Christians, what's with all the nonsense mixed up with gems in the bible?

Question

Why are there archaic laws, stories of rape and murder, and random, generally useless information interspersed with genuinely interesting and wise philosophy in the bible?

Someone should have edited out the really boring parts.

It's kind of hard to follow, if you know what I mean.

Answer 1

1) Christians, what's with all the nonsense mixed up with gems in the bible?

Nonsense?  What nonsense - and why do you name it so?

2) Why are there archaic laws,

Because they were the laws of an "archaic" people, and the bible, among other things, is a record of the archaic religious laws of that archaic people - a people, BTW, that still exist today.  The fact that such laws as "you will not steal" are as applicable today as in ancient times shows that hardly qualifies as nonsense.

3) Why are there...stories of rape and murder,

Because these are important events in the history of this people that were recorded.  Understand that God is important in the history of the Jews, and whenever a historical event occurs which leads to God taking a hand in the affairs of men, that event is very likely mentioned in the bible.

4) Why is there...random, generally useless information

The information is neither random nor useless, and (again) is part of the history of the Jews, a history that to a large extent is tied up with the history of God's interaction with humans.

5) Someone should have edited out the really boring parts.

Perhaps you should read the Reader's Digest condensed version.

6) It's kind of hard to follow, if you know what I mean.

This *can* be true - particularly if you are reading some archaic version like the King James, but also in passages where many similar names appear.  An understanding of the background - like a good, scholarly set of footnotes provided by a study bible - are helpful in these situations.

Jim, http://www.bible-reviews.com/

Answer 2

These stories are about the very people God is calling, sinners. Of all sorts. This is the point He is trying to get across. No matter how "bad" you are you can still come to Him. To know what "bad" is, you have to refer to that list of "archaic" laws. They aren't there for us to convict everyone else, they are there for us to convict ourselves with. When we take those laws and know we are in wrong, we repent and turn to God. That's the ongoing theme, ask and you will be forgiven. He said Himself that He is our savior. In the form of a poor carpenter/preacher is the way He provided it.

Answer 3

The Old Testament is the history of God's people. Unlike the history of most countries or people, God refused to let people sugar coat it to hide when the Jews did wrong or messed up in the eyes of God. Every bit of victory, defeat, accomplishment, and error is written in the Bible. Then it reflects on the Perfect will of God and how He wanted it to be done and if the things done by the people mirror or deflect on His will. Every bit of information intertwines with the whole picture in some way shape form or fashion, and carries a lesson to learn. It is the Great Book of Common Seance. You should never kill, steal or destroy or someone will try to get vengeance on you. Don't sleep around because you will spread diseases. Wash yourself every time you touch something nasty or filthy before you eat or anything so you stay clean and healthy. Retribution is not necessary but it your going to do it, only go so far as how far the prosecuted did to you or he can pay a sum to negate it, sometimes. Uncooked oysters, or not prepared right, will get you hideously sick. Their is a whole lot more. Read up on some Apologetics to help you out some more.

Answer 4

THey are all stories of Gods Glory, Justice, and love of the world. Unbelivers fail to look at the fact that BIBLE PROPHCY IS 100% ACCURATE.

Answer 5

There's no nonsense mixed in with the bible.

The stories god had included to show how he feels and judges Sin

Answer 6

yea i know what you mean, kinda lie the story of the bald man, where kids called him bald then bears killed the kids, or the story of the guys who wanted to gang rape another guy staying at an in, but the inkeeper gave them his daughter and a combine to rape instead, i feel its in there for a reason, im really glad its not edited

Answer 7

NO, I don't know what you mean.  

Answer 8

Because its the "I KNOW EVERYTHING MINDED PEOPLE" who put the bible into their own interpretations and add their own two sense about the world who go against god!! feel sorry for a lot of you kids today.

Answer 9

It all ties together if you pay attention to what you are reading. It's not nonsense. Ask God to show you why all these stories are significant. I pray you will find your answers soon.

Answer 10

God wanted to show his loving wrath by including stories of mass murder, rape, and butchering of babies.

Answer 11

Think I know your problem.  Don't read the bible sequentially.  Try with Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians first.