Bible gets a reality check

Anna Toronto — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:07:48 GMT

I will take the bibles word over any archeologist's theory. Keep in mind over a hundred years ago all archeologist claimed that the Hittite empire did not exist. Well, they proved themselves wrong so I will take the word of God over any Human any day!

Anna

Bible gets a reality check

RK Brown — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:10:11 GMT

Laudatory work! The whole purpose of ALL the Scriptures (Hebrew, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, etc.) is to foster thought, reverence and commitment.

Bible gets a reality check

John R, Boise, Idaho — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:11:44 GMT

Interesting article, and an intereesting field of study. The worship of Asherah throughout the Jews' history is well documented in the Bible and in non-Biblical texts. The presence and worship of foreign gods was the main reason given for destroying all the inhabitants when the Jews entered the promised land. They chose to disobey God (or not trust Him sufficiently to bring it off) and were thus religiously polluted in the ensuing generations.

I find it interesting how non-believers will hang their hat on one piece of evidence that appears to demonstrate that something did not occur or someone can't be proven to have existed, at the same time that some believers froth anytime a Biblical accoount is called into question.

It is important to remember that archaeologists make their liveing by creating epic stories about the past by studying very small pieces of information. Most archaeological theories undergo enormous change or outright abandonment over a period of time as new evidence and understandings come to bear, much like we see occurring with the theory of evolution in the biological sciences.

Integrity, patience, and tenacity are (or should be) the hallmarks of science; it would be a more pleasant world if the consumers of science had the same traits.

Bible gets a reality check

Roger Huaman, Kissimmee, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:14:50 GMT

I am 50 years old; never seen something more precise than the Bible. I went to Israel; everything is there according to the Bible. Just remember, people, during the last days (years) people will be deceived by others. No one has to tell me that Jesus Christ lives because my spiritual eyes seen him in each instant of my life.

Bible gets a reality check

Jim West, Petros TN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:19:50 GMT

It is extraordinarily annoying when news outlets like MSNBC and others interview folk like Shanks about biblical studies related matters when Shanks is neither an archaeologist nor a biblical scholar. He is a lawyer/ publisher. You would be better served, and so would your readers, if you took the time to interview people like Aren Maeir or Eric Cline or Philip Davies; persons actually engaged professionally in the fields under discussion.

Interviewing Shanks for this topic is like interviewing Bill Dever for a beauty contest.

Bible gets a reality check

A. Fletcher, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:23:59 GMT

It may prove to be an interesting program. I am struck by the fact that some people so desparately cling to the notion that the Bible is literally true that they become unbalanced about it. As far as I can tell, the Bible is a collection of stories that may or may not have an basis in factual evidence, but may provide object lessons nonetheless. Yet there are situations described in the Old Testament in particular that I would hope would never be the norm in our society. I'll probably watch the program.

Bible gets a reality check

Joe Strait — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:25:19 GMT

I love how Mr. Dever says, "Archaeology certainly doesn't prove literal readings of the Bible," he told me. "It calls them into question, and that's what bothers some people. Most people really think that archaeology is out there to prove the Bible. No archaeologist thinks so."

It is so very telling where the folks who participated in the making of this show are coming from. Ha, ha. I'm sure I won't waste my time on another bias presentation of discrediting something that really can't be honestly determined.

Whether David and Solomon or Joshua and Jericho, no one was there so they take their little fragments and inscriptions and make up a likely scenario to fit what they would like to say is a reasonable conclusion. What a joke! Why not stick your finger in the air and see which way the wind is blowing?

Bible gets a reality check

John Smith Memphis, TN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:27:24 GMT

Let those who have eyes,see; let those who have ears, listen.

I AM

Bible gets a reality check

Charlie Koch, San Diego, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:36:17 GMT

The path to truth is fueled by science. Some prefer faith to truth. That is their choice. My question is: where does faith and truth coincide?

Bible gets a reality check

Greg Furman, Barre, VT — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:36:30 GMT

Anything is accurate if you don't question it.

Bible gets a reality check

Becky, Port Huron, Michigan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:37:05 GMT

I am a devout Christian. I am also well educated. I find history and archeology to be fascinating. I think, however, it is the heighth of hubris for Christians to state that God has given us all the knowledge we need in the Bible. A God as infinite as I believe in could not possibly fit into such a small book. Why is it so hard to believe that it is simply one message meant to show us how to live? It does not have to be historically accurate-that's not it's main importance. For example, I happen to believe that the entire world was not covered by a great flood. More likely, a smaller geographical area was affected. In that context,I read the story of Noah: a man's relationship with God and God's relationship with man. I just don't get why Christians are so threatened by Science, archeology and history. One is science, subject to the proofs of scientific theory and one is faith, subject to one's understanding and relationship with the divine. I for one laud the archeologists who search for truth in helping us understand the people who wrote the Bible and their journey and understanding of God.

Bible gets a reality check

sherry Henry Bruce, MS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:40:54 GMT

I don't even think about proving the bible wrong. It can't be done.

Bible gets a reality check

Alan Boyle — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:41:29 GMT

Sorry you're annoyed, Jim. Sometimes it's tricky for me to get in touch with folks on the other side of the Atlantic, due to the West Coast time difference. But I'd love to check with these folks, and particularly with Eric Cline, whose book I loved:

http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/
archive/2007/07/11/266841.aspx

I'll see what I can do about getting in touch with these folks and reducing your annoyance. By the way, if I'm not mistaken, you can find out what Jim *really* thinks by visiting his blog:

http://jwest.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/
live-blogging-the-bibles-buried-secrets/

Bible gets a reality check

Jennifer NY, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:41:33 GMT

It is good for people to realize that maybe the Bible isn't true after all. I love science and research. I'd much rather trust modern scientists than those that wrote the Bible.

Bible gets a reality check

TJ, Shoreline, Wash. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:41:50 GMT

Everybody has a right to an opinion, even archaeologists. If you do not believe in the Living Word, then that's your decision. The Bible is one of the oldest literary works known to man. And it's historically accurate on many levels. I will continue to put more faith in that than the work of any human being, no matter how intelligent they may be.

Bible gets a reality check

Jack Cain, Fountain Valley, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:42:29 GMT

Good old PBS: they always seem to find new ways to discount and belittle the Scriptures. I agree that Congress should cut off their funding. If they wish to pick at and chip at and discount the Bible, they should stop feeding and funding at the public trough and seek help from the agnostics and atheists.

Bible gets a reality check

Steve S. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:42:50 GMT

Oh my, proof. That's right, proof. The bible is a fictitious story and it's about time people realize this. There is more proof that the bible is wrong than that it's right. Archaeologists dig up and find the truth, they have tangible proof. The bible treats readers to flights of fancy where bushes burn and snakes talk to people. No one has a right to take bits and pieces of the bible as truth and the rest as the old ways. Yet religion does that to the Nth degree. Everyone's preference of faith is right and all others are false gods. Tell me how that works. Are the Catholics right and Jews wrong? By the way all you people that get irked by my words, remember I have a right to voice my opinion.

Bible gets a reality check

Naomi :-), San Francisco, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:44:08 GMT

For all the folks claiming the Bible is all truth and for those claiming science will always reveal the absolute truth, I'd like to point out that in BOTH cases we imperfect humans are the ones responsible for the information being disseminated. As imperfect humans, we skew the info to fit our own beliefs in whatever direction they lay. The Church concocted the history that is supposed to exist in Israel and scientists misread information because of their desire to disprove religion. It'll be refreshing to (hopefully) see something with some balance to it.

Bible gets a reality check

Robert Yager — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:46:09 GMT

so what I want to know is what kind of dinosaur Jesus liked to ride.

Bible gets a reality check

Dennis — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:46:16 GMT

All the evidence in the world will not convince the religious minded to believe in reality.

Bible gets a reality check

William Becker — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:46:36 GMT

Almost every bit of the Bible was written hundreds of years after the alledged events and conversations found within. And you base your entire religious beliefs on this? Wake up people, it's a fairy tale, and has caused more misery, torture, and death than any other book in existence.

Bible gets a reality check

Richard, East Northport, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:48:56 GMT

Well, the dogmatic believers have weighed in; now let's have some objectivity, shall we? Much of what is called "Scripture" is muddled and self-contradictory. That's why I'm amazed when people say, "The Bible is all accurate." Which part? The part that says one thing or the part that says the opposite?
Californians just voted to restore government-sanctioned bigotry with Prop 8, based on one line in Leviticus. "It's the word of God," the bigots thunder. Then what about the part of the Old Testament that says that a disobedient son should be stoned to death, or that children may be sold into slavery by their parents? Isn't that also the "word of God?" Of course it isn't, and neither is Leviticus; the entire Bible is the word of MEN. There's no Supreme Being with a long white beard inscribing stone tablets with a fiery finger; there's just men, and how they chose to explain the unexplainable, and to oppress the stranger, with words that are deemed to be "Holy." Words aren't holy; only loving deeds are holy -- and if you practice hatred and bigotry based on your Faith, it's not holy or devout, no matter how many prophets you can quote.

Bible gets a reality check

Timothy, Lebanon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:49:09 GMT

I laugh at the feeble intellect of humanity. Its like watching a dog pour perfume on a pig.

Bible gets a reality check

H Chattaway, Ashby MA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:50:33 GMT

Once again the "Believers" are ignoring all of the other completely different religions/belief systems of the world. The complete indifference and intolerance to other belief systems on its face, makes the Christian belief system just one of thousands in the world, not the only one. Religion follows culture and the explorers that brought that culture to the New World. Does anyone really think that the Belief systems of Native Americans was just another form of Christianity? Christianity did not precede the New World Explorers. Let's just view religion as a characteristic of culture. The world would be a better place if this was realized. Religion has been used as a cover to kill more "godless savages" then any other reason yet invented.

Bible gets a reality check

Keith, Pennsylvania — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:51:02 GMT

I love how so-called Christians who haven't even seen the show are already here denying it :)

Keep up the good work, Anna and Roger. Comments like yours only serve to make you look like fanatics and drive people away from your religion.

Bible gets a reality check

Willfully NOT Ignorant — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:51:52 GMT

Typical of these fairy-talers... Bible is a tool for manipulation. God does not exist, never has, never will.. You cannot see "God" because there is none. Read a book and not one having to do with the Bible or any testament for that matter and you'll see how silly the argument for "God" really is.
Need help putting that saddle on a dinosaur? 'Cuz if you believe in the Bible then humans and dinos co-existed!

