God isn’t the monster that we make Him out to be.
@ you are your own god.
revelation 7:9 mentions that there will be people from “every nation, tribe, people and language”. If we’re using our reason, that means that there will be people in heaven that have never seen or heard of a bible (or Jesus). Just because He does the saving doesn’t mean that you won’t make it because you’ve never heard the name “Jesus” or read a bible.
@ ev
It looks like you’re pissed. If theists are responsible for how you feel and have misrepresented God then I’m sorry. God isn’t the monster we tend to make him out to be. All He needs is a chance to show you.
The interesting thing about this post is that it doesn’t mention the evidence that explains WHY people believe in the bible. The New Testament in particular has 24,970+ available manuscripts. The Gallic Wars by Caesar in comparison has 10 available manuscripts.
I’ve noticed that the problem for a lot of people isn’t the bible, it’s God Himself. If you believe that God is a bastard then that shapes how you view content in the bible. If you believe that He loves you, that also shapes how you view content in the bible.
Now there’s quite a bit of evidence for the bible and it’s credibility. Still it’s not easy reading. There are parts that I don’t understand. I hang my feelings up and look for answers. If I’m angry, I stop reading for a while.
If you’re open to giving Him a chance, tell Him your pissed and you think he’s a monster. If you don’t understand His decisions and that you think He does a crappy job – try telling Him. Be open and let Him have it. If you make the choice to keep an open mind (even though you’re pissed) and give Him time you’ll start getting some answers.