Cherrypicking the Bible

Kizzume · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:52 pm Post subject: Cherrypicking the Bible

There are some religions that like to cherrypick the bible. There are others that look at the old testament in a historical context and the new testament as the way to live. Then there are those that of course don't believe in the new testament at all but still cherrypick the old testament.

Where is the balance?

Kizzume · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:52 pm Post subject:

? Reply #1 on Oct 23, 2007, 1:37pm ?
I'm not really religious, so I don't really look at any of it as valid, but I just wonder--how can some religions call themselves "pure" when they omit so many things?

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

I think what it boils down to is, it is human nature to "cherrypick" everything, including the law. The reason why people hire lawyers is to do exactly that, in civil and federal courts. I think it is just human nature to see things in our best interest, and to find ways to make the laws we believe in work for our own agendas, etc.

Kizzume · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:52 pm Post subject:

Good point. Very good point. Smile

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

IT can also be seen with nutrition, which seems like one of the biggest cherrypicker subjects these days it seems. "Oh look, that hot chocolate has FLAVINOIDS IN IT! Lets buy it! Oooooh, that Capri-sun has 100% vitamin C added, let's get that for the kids!"

People see stupid little tidbits about nutrition on packaging without looking into the details of what they eat. Usually I think it is probably for the sake of convenience (so they don't feel guilty about eating certain things which will make them fat.) And sometimes I really think they just don't look into it, like with sugar water that has added vitamins which they turn around and give to their kids. Sure it is better than soda, but still, high fructose corn syrup is also playing its part in making kids fat and unhealthy.

Kizzume · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:53 pm Post subject:

Yes. Yes--yes.

Yes.

I agree.

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

lol

Hackfest · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 413

I have to agree with jq on this one. It would still be that way even if there were no religion. It's human nature. No matter how flawless something is, there will be those who cherry-pick.

Kizzume · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:54 pm Post subject:

Now that we have established that everybody cherrypicks, what I'm still wondering is:

How can religions call themselves "pure" when there are quite a few of them that omit so many things? I imagine that the people who believe in those kinds of things believe that they're not "omitting" them, they're putting them into the "correct" context, or are making those things "less important to the overall message of God". Again--this isn't pointing at anyone NOR is it declaring specific religions--I have judgments in my head about a wide spectrum of Bible-based beliefs and I would like to NOT have those judgments.

Hackfest · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 413

? Reply #9 on Nov 14, 2007, 2:42pm ?
Is "Hate the sin, love the sinner" cherry-picking the Bible?

Kizzume · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:55 pm Post subject:

Well, no. Especially now that I've learned that it isn't even IN the Bible. Smile

Actually, since having some of the other discussions, my previous question in the post just above the one I'm replying to now has been answered.