Bible gets a reality check

Richard, East Northport, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:52:02 GMT

Jack Cain: Sure, let's cut off funding for PBS because YOU don't like what they have to say about religion. So much for the First Amendment, eh? And while we're at it, let's take away the tax-exempt status of all churches -- including yours. Why should I have to pay more taxes to make up for the lost revenue from granting tax-exempt status to religions I don't follow?

Bible gets a reality check

Naomi :-), San Francisco, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:52:43 GMT

PS - PBS gets something like less than 20% of its funding from the federal government (see the Annual Report):

http://www.pbs.org/aboutpbs/content/
annualreport/2008/2008FullFinancialHighlights.pdf

- think of it as what pays for Sesame Street or Jim Lehrer or whatever you religious types find acceptable.

Bible gets a reality check

Chris Edmonton Alberta — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:56:17 GMT

"I will continue to put more faith in that than the work of any human being, no matter how intelligent they may be."

Sorry, dude, but in fact the bible was written by HUMAN BEINGS - many of them - over a period of about 100 years. The first new testament text was written at least 30 years after Jesus' supposed death. So historical accuracy goes right out the window right there.

Bible gets a reality check

Richard, East Northport, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:56:28 GMT

Naomi: You're partially right; science is based solely on that which can be proven, whereas religion is based on that which can be neither proven nor disproven, but which must be accepted on faith alone. As Bill Maher pointed out, if you were brought up to believe that the Brothers Grimm were the word of God and the Bible was a bunch of fairy tales, that's what you'd believe now.

Bible gets a reality check

ALAN TARRANT,WAVERLY, ONTARIO CANADA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:04:08 GMT

HEY PEOPLE I NEED TO SEE SOME THING THAT ALL PEOPLE WILL BELIEVE TODAY SO THAT WE CAN ALL HAVE THAT GOOD FEELING WE GET FROM A FEEL GOOD MOVIE TO ME THAT'S GOD AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE TOGETHER. IT'S JUST KNOWING THAT WE CAN LOVE EACH OTHER PERIOD....

Bible gets a reality check

John S, Milford, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:05:25 GMT

Im sorry but anyone who blindly believe without doubt the Bible is true, that god exist, and that they are going to heaven when they die is indulging in self deseption.

Just because you have been preched to from birth that the bible is true, does not make it so. Very large parts of it cannot be proven, others have been disproven, and very little from the bible is reguarded as fact in any well educated circle thats not influeneced by the church. Of course the church is going to claim its all true... religion is a multi billion dollar a year industry, and if you stop believeing, there is no cash flow.

Bible gets a reality check

Just A. Thought, Houston, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:05:57 GMT

I think it is arrogant of any finite human being to claim that they can prove or disprove what is written in God's Word through scientific evidence. As long as we continue to seek concrete evidence, we will find nothing except the eternal empty gulf of self. It is through faith that the Lord can speak to us if he so chooses. Only the Lord's Holy Spirit can speak to our hardened hearts. However, our heads often get in the way.

Bible gets a reality check

flea bag, crestview, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:09:07 GMT

I believe in the space man theory these days. I think people read too much into books and mis-interpid it. Then people go out and try to interpid their own version of the bible. Sooner or later the messages will be to far fetched to understand anymore.

Bible gets a reality check

Shannon, Colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:11:22 GMT

It really is interesting to me how a Book, that humans have tried to destroy for thousands of years is still the most widely sold book in the world. It has survived more than ANY other book in the world. We as humans cannot begin to fathom the true meaning of life and it's existance whether it be spiritualy based or based around something like the "big bang". I personally believe in God and believe the Bible is like an instruction manual for life. However, I can't prove it historically nor will I try. My life is based on faith, and that is all I need. However, faith is not always enough for others.

Bible gets a reality check

S, Colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:16:20 GMT

Oh yeah, if born again believers are wrong, they have lost nothing... if non believers are wrong.... they have lost everything, doomed to eternal suffering. Which would you rather be? And I will agree on one point...christians are NOT perfect, we are all tempted. The difference? Forgiveness....

Bible gets a reality check

MO, El Reno, OK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:16:27 GMT

Whenever this type of discussion starts, I always wonder "which" bible are they referring to? When I worked in a bookstore, the way a manager let you know that she was displeased with something that you did was to assign you to alphabetizing the section on bibles. Yes, plural, bibles. So, again I have to ask, which bible??

Bible gets a reality check

Victor P., Bangkok — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:17:21 GMT

All religions were orginally invented by the philosophers in the old days to keep human from killing each other like lower animals. But, now, with the shrinking world, human of all faiths are doing just that.

Time for something new?

Bible gets a reality check

Dave B, Okinawa, Japan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:17:52 GMT

What I have a hard time understanding is people who call themselves Christian's and then in the same breath say they don't believe what the Bible says is true. The Bible is the only book that has prophesied future events and has been historically 100% accurate. No other "prophet" can make than claim. I fully believe that if the Bible said the "whole Earth" was flooded, then the WHOLE EARTH was flooded. How hard can it be to believe something that was "God inspired" and written by man?

Bible gets a reality check

JDL, Dallas, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:18:16 GMT

What religion would you be if you were born into a remote island without civilization and never knew of words and writing and books? Never influenced by what people preach to you? Chew on that for a minute.

Anyway, history programs about that era are usually entertaining and well thought out. Hopefully this is a good show.

Bible gets a reality check

Jeffrey Klinger, Seattle, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:19:08 GMT

An excellent article and a show I would watch.
While I was raised in a Christian family, I've grown to understand the bible as a collection of stories that contain good philosophical lessons; not necessarily factual lessons.
Over the span of time, mankind has needed guidelines to live in harmony together and the bible provided those guidelines and still does for many. In the same token, those guidelines have been twisted to the use of cruel and manipulative people throughout history. Now we have our own democratic system to provide guidelines and provide for those who are unable to live within our societies boundaries. Thus, reinforcing and many times replacing the bibles doctrine. Do I believe in god? No. Do I believe in the basic philosophies of the bible? For the most part.

Bible gets a reality check

K. Jones — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:19:12 GMT

I think that what Becky wrote (Port Huron, MI) is one of the most honest and intelligent views I have ever read on this subject. Thank you for providing such a genuine and balanced insight!!

Bible gets a reality check

Just A. Thought, Houston, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:19:30 GMT

Well put Shannon. I agree wholeheartedly.

Bible gets a reality check

Thomas, Chandler OK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:19:40 GMT

ZzZzZz...Man has long known that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of elaborate fantasies based upon half truths and fantastical wishes for decades now. The real shock would be when those who cling to it's ever fraying teethers, let go and accept what they all know deep down.

Bible gets a reality check

Anna, — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:19:47 GMT

Whoa, Joe from Italy, You should preface your commit with: "My opinion is:". Because you simply can not prove your statement. Some of our greatest thinkers, inventors, scientists and statesmen were devout Christians who certainly believed in God. To believe in God, does not exclude believing in yourself.

Bible gets a reality check

JohnC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:20:03 GMT

< "Anybody who says that Abraham never existed has no archaeological proof for that," Shanks said. "That's a matter of faith.. >

Faith? Are you kidding?

How do we determine that anything at all really existed in the past without some form of documentation? Disregarding the Bible as documentation is laughable especially when it is compared against the other ancient writings that modern day scholars consider reliable. I guess the stigma will be that the Bible delves into sensitive moral areas of life which causes people to be uncomfortable. It also conflicts with modern scientific beliefs and God knows, we can't have that, can we?

I'll watch this program because it is always fun to see how they subtly undermine a document whose premise is truth while at the same time they claim they're objective. That's OK. Evidence usually shows up later that disputes this type of documentary. Research will continue because the Bible's impact on the world demands it.

Bible gets a reality check

Bri,Arkansas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:20:21 GMT

I believe the Bible 100%. Try and tell me there isn't something greater. How did u get here Wilfully NOT ignorant? The Big Bang Theory? Honestley i think u are ignorant. Who's to say we didn't co-exist with dinosaurs? They world wasn't covered in humans the day we were created. It takes time. . . I feel sorry for the people who don't belive in God http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuoGb-Nhfw

Bible gets a reality check

Mike, alo, mn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:22:10 GMT

Just because scientists don't have evidence from some of the bible doesn't mean it's not true. Some evidence is too old to be found.

Bible gets a reality check

Danica, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:22:11 GMT

No one really knows whether or not what the Bible is true. You believe what you believe. And if you REALLY do believe the Bible is the truth, why even watch the show? All it will do is upset you even more than you are for now reading the article. IF you really believe in what you believe, then you can't be swayed to not believe.

Give it a rest. Doesn't matter who you are, everyone has the right to voice their opinion. It is THEIR opinion, not yours. Don't judge...

Bible gets a reality check

Bernice Clarksville TN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:22:57 GMT

Other than the fact that they are saying they now have proof that King Solomon truly existed I can see nothing else that serves a purpose.

For it to be said that the Jews worshiped other gods including a "wife" means little to nothing if it is not in fact proven to be true. We all know that the Jews were unfaithful before, during and even after they left Egypt.

I for one do not appreciate the bible being subjected to false rulings, but I do understand that this has been and may continue, it neither serves to lessen my faith in God or his word just because a human says they have "proof" one way or the other I KNOW God is and that he has used humans throughout history to display himself, however humans use of God's word to replay history is ALWAYS questionable.

I strongly suggest that ALL be very careful with this especially those that doubt God's word for anything less than truth. We all must accept that there is so much that remain to be UNrevealed both past, present and future and until and unless God allows it to be revealed we will continue to have those in doubt, but that in no way lessen the truth of God or His word, it just mean you, we don't understand it.

GOD IS! IS ALL THAT MATTERS AND IF HE HAS NOT REVEALED THIS TRUTH TO YOU THEN YOU ARE NOT SEARCHING FOR HIM WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, THAT'S A FACT! THE TRUTH OF HIS EXISTANCE WILL NOT BE DENIED TO ANYONE THAT TRULY WANTS TO ACCEPT HIM,OTHERWISE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH AND DOUBT IN VAIN! THAT'S A FACT! YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER DEATH TO FIND THIS OUT! THAT'S A FACT!

