But.... well... if anyone “understood the Bible” the same way we wouldn’t have so many variations of religions using the same books but different rules. No one has yet to come up with a single understanding of the Bible universally agreed to as “the right one,” and arguably- using that passage in that way shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the Bible- or at least that part. Cherry picking phrases or passages without context or knowledge of the history and interpretations and so on isn’t “understanding the Bible.” Knowing a few words or googling a passage that can serve as a sound bite isn’t close to “understanding the Bible” and it shows an inherent conceit to believe one person could casually skim a book...
... that many of the greatest minds in history have studied and intelligent people (religious and not) have dedicated lifetimes to studying and not been able to say “yup. I’ve got this down.”
I suppose sin wouldn’t concern an atheist at all, and may not be so heavy in the mind of any given agnostic- but even in a non religious context, pulling a snippet of something and misrepresenting its meaning is generally considered to be dirty pool at the least. Once upon a time it was also bad journalism- but most journalism is just mostly entertainment or propaganda now days so there’s one industry at least that it’s a “best practice.”
To believe in something doesn't mean you want to follow all it's rules.
I believe in God and I am a Sunday school teacher. But when the subject comes to being gay I tell them what I believe. I say the what God truly wants for you is love yourself, love God, and be loved. So if God wants nothing but love I feel all he cares is that you are happy.
There is somethings the bible does say that I won't do.
I don't murder *mumbles* anymore.
( o.0)
(0.o )
I don't drink to get drunk.
I don't eat animals you shouldn't.
*Mumbles* except pig.
I don't dance.
The list goes on. Just because you love and follow something doesn't mean you HAVE TO follow EVERY WORD. Think about it Monopoly says free parking is nothing but everyone gives the middle pot to those who land on it. It is in the rule book everyone knows the game and love it but don't follow that rule.
I believe in God and I am a Sunday school teacher. But when the subject comes to being gay I tell them what I believe. I say the what God truly wants for you is love yourself, love God, and be loved. So if God wants nothing but love I feel all he cares is that you are happy.
There is somethings the bible does say that I won't do.
I don't murder *mumbles* anymore.
( o.0)
(0.o )
I don't drink to get drunk.
I don't eat animals you shouldn't.
*Mumbles* except pig.
I don't dance.
The list goes on. Just because you love and follow something doesn't mean you HAVE TO follow EVERY WORD. Think about it Monopoly says free parking is nothing but everyone gives the middle pot to those who land on it. It is in the rule book everyone knows the game and love it but don't follow that rule.