For those who do not know, I am a Christian. Well, I call myself one. I am not the best at the lifestyle, but I do try to live it. One of the things a person who follows the faith does is read the Bible. Christians are supposed to also ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit to gain insight into the meaning of scriptures and how to actually apply them to one's life. The Bible does encourage participation. James 1:22-26, for example, gives clear guidance to do what the Bible says. Now, one must remember that the Bible has many parts to it that touch on things that we may want to clarify before doing.
One example of this is the scripture that talks about cutting off limbs to avoid sin. Matthew 5:29–30 is the scripture I am referring to. This is literal, meaning Jesus actually preached this. But it is also spiritual in nature as well. The sin of adultery was so serious in Jesus's view that he wanted people to understand its consequences, including going to hell. So he suggested that it would be better to have lost a foot, a hand, or an eye to be tossed into hell whole for the sin. Now, this is a grave and dangerous thing to do. Cutting a limb would lead to one's death. Never do this. Do not do it; you will die. Many people at the time Jesus walked the earth probably did this and probably ended up dead. While literal, this scripture is also meant to be read this way: Cut the thing that is causing you to sin away. Like porn or booze, cut that if you're walking to see it and do it. It is hard to do, but with some help from friends, family, and the Lord, you can. It just takes work. Lots of it. This scripture is hyperbole. It's meant to show how serious sin is, especially sin like messing with another man's wife.
Another well-known scripture is about an eye for an eye. What does this mean? Well, simply put, it is meant to say to use equal force. Exodus 21:24–25 speaks about this, and there is a footnote listed in the scripture linked. It was the law that equal force be applied, so if someone broke a bone, the punishment was that person's bone would be broken; if you killed them, then you lost your life. However, in the New Testament, Jesus flipped this; in Matthew 5:38–40, he openly suggests not to retaliate. In fact, he recommends we do the right thing, go the extra mile, and use the least amount of force possible; even offering to be kind and help them may stop the aggression. That said, there are limits. Certainly, if someone is really trying to do serious harm to you or even attempting to ruin you in other ways, you have every right to defend yourself by force if needed and the force of the law.
So why am I pointing this out? Well, simply put, people have some interesting opinions about the Bible, and while I respect them and their opinions, the record needs to be set straight here.
People think that the Bible is nothing more than a bunch of stories, aka fairy tales. Nothing could be more incorrect. The Bible was written by real people who were inspired and led by the Spirit and Jesus,
and who had interaction with God himself. I know some will say, Ha, have you? Yes, I have. There have been many instances of close calls and some near-death experiences that I have had. The most notable was shortly after birth. At 10 days old, I was operated on, and the issue of an extra valve in the heart that should not be there was due to the German measles my mother contracted during her pregnancy with me.
During the pre-op, I was given my name in case I died. There is an archived photo I have seen of this event. Though I would be hard-pressed to find it, it was reported in the media. The minister performing the ceremony lost the kit containing the communion chalice and other articles. It was brand new, never used except during that event. Also, at least 60 other children underwent the same procedure that year; none lived. God is real, just as is that other guy with the horns. And this is no joke. The Bible is no fairy tale, and it is to be read with care. If you do not understand something in it, ask a qualified Bible scholar for answers or your pastor or priest.
I know some skeptics are still going to read this and go, bah whatev. Ok, fair, but I just wanted to let you know that the Bible is a book, not just of stories, but one that can help you make good decisions and also comfort you when the going gets rough. Take a dive in and read with an open mind and heart. But don't be shy. If you do not get what the scripture is saying, I would do a go around the room thing to make sure you have a clear reading of what you have seen in the book.
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