GOD IS! AND HIS TRUTH ENDURES THROUGH ALL GENERATIONS!

Bible gets a reality check

trish, baltimore md — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:24:40 GMT

For God's sake you people:

The finger that points to the moon....is not THE MOON!

Bible gets a reality check

Cricket — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:24:47 GMT

Apparently the archeologists have never actually read the Bible. If they had they would not be confused about Ashera. Repeatedly, the Jews are reported as falling away from the worship of their God, worshipping what was convenient and pleasurable, i.e. sex and fertility, rather than truth and light. To interpret this to mean that at one time Goddess worship was part of Judaism and that Judaism involved the idea that God was understood as being "married" to Ashera, might make for sensational press, but is a silly minsinterpration of history that misses the whole point of the stories.

Bible gets a reality check

Thomas, Chandler OK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:25:34 GMT

Sherri from MS states- "I don't even think about proving the bible wrong. It can't be done."

Me from OK states- An emphasis on the "don't even think" should be noted.

Bible gets a reality check

BigBobbyK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:27:36 GMT

I'm curious how many people out there would still argue whether or not the sun revolves around the earth, as the bible states.

Who wrote the Bible? Men inspired by God. Last I checked Humans are fallible, We may have gotten a lot right, but ?everything?

Bible gets a reality check

Ken Presley, Rochester MN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:27:58 GMT

Jack Cain: "I agree that Congress should cut off their funding. If they wish to pick at and chip at and discount the Bible, they should stop feeding and funding at the public trough..."

What arrogance!! PBS does not stand for Personal Bible System! Why should your religion have the right to determine public programming? If you want to see your specific doctrine broadcast, watch one of your televangelist friends. There are many non-christians who happen to enjoy PBS programming. Just because it does not fit into your narrow theological mindset does not mean it should not be funded for the PUBLIC.

Bible gets a reality check

Al Burns — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:28:53 GMT

You know what The #1 factor in determining what god you worship/religion you belong to? -geography. Does that make sense? Think about it. I choose science, with it's flaws.

Bible gets a reality check

william — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:29:09 GMT

I'm pretty sure the major conflicts of the futurs won't be because of natural resources or ideology, but rather the underlying, ceturies old hatreds between the major religions of the world, particularly the two most violent ones based on the Old Testament, Christianity and Islam. God help us all.....

Bible gets a reality check

John M New York NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:30:00 GMT

The more I live in other cultures and other places where Christians do not live, I realize how flawed the stories of the bible are, yet how great the values are.

My belief in God is unwavering; however, God has given me the brains to realize that not one organized religion can possibly fully represent its awesome nature.

The bible represents values that were told in a manner that people at that period could understand. Our ability to adapt and understand through science, while maintaining ancient values, makes us unique. Bravo to the this program. It was only a few hundred years ago that people believed the sun moved around the earth and if you didn't agree, you were executed!

Bible gets a reality check

Cassie, Omaha, NE — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:30:40 GMT

If the bible is correct, is every other religion incorrect? There are greater religions than Christianity in the world. The bible is a guide to life. It has some good messages in it, but for it to be fact? Really?

Bible gets a reality check

Franz Guest — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:31:26 GMT

I think Kurt Vonnegutt said it best in a prologue of the book "Cats Cradle" . He writes something to the effect of : I once worked for an Episcopalian woman in Newport RI who claimed to understand the workings of God perfectly. I was asked to design a doghouse for her but when I showed her the design she became confused and stated that she could never understand how to read one of those things. I told her to perhaps have her husband or her minister explain it to her in a way that even she could understand. She promptly fired me. I shall never forget her. She believed that God liked people in sailboats better than people in motor boats. She was a fool and so am I and so is anyone that thinks they see what God is doing!

Bible gets a reality check

Wes, Kelso, Wa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:34:24 GMT

For everyone on here who has attacked God or scoffed at the bible I pity you. have you even studied the bible and archeology with an open mind? Dont get me wrong Im not going to go on some religious rant. But at least get your facts straight, if you have then I respect your opinion. But if not then I encourage you to do so without the trappings of modern, religious, fanaticism yelling at you to "repent", just look for yourself. I have grown up as a baptist and have done much of my own study and research into the history and archeology surrounding the bible and its cultures.
I myself have come to see many of the things that are taken litterally can be explained by science. All five points that are mentioned above are common knowledge to those who are familiar with the bible and have done research into it. But what many seem to forget is that history should always be viewed in context. The reasons for all the before mentioned points are explained in the stories told in the bible, you only have to view them in that light. It all makes sense to me and I am just a normal 24 yo with a blue collar job. Also, if God had chosen another civilization, like Egypt or Greece. Than there would have been a huge footprint left in our past. No one would question the things that would come from thier history and archeological finds. But that would also begin to remove FAITH from the equation. None of these things simplify the impotance of the miracles that happened. But is it a coincidence that whatever happened did so at those very moments? Hardly. Keep believing, keep researching, and keep an open mind about the world we live in. You never know what youll find out there.

So instead of calling it " Bible Gets A Reality Check ", call it " Christians Get A Reality Check ".

Bible gets a reality check

Greg Wingert Cookeville,Tenn. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:36:20 GMT

A wise man considers all teachings with the open heart of a child and the thirst for knowledge of others, so that this person can exist with others in harmony and not judge,but live in peace,(what a wonderful idea)I wonder who may have said this,oh I remember it was a jew named jesus,all he wanted was for people to be good to each other, and MAN has done exactly the opposite , the Bible is a book to teach a version of history,lessons for living and a few good rules to live by,so is the Quoran ,the teachings of Buddah and all other teachings of the faiths of the world. consider this if god (christian) is the only one we are all damned, and have done unpardonable sins in his eyes,learn some tolerance for others and your life will be much happier.

Bible gets a reality check

Stve D., Sarasota, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:36:44 GMT

Science deals with fact—the provable, the repeatable—the difficult intellectual stuff. While religion deals with myth, faith, and hope—the unprovable—the easy thoughtless comfort stuff. I'll take the provable any day over the antiquated and often changed convenient superstition. The whole story of exodus is a farce, believe me. I’ve traveled much of the Sinai and no large group of people (one half million?) for forty years dwelt there. Anyway, some ancient Jews lived near the Nile delta, they never worked on the pyramids (no skeletal remains) and no Pharaoh objected to their departure from Egypt. Some probably left Egypt, but they were most likely lead by a dissonant member of Pharaoh’s family. Believe what you want, but its all bunk devised to control the ignorant masses. As it was then, it continues today. It is all bull and has caused much more harm to human progress than good.

Bible gets a reality check

teddy hunt, broken bow , ne — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:37:25 GMT

from all these posts you can tell who has read the bible and who hasn't.
i followed this story over from one about "first scientific eveidence of family unity", graves dating to 4,600 b.c.?
so chinese history from 10,000 b.c. is baloney?
40,000 egytian tablets dating past 5,000 b.c. is not counted? all the research of even older civilizations in north africa is baloney?
some people here do have it right ,,not all scientists agree on anything,,, so that makes everything in science true?
and the media should never call lawyers or med students scientists because the got a grant to prove global warming or anything else they have no training in.
i teach my son to use logic. for instance you can't bash christians over the head for something that was horrible, then turn around and bash them cause it never happened.
never let anyone priest or lawyer, claim to read the bible then tell you its true or not true,,, read it for yourself.
ashera was not yehwah's wife , thats total nonsense, it doesnt say that anywhere in the bible, ,yehwah "god" was not human , did not have a wife and ordered all ashera poles destroyed because it was a child sacrificing cult.
and no christianity doesnt have a history of child sacrafice, it fought against it from the creation.
pretty much all other religions have some child sacrifice in their history. even though its not pc to talk about it.
muslims still sacrifice their children for the great allah. we call it suicide bombing. or homicide for having sex outside marriage.
christian history is easy ,,remove all the things the roman govenment "roman catholic church" did to mankind and you start to see the real christianity, love, forgiveness and compassion.
Oh the post about believe in yourself?, Hitler believed in himself , so did stalin, nero, and everyother self righteous mass murderer in history.
Finally the most important message in the bible,, if you dont believe in god, then you can't be him.

Bible gets a reality check

Colleen M. Coulthart, Oneida, NY 13421 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:39:01 GMT

Interesting article. I think it is really sad both the religiously minded and the scientifically minded have such low opinions of each other. Fortunately, we live in a country that allows differences of opinion. Listen to each other once in awhile. Stop being so afraid of someone else's ideas. If God exists, then what we think really doesn't matter. Knowledge is never bad and we should use our intelligence. Long live PBS!

Bible gets a reality check

Belle, Midwest — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:39:51 GMT

I grew up in the culture. I believe there is something - a spark - that gave us the skills to become what we are. I believe there is wisdom in the writings of the old people, but to take it as far as the fundamentals has likens them to Hitler.

Evolve people!

Bible gets a reality check

calvin, somewhere — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:40:21 GMT

ok this is a little strange look you people who say the bible is all right every bit of it is true think the Romans tried to interpret the bible and change their religion with it but they messed up a lot of stuff in it a few of the things we have settled like the part of them misinterpreting a word into unicorn a few of the things i believe we havent corrected is the parts that these people are correcting and maybe we'll finally be able to have the real bible that God told his people to write

Bible gets a reality check

skipperdog — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:41:51 GMT

There's a great on line (free of cost) course I am taking now from Yale. Go to Yale, then Academic programs, then Open University. There's a class in the Hebrew Bible (to Christians, the Old Testament). Very interesting stuff. It's not the stuff of Sunday (among the teacher's opening comments are that the Bible is not actually a religious text and it's certainly not appropriate for children...) school lessons but it's very well done.

Bible gets a reality check

Darla / ST Paul MN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:43:28 GMT

Believe in nothing you hear and only half of what you see.

Bible gets a reality check

Marcelle Slaughter — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:43:47 GMT

May God have Mercy on the NON-Believer!
I agree with Roger of Kissimmee, FL and John of Memphis, TN...There is FAR more evidence to support the historical/geographical/geological FACT of the Bible than it's supposed flaws. Why would not the religous, cultural and Divine reports be similarly accurate?
My question to the 'nay-sayers' is...What IF WE are wrong and YOU are right? If that is the case, we all just go back to dust and are no more...No loss, No gain!
IF WE are right and YOU are wrong...We spend eternity in a beautiful Heaven He promised to prepare for us...YOU on the other hand won't have it so good. Hell is real! May God Bless You All!

