselves be driven mad!
First must come the one who exalts himself above all else, sits in the temple of God and claims to be God. The lawbreaker. The beast itself.

The time has not yet come.

QED. Whoever invokes Revelations is worth an auto-ban.

Looking to the Bible for morals, is the equivalent of eating at McDonald's hoping to lower your cholesterol.

Originally posted by Bassturd:

Looking to the Bible for morals, is the equivalent of eating at McDonald's hoping to lower your cholesterol.

This series may assist you in your understanding of morality and the teachings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kVD45BQ9_M&list=PLL4QMN9Ve3NYfbsYD4jegRG3d3zHZYSxx

I like Jesus a lot, and many aspects of many things particularly Physics. And I find the series funny too - God has a sense of humour, take the platypus as an example.

Happy for ya, OP. Ignore those flocking to speak against you. They do the will of the evil one, some knowingly, some unwittingly.

2 Peter 2:12
But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

John 15:18
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Not another religious discussion! There's 10 of them currently up now.

Originally posted by tom turnip head:

I'm an atheist who unironically believes in the value of the Bible and the story of Christ.

You have no clue what atheism or what the word "unironically" means. You cannot believe in god and be an atheist.