Bible gets a reality check

John Galt, Portland, OR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:44:15 GMT

Let me know how all of these historic truths coincide with a pope that orders murder, disavows science (the world is flat), but yet speaks directly to god. Tell me how many lives religion has saved vs how many have had to die in its name. Tell me how a child-molester gets a free ride to heaven, yet I don't. Go on, preach your vengeful god (hateful at that which he created? where's the sense in that?) rhetoric. Make me prove your ghost is real? Good trick you've made up.. about as good as islam's feeble attempt to take over the world through threat of god. They have a good model, it's just too bad it keeps their society so backwards they can't make scientific progress.

Bible gets a reality check

Steven, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:45:13 GMT

Faith is a wonderful thing. I believe that faith exist in each and everyone of us. No matter what we believe in, the bottom line is that we believe. That my friend is one great reason for our existence. Heck, we don't even have to love one another, nothing about faith require us to do so.

But faith drives us, it pushes us, it motivate us... One can deny that he or she does not have faith. I can show you otherwise. Why do you get up? Why do you act and react... you believe, you believe in others, you simply believe in you own ways.

Bible gets a reality check

William — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:45:39 GMT

Bri, in Arkansas... it's a FACT that the Earth is billions of years old, that dinosaurs died out millions of years before humans appeared, and the Bible was written by hundreds of different people over hundreds of years, and ALL of them were telling of things they did not see or hear themselves. What would not be allowed as evidence in a court of law is your basis for your belief in God. Why?

Bible gets a reality check

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:46:12 GMT

Christianity bloomed when the last Roman emperor(the first Pope)realized that monotheism was a far more efficient method of populace control than polytheism. The compilation of the bible soon followed along with the co-opting of bits of conqered peoples religions designed to help sell the new "universal" truth.
There is no God. Only us. Effectively alone in a universe that neither knows nor cares about our existence. All scared children make up stories and rationalizations when they find themselves alone in the dark.

Bible gets a reality check

Jim, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:47:06 GMT

I do not believe in any sort of supreme being, nor do I believe that the Bible is anything more than a collection of stories aimed at teaching ethical and social guidelines. That said, I have tried to live my life so that, if I died tomorrow, I would have no regrets for anything that I have done or for anything that I haven't done. Sounds high-minded, but four years ago I had a lung cancer scare, and thought that I was facing death. I found that I really did feel that way. I don't think you can get much more "spiritual" than that.

Bible gets a reality check

Sharon K. Freeport, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:47:10 GMT

Truth is a matter of perception. Fact is debatable. They say that history is written by the victors. This being the case, the Bible is one point of view that has been accepted as unwavering truth my millions for generations. But what about the other points of view?
Faith is a matter of heart, not mind. Science depends on intellect, not emotion. One need not undermine the other. The two can and must coexist in order for we as human beings to evolve.
What makes us different from non-humans? It is our ability to show compassion, to show empathy. This is not somethig that can be measured scientifically. Our capacity for evil can't be weightd and calculated. These aspects of humanity are what has been called the soul. Faith keeps one's soul nourished and supported. Science can sustain the mind and intellect, but faith heals and keeps the soul.
I lost my faith for a time. I was a Catholic, born and raised. A family crisis caused my faith to crumble. I found something else to hold on to - a new faith to follow. Whatever it is that I believe, I believe. My faith is stronger now than it ever was. I know that there is a purpose for tomorrow, and with luck, I'll find it.
Archaeologists have long been seen as barbaric for "invading" and "desecrating" the tombs of the deceased. Dissecting the history of mankind is part of what makes us human. We need to know more.
All this debate over science killing religion and religion condemning science is for naught.

My father taught me a very important lesson. "Daughter of mine," he said," remember this and remember this always. This that I give to you is a gift long sought after and not easily attained. I give you this gift of knowledge. This knowledge," he said, "is the meaning and purpose of life. The purpose in it all," he told me, "leave it better than you found it."

I give you this gift.
Use it wisely.

Bible gets a reality check

Luke, Indiana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:49:35 GMT

In my opinion, it's all in the way you look at the information. If you're hoping to see that God is true and that the evidence points to it, then that's what you'll see. If you're hoping that it'll totally disprove all religion through a single piece of evidence, then that's what you'll see. There's no forward in the Bible written by God himself saying, "This is all true read it word for word" or "These are a whole bunch of examples to help you live your life that never actually happened." It's open for interpretation on the meaning of this. Things obviously could have been lost in the original writing of the texts that fix contridictions the Bible or archaeology makes. Christians shouldn't let this program confirm or destroy their belief in God. That's taking the entire element of faith out of the equation that makes the Bible be able to stand the test of time. It's true that science will probably find some new finds that totally change the way we view history, whether it concerns religion or not. This will then replaced by something else by and so on and so forth. Christians have to believe what's in the texts because that doesn't change. Views of it might, but the actual text won't magically pop up with a new book explaining everything. Keep in mind that a lot of the "fairy tale" this is why this happens aspect has to deal with the times they were written in. Do you expect that God would explain the cell and all of it's organelles to people who had no idea about atoms? The Bible was written to encourage people of its time and God allowed it to play practical application to our lives today. Non-believers tend to take a single theory about something that happened in the Bible and focus all their energy on proving incorrect. Does that disprove the Bible? No, that disproves the theory made by a human that was never confirmed to be absolutely 100% true in the first palace. Hasn't that happened in Science also? I believe that everything in the Bible is true, but not EVERYTHING that's true is in the Bible. Once again, the book wasn't meant to disprove all of the scientific theories we have today. So why include irrelevant information to its first readers explaining every single question we might have about the way the world works? I think that non-believers and believers should stop trying to focus so intently on proving their faith or lack there of. With prove their is no faith, but with proof against, the stronger the faith in God must be. And if non-believers are so confident that their theories are 100% accurate, why try so hard to not allow other theories to be discussed? Wouldn't it develop theories that you have if you let ideas in that may have valuable information. To conclude, do not take this program as a "These are absolute facts" documentary that will damage your beliefs. Allow it to open yourself up to the different viewpoints that are present so that you can make the decision for yourself.

Bible gets a reality check

David, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:49:35 GMT

I can't for the life of me figure out why disbelievers (of which I am one) would be disheartened by research showing that parts of the bible come from actual historical events. Is that a shock to anyone? King Solomon being a real person says absolutely nothing about the existence of a God.

I'm sure there are parts of the bible that are grounded in historical events, but there's also more than enough science to prove that the bible is wrong about a lot of things (the whole of biology for starters).

Bible gets a reality check

Debbie, Los Angeles, California — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:49:55 GMT

I find it kind of funny how athiests will result to belittling Christians in order to make themselves feel better. I did not see one rude statement or comment made by them, & I think TJ is correct, that is your decision & if you want to discredit the Bible then go for it. but the fact that you feel the need to go out of your way to put down Christians who have their own beliefs amazes me. you all should be ashamed of yourselves...always getting angry at Christians for saying that God's way is the right way...well look at you! saying that the athiest way is the right way. you all just show how truly hypocritical you really are...stop putting Christians down for their lifestyles & start living your own; they did nothing wrong to you.

Bible gets a reality check

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:51:10 GMT

Nothing but speculation.

Bible gets a reality check

Agent of God, IL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:51:47 GMT

Pretty much every objection by non-believers I see here can be simply answered/refuted, as most are stawmen arguements, while others can be found if one actually reads the Bible. Search VenomFangX on YouTube. He has a wonderful series of videos explaining God, whilst disproving Atheism and Evolution.

"In the beginning, there was nothing. And nothing happened to the nothing. Until nothing exploded, and created everything. And so, the everything that was formerlly nothing magically re-arranged itself into complex systems that could support life, which magically formed into human beings, who believed in God." Hm.

"In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth..." Sounds a little more credible.

Argue against it all you want. I've given you a resource. Use it before your God-hating sensors go off, and you're blinded by the very idea there is a God. Think logically.

Bible gets a reality check

Mark, Portland, OR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:51:51 GMT

All I know is that believing the Bible and following it is a whole lot safer than not. If I'm right and the Bible is the truth, I'm going to be in a pretty good place for eternity, and the people who don't believe will get eternity to wonder why they didn't believe. If I'm wrong, we all end up dead anyway, so what did it cost me other than the effort to care for my fellow man and try to follow some very good teachings. I think believing is a whole lot better than the alternative.

Bible gets a reality check

e. Lambert — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:52:25 GMT

It is amazing how people can still be so fearful of actual truth. To actually think that everything in the bible is fact is rediculous, it was written and rewritten by men not some spirit. To think that these stories of the bible are anything but fairy tales is absurd, people need to come in out of the fog.

Bible gets a reality check

James B. Dickinson — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:53:37 GMT

You have already missed several important facts.1. The bible said that in the last days false siences would deny the scriptural accounts of many things that are so. 2. The old dispenation was until John the Baptist, from that time forward, Christ Himself said that everyone else is now in the Kingdom of heaven, evediently some do not like that idea, as they keep trying to disprove the whole scriptural accont. But the fact remains even these who are saying these things are indeed in the kingdom of heaven. 3. Now that everyone is in, St. Paul says we are divided into two groups. Everyone who is saved, has the spirit of Christ, everyone who does not have the spirit of Christ has the spirit of Satan, some more than others. St. Paul goes on to say, "he who is joind to Christ is one spirit", (and that Spirit is God the Holy Ghost)Icor.6-17 This is why, it is impossible to be in Christ and sin. Those who claim to get saved and continue to sin no nothing of salvation. They are like the 10 leepers that were healed by Christ, and one when he saw he was healed came back and praised the Christ with a loud voice. This is the mark of a person that recieves salvation, as well as a heald body. We are on one side or the other, and where you are when Jesus comes for His Bride will determine where you will be eternally.

Bible gets a reality check

Nance — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:54:40 GMT

For those of you who believe the Bible is 100% accurate, think again. Please read "Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why" by Bart D. Erhman, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at UNC. He has a BA from Wheaton College (a Christian school) and a MA and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary.
He shows how the written word of the ancient texts of the New Testament are not literal or untouched. Some of the original texts have disappeared. Some of the existing texts have multiple versions and offer different interpretations in different languages. Before printing presses, scribes had to create copies of the Bible. Some of these scribes copied incorrectly. Many of these scribes changed wording along the way according to their own political beliefs. If you know anything about transcription, language, and history you can see how obvious it is that the Bible is not literal and unchanged over time. It doesn't make everything in the Bible completely false but you just can't argue it's literal.

Bible gets a reality check

RC, Voorhees, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:55:38 GMT

I'm amazed at the penetrating analysis that says "If you say there's no proof Abraham existed, that's right". Umm, what about the fact that we have the Bible itself -- even if you believe it is simply a work of literature, it is a work that spans hundreds of years and Abraham is referred to in several of its books, with no reason to believe the descriptions are mythological. It amazes me that any other text that is found is considered a legitimate piece of the historical puzzle except for the Biblical text itself. Ever wonder why that is?

Bible gets a reality check

e. Lambert — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:57:03 GMT

Bible gets a reality check

Ryan Paul — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:57:37 GMT

I don't think there is anyone who believes that absolutely nothing in the bible actually happened. I am not sure who exactly this article is referring to as "disbelievers" but skeptics of the stories in the bible and in Christianity in general are skeptical because they are logical. Their skepticism is based on evidence to the contrary or lack of supporting evidence.
So in short, biblical skeptics (unlike believers) ALWAYS welcome evidence. It doesn't matter if the evidence supports their view or not. Skeptics have the luxury or changing their view to whatever best matches existing evidence. Even if it means becoming believers.

Bible gets a reality check

Moshe Handler, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:57:46 GMT

Scientists know everything! Only a few hundred years ago they swore the earth was flat. In the forties they figured out that over 40 body parts in the human body were left over from evolution but now useless. Parts included the adrenal gland and the prostrate.
Stomachs of rich people were even cut out to make sure they would never suffer from ulcers. They never did. They died first.
I'll choose bible and word of G-d every time please.

Bible gets a reality check

Neal K, Vancouver, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:57:51 GMT

Amen to what John R. in Boise says: The sorry truth as clearly stated in the Bible throughout Kings and Chronicles is that for the most part Israel DID NOT worship their god. So this "discovery" that they worshipped Asherah is news that is literally many thousands of years old. Sadly, most Israelites including people such as Solomon worshipped other gods even to sacrificing their own children to them. The very fact that the Bible doesn't white-wash this is evidence of its credibility at least as a historical document even for godless people. Pick up a Bible studying reference such as Halley's or Unger's or John MacArthur's where they cite the massive amounts of archaeological evidence that show the Bible IS historically highly accurate.

Bible gets a reality check

Dustin, St louis — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:58:37 GMT

It amazes me that people still take these books as literal truth and history with all that we know today.

-consciousness is the product of the brain
-humans first appeared in central Africa ~200,000 years ago
-disease is the product of anatomical and physiological defects that arise from a variety of causes

Bible gets a reality check

Anne Acker, Johnson City, TN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:58:38 GMT

There's an article in the current issue of Biblical Archeology Review that ably refutes the argument that the Israelites were just another group of Canaanites. Among other evidence is that fact that Hebrew does not match up linguistically with the languages of Canaan. As for the notion that Asherah was Yahweh's wife, that doesn't disprove anything in Scripture since the Old Testament prophetic books are full of denunciations of pagan worship and the mingling of pagan practices with Yahweh worship at the Jerusalem temple.

Based on the information in this article, there is no reason for a Bible believer to be appalled or upset by the arguments. Let's just hope they read the evidence more accurately than they read the Bible!

Bible gets a reality check

Franz Guest — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:59:42 GMT

The sad truth is that most ministers and preists are well aware that the bible as it is now known was subjected to an orgy of editing at the First Council of Nicaea which was held in Nicaea in Bithynia (present-day İznik in Turkey), convoked by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 325 AD, was the first Ecumenical council[1] of the Christian Church but somehow they keep forgetting to tell their respective flocks all the things they are well aware of. Now why do you suppose that is?
Literally hundreds of books were thrown out of what is now known as the New and Old Testaments because they did not follow the storyline that was favored by consensus of the day.
Basically what this comes down to is control of the populace by lies of ommission (my opinion) based on dogma that is highly suspect given the nature of the conversion and subsequent hijacking of the Early Christian Church by Paul. These facts cannot be ignored and history has played out some very horrible scenarios which exist unto this very day.
Just IMAGINE .......there's no country ...it isn't hard to do ...nothing to kill or die for ..and no religion to......

Bible gets a reality check

Julie Spring Hill, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:59:42 GMT

The only thing annoying about all of this is how people keep talking about PBS having govt funding cut. We're not a "Christian" nation. We have a seperation between church and state. So, why cant a film discuss varying points of view????
UGH! When will the facism end?

Bible gets a reality check

Abe Finch — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:59:49 GMT

Archeology is a dirty science, with almost zero regulatory oversight.

Forgeries, stolen artifacts and site contamination not only happen, but is business as usual.

Researchers will do whatever it takes to protect their life's work, funding and monopolies over data and publication.

From the forgery of Piltdown man, the tampering of Homo floresiensis and the stronghold over the Dead Sea Scrolls, archeology is a very shady business.

Don't think so? Google ANY artifact or site.
Archeology is synonymous with scandal.

Bible gets a reality check

Sue WeaverHaskell, Colorado Springs, CO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:00:46 GMT

Whoa~there is a spiritual element to human existence, in my opinon. There is a connection to the universal stream of creation available to us all. I do think the Bible (King James version is the one I'm most familiar with) isn't all wrong-at least not the parts that offer common sense advice; but otherwise, the book, I believe was not so inspired by "God" the Almighty so much as it was written over time to suit the authors/religious leaders of the day who were intent on influencing beliefs of their time. There are so many holes and contradictions contained between its covers, anyone with any objectivity while studying the Bible, would naturally wonder how can the Bible can contradict itself? It does-if you're paying attention and this ought to raise a red flag. I'm not saying there aren't some good and important parts to the Bible-but some parts are simply in opposition to other passages. Take that fact and then couple it with individual interpetation, revise and rewrite the Word until no one really knows what the truth is and you've got the ingredients for confusion and fierce disagreements over the Bible and it's validity. Science is intended to lend credibility to claim or at the very least raise doubt about preconceived notions-lay to rest wrong thinking and raise the level of our understanding about our world-it's past, present and future. Religion, on the whole asks that you believe based on faith with little to no evidence other than to gauge for yourselves how you feel about the "story" as presented to you and interpeted by you. It needs no further examination beyond your acceptance--but faith, while noble and strong in its own right, does not prove anything. I have always believed in God or the supreme creator-I have been in the presence of "angels" (for lack of a better term) and I have seen the unexplainable and yet, I say there is more to knowledge about our world than what is written in the Bible(s). It should not be taken literally and it should not be your only source for knowledge/understanding and conclusions. Keep an open mind and an open heart.

Bible gets a reality check

Patti, Ephrata, PA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:01:06 GMT

The whole earth? Back then, they had no idea there was even an earth. It flooded as far as they "knew". Goodness, don't we get edgy when the Bible is researched? Good thing God's Grace is there for all. Oh yeah, one more thing - I don't believe there is a hell - a God that loves unconditionally would not send any of us there. Jesus came here to show us we live after we die on the earth plane. He did a right good job of it too!

Bible gets a reality check

Robert, Bloomington, Indiana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:02:27 GMT

I'm not sure I understand why some people feel it necessary to choose "science" or "religion" as if they were somehow exclusive of one another. Science is not a belief system, it is a method of discovering facts about the world we live in. Religions are a set of doctrine that one accepts on faith.

Archaeologists and other scientists are, generally speaking, not out to "disprove the bible." That doesn't really enter into it. When we ask a question about history to an archaeologist, they will go to the evidence. If the evidence supports biblical claims, that is ok. If they don't, that also works!

Sometimes, the evidence doesn't give a clear picture of what is going on. This is true in all sciences, from physics, to astronomy to archaeology. When this happens, different people will interpret the evidence in different ways, and so there are competing theories proposed. Maybe one is right, and maybe none of them are. The only way to determine this is to examine the evidence and to seek out new evidence.

None of this has anything to do with god or religion or your faith, whether you believe in The One True God or the Great Cosmic Chickenhood. Faith requires no evidence, and Scientists are not interested in proving or disproving something for which reliable evidence cannot be gathered. The bible cannot provide evidence for itself, think of how silly that would be! The textual evidence the bible provides has to be corroborated with other evidence in order to gain scientific credence. Would you believe someones story because, hey, they said it and because it was said it therefore must be true? Probably not!

Bible gets a reality check

Lauren S, Seattle, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:03:26 GMT

I believe that the Bible is both historically accurate, and a collection of stories that give us a pattern and a lesson for living our lives well and according to God's standards. This is not something that a skeptic will ever understand, nor will I ever try to argue it with one. It is like casting pearls before swine, as Someone once said. So, to each his own and we'll see how it all comes out in the end. I feel secure facing my death with my faith. Can you say the same?

Bible gets a reality check

Peter W. Koch, Melbourne, Florida — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:03:52 GMT

Always remember that the bible is simply a collection of stories that served the purpose of the existing Christian church. Much of the available material was ignored or deleted from earlier texts. The entire gnostic literature was totally ignored. A French priest was given the task around 1100 AD to formulate the bible as we know it today with but one purpose. That was to suport the teaching of the church. Therefore, true or not, it is little more than a propaganda tool for the Christian church and has remained so to this day.

Bible gets a reality check

F. Roy Dean Schlippe, Quincy, MA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:03:57 GMT

I must comment on the fact that science usually can disprove things like matters of faith, although theism can't be proved at all, and atheism isn't exactly provable. The Bible can't be proved, regardless of evidence that no one has seemed to have actually looked at. Science hasn't exactly proved it wrong, though. In this case, I'm going to go in favor of science.

Bible gets a reality check

Aaron, Moscow Idaho — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:04:12 GMT

Why don't all of you jesus freaks learn to open your eyes? Why don't all of you non-beleivers open your eyes? Both sides are worng to an extent and both are right to an extent. The bible is extremely ficticious, but there may be stories that the ficticious stories are based on....or not. It really doesn't matter. Funding for these shows is necesary to open eyes. SO OPEN THEM YOU IDIOTS!!!!!!!

Bible gets a reality check

Jillian Dooley, Utah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:04:13 GMT

I don't know how someone could straight out beleive what's in the bible, a book passed around and altered so many times.

It's just like any other myth or story.

Bible gets a reality check

William Lopez, Riverside, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:04:35 GMT

Here we are discussing (alledged) facts which occurred ca.8 to 10,000 years ago. For centuries, learned people taught us that Columbus discovered America in 1492. Now we have historical proof that Columbus never landed in North America... in fact, the Vikings had a colony in Nova Scotia ca. 1002.

Archeology is in the business of providing proofs for what has been alledged by many for a great number of years. Archeology is not in the business of proving your incorrect beliefs are fact.

Bible gets a reality check

P. Snackenburg — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:05:11 GMT

God doesn't believe in atheism.

Bible gets a reality check

M.Hunt, Littleton Co — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:05:35 GMT

Anna,
The Bible was written by and interpreted by man. Everytime your read the Bible you take the word of a human over God. We will only know the true word of God once we stand before him. Until then all we have is an interpretation.

Bible gets a reality check

Jillian Dooley, Utah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:06:32 GMT

Richard, East Northport, NY < I agree with and support this statement to the max.

Bible gets a reality check

Eric Drexil Holland,Moulton,AL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:06:58 GMT

You have never disproved a single bible fact:History,Science,Geography, etc. You never will. If it is(and it is),God's word.

Bible gets a reality check

P Smith — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:09:49 GMT

why attack PBS? it is for education and enjoyment and enrichment of all the arts. Congress has enough to do in the comming months or years to worry over the leaning of one side opposed to the other. for me i would rather the Congress stabilize the economy and provide health care for the millions that cannot afford it and fall thru the cracks of the government established program. After all a sick child could be an Abraham or Issac or David or Solomon what if they had died? Lets not get picky over my bible is better than your bible LIVING WORD OR NOT? I am just saying if PBS strikes a search for the truth isnt that what it is SUPPOSED to do?

Bible gets a reality check

Andrew, Phila, Pa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:11:56 GMT

The internet is god. Lets watch that whisper down the lane for the next three thousand years and see what happens.

Bible gets a reality check

F. Roy Dean Schlippe, Quincy, Mass. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:12:13 GMT

Bible gets a reality check

Sharon Heighs — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:12:48 GMT

I do not see the argument here. Religous people say it is wrong to question the Bible, and then use a discovery that supports information in the Bible.

Those that do not hold to the Bible use it as a reference on discovery's they have found.

I would think if the churches and Right Wing advocates beleive every word in "their" good book they should fund the archaeologists and welcome the information presented as testimony to their faith. After all, if enough is dug up would it not stand to reason that God will make the truth know?

Or, perhaps, and I say this as only an "if", perhaps if they listed all the language changes the Bible has gone through they would understand that the "word" may not have been exactly His word.

Bible gets a reality check

George Hartwell, Ione and Paradise, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:13:45 GMT

"god is not Great, how religion poisons everything," is the title of a book by Christopher Hitchens. Read it. You may be persuaded to realize that: "religion poisons everything." You'll still have to deal with your own cerebral suffering over whether there's a god, or not.

Bible gets a reality check

John, Col. Mississippi — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:14:50 GMT

Well... For the one's out there that don't believe... I feel you have a rude awakening coming... When you look up from hell you will know the honest truth then.... But it's going to be too late....

And something else that comes to mind... If you don't believe in God just because you haven't seen him.... (That breath of air you just took, that keeps you alive, it really isn't there because you can't see it then right) Wrong... That is how God is.. You can't see Him but, you can feel and see His effects... Just like the wind...

About this article... People have tried to deny God and Christ for ever and they will until the end of the world. Its either for him or against him... It is a person's own opinion so they can write what they want to write.

Bible gets a reality check

Steven Hansen, Saltlake City — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:16:13 GMT

Are the cave man and the dinosaurs in the Bible. And why is it that asia, a with billions of non believers could be wrong? But we are right. The way the middle east so destructive, How could the book of all books come from such a place. I don't believe our maker has come yet. We have evolved from him already.

Bible gets a reality check

Gawd Dam, Biblethump, Alabama — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:17:36 GMT

There is NO fact that can dissuade me from the TRUTH!!

Bible gets a reality check

Scott, AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:17:59 GMT

There sure are a lot of Bible-thumping God-kooks in here. Read a science book, people. Earn some real knowledge.

Bible gets a reality check

James S., Long Beach, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:18:17 GMT

It just dawned on me the irony of how much religous fanatics have in common with cryptozoolgists--pseudo-scientists who spend their entire careers searching for Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, et al. Both groups falter under the assumption that just because you can't see something doesn't mean it doesn't exist, despite the insurmountable evidence to the contrary. It's faulty logic, you see? And we all know what happens when you try to apply logic to organized religion: oil and water, my friends; oil and water. Faith is a wonderful thing to have, but not when it begins to control your life and you use it to try to control the lives of others.

Bible gets a reality check

Tom Palmer — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:18:44 GMT

This is why Buddha stated "all I have taught is suffering and the end of suffering", he didn't get into all of this chaos. He also taught that everything is to be contemplated and experienced prior to accepting it, ie take nothing on faith alone. Quite a bit different than what I am reading here.

Bible gets a reality check

James Winter — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:19:17 GMT

The concept that the people who followed Moses were Jews is amazing to me. Even the Archaeological scholars seem to believe that myth. Jews were the descendants of Judah, or of the house of Judah, a portion of the Israelite nation. Moses wasn't a Jew, he was a Levite. Father Jacob (known as Israel) was not a Jew, neither was his father Isaac, or his father Abraham. The Jewish culture have adopted these Biblical figures as Jewish out of an extraordinary sense of ego. It's as if modern Israel claimed parts of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt on the premise it once belonged to their ancestors. Oh, they've tried that haven't they.

Bible gets a reality check

Angel, Marlton, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:20:48 GMT

"The entire Bible is the word of MEN. There's no Supreme Being with a long white beard inscribing stone tablets with a fiery finger; there's just men, and how they chose to explain the unexplainable" Richard, East Northport, NY

I totally agree with you on that one, Richard. I believe that the Bible is just a book of stories written by men in times when there were no scientific answers to explain the unexplainable.

Science is the effort to discover, Archeology is science that studies human cultures through the recovery, documentation, analysis, and interpretation of material remains and environmental data. Whether or not some of the stories of the Bible can be proven as fact should not be the question. As long as there are people out there looking for the truth, it will eventually be found. I myself, trust in the science. It's provable. How the world came to be is proven theory, how humans came to be is proven theory. What proven theory is there of GOD? When I am able to see tangible proof, then and only then will I ever believe. I have faith in lots of things, but the existence of a 'Supreme Being' who created the world in a week, made man from the dirt and woman from his rib, caused the entire world to flood, impregnated a virgin without ever touching her? Not even close.

Just another opinion...

Bible gets a reality check

John Bunt, Beltedpure, Arkansaw — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:21:42 GMT

If you spend to much time in the FACTS, you loose sight of the TRUTH. HE is GRATE, and you are the CHEESE! Anger him at your own risk. Stop Digging and start Beleeving!

Bible gets a reality check

George, Houston, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:23:28 GMT

Hopefully this will put a rest to religious dogma and we can finally remove religion from the world. It will be nice to relate person to person without religion getting in the way. Lastly, people can marry who they want to without having to worry about religious bigots.

Bible gets a reality check

Miles, near Seattle — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:23:53 GMT

The bible was written to create faith, not to prove fact, It just so happens( at times) to do that as well.
To the believers, you have just fulfilled a piece of the Great Commission.
To the unbelievers, please remember this, we all will know for sure- about 3 seconds after your heart stops. If we are wrong- no harm and you will have a huge following at your funeral, If(however) we are right- you have forever and ever to feel sorry for your decision.
For myself- at the very least- I will try to be a Good Neighbor, according to a great book , and even Greater Creator.
It is ok for you to not believe in God Almightly- he still believes in you, and in his time- will prove it to you.

Bible gets a reality check

Nicole — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:27:13 GMT

So PBS is airing a program that may contradict the Bible, but may also provide some evidence that the Bible contains some truth.

Explain to me why PBS should have its federal funding cut off?

To the best of my knowledge, it is not our government's role to convince the American public that the Christian religion, or ANY religion for that matter, is true or historically accurate. It seems to me that this issue falls under the principle of "separation of church and state". The federal government does not dole out funding based on an entity's support, or lack thereof, of any given religion. Nor should it take away funding for those reasons.

I welcome any program that provides new information. However, that does not mean that I will blindly accept the information provided as fact. I believe that God gave me a brain and the ability to reason for a purpose. Rationally sifting through information is simply part of my responsibility as a human being. PBS is just another means by which we can all obtain information. As with anything else, though, the information needs to be carefully weighed.

Bible gets a reality check

Ken, Kalamazoo, Mich — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:28:07 GMT

I get annoyed by anyone that tells me they have THE ONE answer. I've learned not to trust media, and I've definately learned not to trust religous leaders.
Mark these words. God speaks to all of us, not through the bible but through your heart. Stop, close your eyes and open your mind and you will know God's will, it is the direction of the greatest love. Not always what you want to do, but certainly what is the right thing to do.
It is sad that so many stop listening to God and only mind their pastors. Because, I guess they have such a closer connection and understanding then you, right?
True or not the bible is meaningless. What God wants you to know, he tells you. Most people just don't listen. Everyone has an agenda. Stop following them.

Bible gets a reality check

J. M. Weikle, Newport News, Virginia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:28:46 GMT

I am of the belief that as humans developed society there was a need for recording and keeping information about the past. Given many of the traditional peoples and societies of the past were oral traditional storytelling societies, their belief systems were also past down from generation to generation until writing began.
As to the accuracy, somethings should be understood with a literal and figuratively comprehension. Was there a first man, Adama, and a first woman, Hava? Well, there was someone initially. Yet, given that humanity nearly became extinct 73,000 years ago, the human population was fragmented into small groups for several thousands of years. Did this fragmentation of the human groups, lead to the racial differences that are within the various human societies today? Was there a world flood, or was there a regional flooding event? What if the "world flood" was actually the melting of the glaciers 10,000 years ago, and that the human population were living near the coastlines when the 'flood' occurred. Well, if a massive release of water from a mega-glacier lake were to occur, sea level could have risen 50 or more feet.
The major aspect of the various world religions, is that it is a cultural artifact of a pre-existing society that live 2000-5000 years ago. Somethings are relavant today, as they were then. Other things, are irrelavant and meaningless to the current society of a Global society of humans.

Why should one try to prove or disprove the existance of God, or a deity? To do so, would only limit that God or entity to the individual or even the society that defines God? If God, exist somewhere in the Universe or outside of the Universe that we are trying to understand, then God is beyond human definition and comprehension of that Greatness.

The Universe will continue to exist when all of humanity has become extinct. Live ones life the best they can as part of the Universe. It is that simple.

Bible gets a reality check

Judy Dillon, Southbridge, MA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:29:14 GMT

I can't be sure that the Bible is true, or that God exists, but I am sure that if He doesn't exist we all have no hope. We will suffer through this life and vainly persue what we think will make us happy, and then we will die. That's it. What do we work for? Why do we push ourselves at the exspence sometimes of our families and our health to make an extra dollar when it will belong to someone else when we die anyway. Religion hasn't been the only thing that people have killed over, money and power are the real reasons we kill, religion is just an excuse. We are greedy, we humans, and what is it all for if we are simply going to die with no hope of something better. I hope that we do have a purpose and that God does exist. I hope that we are not living just to die.

Bible gets a reality check

John FL, MIA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:30:20 GMT

Here is something to think about, many people will rather believe in science over religion because science can be proven and religion can not. But the whole thing comes to what do you believe in?

Why do some scientist do not believe in the bible and yet believe in phenomena and things that can not be explained? Why do some people will believe in ghost over the bible? Lets just face it no one really knows, you can debate your story but you can not prove either side. Archeologist's first stated there were no great flood yet found documentation from different country that have record the flood from the same era in the bible. Not everything can be proven.

Bible gets a reality check

Joseph, Illinois — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:31:01 GMT

Half or even more of the bible was written way after any of the events happend so its not a prophet, and the bible also says that Adam had another wife named lilith before eve. The bible has too many dead ends and empty spaces in its text. I believe in God, but I do not believe in the bible or the church becuase religion causes war and helps other people manipulate weak minded people. I also think that its very ignorant to put all your eggs in one basket. Another point i want to bring up is the bible schools and stuff like that say that everyone's life is predetermined by God. So why doesnt the church let gays get married if god planned for them to be gay? I can play devils advocate all day long with the bible and thats why i believe in only God, not some piece of [crap] that people listen to every sunday at a place that you dont need be to recieve God's forgiveness. I mean unless you did something really horrible to a child.

Bible gets a reality check

Ken, Kalamazoo, Mich — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:32:03 GMT

One other word of note, to those that say "Prove (this or that) NOT true."
What a fallicy in logic. It is logistically impossible to prove things NOT true. You can only prove them to be true. There is no evidence for a fact that doesn't exist. Therefore it cannot be supported, but can forever be said to "be true".
I'm not debating the bible. I'm simply asking all the bashers to stop asking me to prove ANYTHING not true.
How annoyingly ignorant.

Bible gets a reality check

Dion, Indiana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:32:39 GMT

What trully amazes me is how so many people here attack the believes of one person or another. While the founding of the United States was based upon the right to free religion and belief's, to be free from persecusion of those belief's. I personally believe that God was and is my higher power. I have read in a few replies that some of you feel as though the church is only interested in monitary gains I have to let you know that churches were originally founded for fellowship and the education of the members in their particular faith, true some churches are only interested in money but there are still a great deal of them who wish to merely practice a fellowship and to set time apart for them to worship their higher power and spiritual belief's. One thing I find strange is that many people who do not believe in God are very often apt to use the terms oh god no or please god exspecially when they need or want something......

Bible gets a reality check

TRM, Spokane WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:34:00 GMT

The bible gives us something to believe in and can bring peace and hope to a broken world.

Bible gets a reality check

J.Burrell , Augusta, GA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:36:36 GMT

Where to start?:I have grown up in different churches throughout my still young Army-brat life.I consider myself a person who follows reason and fact based on proof.I grew up with the questions aimed at my elders regarding the authenticity of the Bible.I have never as far as I've known accepted things without just cause except 1 thing, my faith.At the age of 25 I was told by a wise man that most of the Bible can and will not be proven until the end of times.That there will always be sceptics, doubters, and people with very excellent reasoning behind their unbelieving thoughts.And there will always be questions that cannot be answered by any man in the future or in our Earth's past.Our imagination has us to seek thoughts that will consume us,cause friction between nations, and may eventually be our demise.Ultimately, these questions are not to be answered by man-ever.His conclusion was whether or not the Bible is literal or just a metaphor is something that will never be explained- but it is the greatest source of being the best human being any person can be.If our faith leads to a death with nothing in the afterlife, then nothing is lost but a wanting to fulfill our own selfish needs.But if our faith is correct,which we believe,we gain so much more than an outstanding life, we gain a more than outstanding afterlife-beyond words and feelings. So his answer was to just be the best man a man can be, or die trying. Thats what my faith tells me.

Bible gets a reality check

jeremiah Miller — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:37:52 GMT

I am interested in the truth about the bible,beyond the hype of religious dogma and religious bias.

Bible gets a reality check

Rob Garraway, Comox, BC, Canada — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:39:08 GMT

There is nothing anyone can say that will get me believing in god. The actions of ALL religions, the lie's, abuses and murders commited by believers of the so-called one god proves he does not exist. For, if he did we would not be here today. He would have destroyed us all for going against his word.

Bible gets a reality check

Ross, Gaffney, SC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:39:49 GMT

personally, i think that the bible can be disproved easier than it can be proven... i'm not saying that God doesn't exsist, because there's more than one God in concept and belief, so none could possibly be the correct one... as for the bible and any other 'rule-book', if you will... as for them, they probably weren't meant to be taken to heart... good books for morals, yes... but books to be taken as serious as life and death? no... get over, y'all... people are goin' to have different veiws and beliefs...

can't wait to see this... unless i done missed it...

Bible gets a reality check

Mary Lindsey Toronto Nexus Agnisticus Ontario — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:40:53 GMT

Dear Richard of Northport, Thank you for your sane comments. And everyone else: get a grip . A grip on honesty and the idea that biblical stories can have truth and value regardless of historicalevents that inspired the stories.

Bible gets a reality check

Max Irizarry Keyport,New Jersey — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:41:36 GMT

as a christian who came to believe the truth in my early adult life. I don`feel threatened by so called
new evidence. my concern is for those that will be missled and will not find the truth.
Jesus Christ is the truth, the life and the way amen

Bible gets a reality check

JD Rodriguez, Boise, Idaho — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:42:08 GMT

I personally believe that the reason as to why we believe in the texts of the Bible is based on the fact that we as humans do not know or have the ability to explain natural phenomenon and wish for a reason as to why we are here and how everything came to be. I do see the points such as "if God did exist then how did he get there" but these things are kind of a midway and temporary reason until everything is proven. But it is impossible to find out how matter came to be so we settle with the religious belief that has been present for over 2000 years. Also, it would seem that these religious beliefs help many people keep hope and their noses clean. "Believe what you wish" I always say but I personally take the side of religion.

Bible gets a reality check

Carol, Cinn, Ohio — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:42:17 GMT

I love Richard from E. Northport, NY!!!!
It's amazing to me that people will still take every word in the Bible literally without any form of proof that these stories really happened. Yet your willing to believe that humans coexsisted and roamend the planet with dinosaurs?? A fact that has been disproven so many times it's really comical.

Bible gets a reality check

Jim, Trenton, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:42:43 GMT

Religion provides comfort to people and that is fine. I just happen to not need that comfort

Bible gets a reality check

Saiba, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:43:27 GMT

I really liked reading all these comments. Most of them were thought out and not completely 'I'm right no matter what!' I'm Muslim so this was interesting to read. I think that parts of the Bible are true, while others may not be. Since it is all a question of faith, all the people who are going to be really angry with this documentary shouldn't watch it. Those who think it would be fun to watch and see something a tad bit different should. The end! Btw to who ever said that PBS only gets like 20% from the govt. made me smile. (Thank you!) One more reason people should research before they start telling people off.

Bible gets a reality check

Steve Perrault, Portland, OR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:43:44 GMT

Religion has never been interested in truth--religion is interested in bringing comfort. It does this well. For those desperate for such comfort, no evidence COULD ever be found to damper it.

Bible gets a reality check

Mary Lindsey Toronto Ontario — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:43:57 GMT

Bible gets a reality check

Fred — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:45:03 GMT

"Who's to say we didn't co-exist with dinosaurs?"

Rational, reasoned people.

Bible gets a reality check

Kelly Shay, Frankfort, KY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:45:21 GMT

I pray for all of you non-beleivers to experience a spritual awakening to feel, see, and hear God and become emersed in all of his love and mercy. Maybe then you will beleive beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Bible gets a reality check

Sam, Denver, CO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:46:18 GMT

I find the biblical literalists amusing. They have to be unaware of the fact that the bible is not one, but a collection of many books (biblio). In the councils of Nicea history was made: It was the first and only time a religion has put to a vote what would be included in their creed. Yep, you read that right, they VOTED on what made it on. The nonsense that made it in is not quite as bad as the nonsense that did not.

Bible gets a reality check

Mr. Bill — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:46:22 GMT

Archeologists are NOT looking for truth.

They are looking for FUNDING.

So they find bits and pieces, and MAKE UP a story to stir the pot.

All for more FUNDING.

Bible gets a reality check

Stephen, Mantua, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:54:25 GMT

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I don't have to believe I need air (which I can't see) to breathe or I will die. If the Bible is a bunch of fairytales and Christ is a cartoon character, then sooner or later it will let you down. But if you follow "the owners manual" thru life, it doesn't promise a smooth ride, but a safe one thereafter. Just remember, that Coke is the real thing. Pepsi and the others are just knockoffs.

Bible gets a reality check

Cassie, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:57:09 GMT

God prevails! The fact that many people will accept so much (e.g., gay being right, different religions), but not accept ONE thing in life to try out...and this ONE thing is Jesus. This kind of mockery and extreme confusion just shows us something about our God...some people are hurt by Him or shutting Him out, it's beacuse they know He's true and it's either too hard to turn their life around or they're angry because of something else. God is the exception and when these mockers die, as we all will, they will have the surprise of their lives.

Bible gets a reality check

Bertie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:58:10 GMT

My faith in God stands firm. It can never be proven or dis-proven in the physical. You have faith or you don't...real faith can't be shaken!
Still, I find archeology interesting and love to read and watch shows about it.

Bible gets a reality check

Maggie Head, Penacook, New Hampshire — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:58:32 GMT

I have always found it interesting that some people live by the bible. These are normally the people preaching acceptance and love of all people,and they are normally also the first people to freak out and get angry at anyone with a different opinion. The bible is a story, it is one that teaches many important lessons and it also expresses some of humanities less impressive traits, however it is a story. If putting all of your faith in that story helps you make it through the day and understand why you are here thats great, however people have a right to want to know the truth. In all actuality no one will ever know. None of us where there. Do i believe some of the people in the bible exsisted, you bet! do I believe god created this planet and everyone on in, no! too many bad things happen to us for there to " be a god that truely loves us" . Its just a tv show. if people dont like it dont watch it. Dont protest the network, seriously, find something better to do. No one is forcing you to watch it. If your that upset over a 2 hour segment than maybe you should question what exactly your angry about: is it that someone is questioning your faith or is it that you may begin to question it yourself?

Bible gets a reality check

TC, Fontana,,CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:59:37 GMT

How so very sad that so many people who claim to be intellegent can't seem to respect or consider the greatest possibility that there is a greater being that can love you more then you deserve. Here he gave us something so simple as the Bible to read, learn, and live by in order to be given the greatest gift...eternal life. And you are willing to not even
give it a chance to be. It doesn't cost you a dime to open your minds & hearts to the Word of God and yet you are so willing to reject a prize you can't even comprehend. That just leaves the rest of us Christians scratching our heads. I for one won't waste my precious time watching a program that can't possibly grasp this concept either. As for funding, PBS does produce some very good programs for kids, therefore I choose what to or not to watch. As for the non-believers that find it necessary to belittle the Christians for having faith and leading a joyful life, I will pray for you.

Bible gets a reality check

Barnes — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:27 GMT

Show me the guy in the sky. Just once. Have him speak to me. Or cough. We're all atheists. Some people just believe in one less god than others do. Throwing children into live volcanoes did not bring rain. The human sacrifice referred to as "Jesus" that some god demanded to appease himself didn't bring the rain either or anything else. But, hey, if it makes you feel "chosen" and superior to other people, have at it. Remember, 9/11 was a faith-based initiative. Not the first and certainly not the worst in history. And, sadly, not the last. Religion is the greatest catastrophe to ever befall mankind.

Bible gets a reality check

Jose Batista Ridgefield park NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:47 GMT

Just like the caos created by Charlie Darwin who proved the natural selection of the species many years ago.so it is true for the human who choose to put themselves in a material or spiritual world. Those who turn themselves in believers will then outlive those who do not and this perhaps will prove in the near future that yes the bible is a book with integrity. A material world full of scientific evidence perhaps sucumb to the holy word of GOD.

Bible gets a reality check

S.W.Chege. Miami, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:57 GMT

I guess each of us has an opinion about the Bible. One thing that is sure is that there is no other book in the world that has been under scrutiny and challenge as the Bible. Even though there is doubts about other scientific and evolution theories that conflict day to day life, lack archeological authenticity, nobody questions. I greatly appreciate the work done by the archelogists, at the same time we know they try to write history in retrospect. Unless they have all the facts, then the Bible remains unproven wrong or right. So the truth remains as it is written. Christians are not of a feable mind, indeed they are strong because in the midst of the many challenges they face, they are able to stand their faith. This is because the words in the Bible become alive in them as they trust in the source other than the stories. I want to remind us that "if" the God of the Bible is true, no matter how much we try to disaprove the Bible, it will stiil stand and be alive in all that believe and trust in that same God. Just because we want may to ignore the truth in us does not mean it will cease to be. However the Bible comes alive in our day as we live the life revealed t in those stories. I may have no scientific evidence just like in real life there many things we cannot prove but the fact that these stories influence our lives when we trust in the God spoken of is enough to tell you there is power in the "secret" of those words". Man will always be man no matter how much knowledge he acquires or the prestigious heights he rises, God will always be God even when we disagree with His existence.

Bible gets a reality check

Sharnell, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:01:28 GMT

Does it really matter whether the Bible is true or not? It's really that you either believe, or you don't. If you are a believer, then you shouldn't even watch it. And just because you don't like what it's about does NOT mean that Congress should automatically cut off funding. Television programming is not for the individual, it's for the public! So if you have a problem with the documentary, here's your solution: change the channel, turn off the TV, go read a book. Your free to do what you want to do, just as everyone is free to believe in what they want.

Bible gets a reality check

Marcus Spring Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:03:02 GMT

The mighty god Thor will have his vengence for such willfull blasphmy. How dare you vile creatures deny the Thunder god his praise. See how silly that sounds, but at one time millions of people worshiped Thor and Oden, and then over time the idea was replaced with a bigger better god. All I'm saying is what makes your god, the God. What if, when the world ends it's Oden standing before you, I can promise you he won't be so forgiving as your god. This is a debate that will never be won by either side. You can neither prove nor disprove god's existence, so why waste the time argueing. I DO NOT belive in your imaginary friend god or jesus, but you will never hear me call anyone who belives in god names or try to insult their intelligence, because there is no point. Ignorance is bliss, you can call yourself an expert, but at the end of the day your just as ignorant on the subject as any of the rest of us. none of us know if there is a god, or if it's even the god you've been worshiping. if you believe in god, that's your thing more power to you, but please quit telling me I'm going to burn in hell for not beieveing, or that we are stupid for not believing, just stop. Who have athiest hurt. From what I can tell it's you religious radicals that have been doing all the killing and hurting. which leads me to my closing question. Why is their enough religion to incite war, but not enough to instal tolerence, please any one answer, because I have not met one person in my life who could give me a straight answer.

Bible gets a reality check

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:04:01 GMT

What happened to all the women inspired by God? This audacious arrogance on the part of the male in biblical times to ascribe "Gods word" as only spoken through men, a "God" who infact has a far more feminine character, should be dealt with.

Bible gets a reality check

Matt Eason, California — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:07:21 GMT

Will you idiots stop mugging the place up with your stupid? The middle is the best place to be, as you can see the whole of the story instead of just one side.

The Bible was NOT written by God. It was written by several ignorant men, rewritten by a stupid king, and continues to bring the most prejudiced people I've ever seen together and make them hate the rest of humanity, and can't manage to follow their own commandments.

Yeah, that's right, but don't get exited just yet science people, because I do believe in God. They say the big bang was caused by dust/rocks/so forth colliding at the beginning of time, and brought everything into being, right? Where did that come from? Can you answer that?

Faith and knowledge are not enemies. Mankind is defined by his need to KNOW the origin of things, to have solid proof that his life was not a waste, and that, when he dies, he'll see his loved ones again.

Religion? Thou shalt not kill. Oh, but what were the crusades?

Science? All things can be proven. Can you disprove god? There are billions, maybe even trillions, of stars, each with planets surrounding them. How do you know god isn't somewhere out there, watching us?

Bible gets a reality check

al chew, casa grande, az — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:08:01 GMT

I remember in Latin studies that there were some phrases that could not be translated literally. All languages have subtleties that are difficult if not impossible to translate. How many translations have parts of the bible gone through? How many ancient texts were selected to be not included in the bible because some church person did not like them? How much of the bible was written originally in English? These questions alone make it hard for me to believe that the bible is anything more than a book of guidelines for us to live by. The same church that did the majority of the translation used the bible to justify all sorts of atrocities in the past.

Bible gets a reality check

K. J., Portland, Or — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:08:16 GMT

I believe that the bible was written by MEN not by God. The Epic of Gilgamesh is far older than the bible, Why isn't there a religion based on that? There are segments of Genesis that are taken almost word for word from the Epic about a "Garden of Eden". I don't believe that Jesus was born of a virgin birth or is the son of God. I believe that he was a political activist who was executed by the ROMANS (not the Jews) because his actions and words were undermining the ruling authority.

Bible gets a reality check

Leon Tibbetts Jr Saco, ME — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:09:12 GMT

Thomas needed proof, My heart and spirit bears whitness to the exsistance of the one true living god.

Bible gets a reality check

Jessie, walnut creek, ca — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:09:20 GMT

As a Christian, and a person majoring in history and anthropology I find it sad that people can't accept both faith and science. The Bible is a wonderful accurate timeline for history and to tell about historical people of those times. Yet I also believe it's good to be educated about people during those times and what was going on back then. I believe one does not have to believe in the Bible word for word to be a good person or a devote person of that faith. It's a beautiful text to help us with morality and to help those back then that were not educated to understand life lessons. Nothing should be taken literally not even science, that's the whole point in having the choice God gave us was to think for ourselves.

Bible gets a reality check

Mary,North Carolina — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:10:18 GMT

Have you ever known a couple that divorced? No abuse or anything like that, they just tired of each other. People always seem to take sides. If you listen to the stories from the couple the other one was always the 'bad guy'. It seems, that most people aren't intentionally lying, they are just telling the truth as they perceive it.

The Bible is a collection of accounts written by man; therefore, subject to perception. You must also factor in translations and editing. Can you find holes in the armour? Certainly, if you try.

For me, the greatest truth contained in the Bible: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged'. The greatest guidance of the Bible: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'

New ideas don't shake my belief. History has always been written by the victors. Whose to say that this harsh truth has not impacted today's Bible?

Bible gets a reality check

Nick Spurgeon Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:11:33 GMT

What I don't understand is that skeptics will call a religious person moronic for believing in the bible, when they choose to believe in a textbook, which is quite possibly wrong itself. Both texts have been written by man, but because one was written several centuries, or even millennia, ago, instead of in recent times, they want to try, all they might, to disprove it. Why, because it wasn't written by "scientists or archeologists", but then again who said we didn't have scientists or archeologists back then? I don't take the bible for literary fact, but then again I do belive that it is absolutly true. For example, not too long ago, scientis and astronomers said that the universe, as we know it, wasn't created by a super being, but was instead, created in a big bang. Most literalists belive that this "Big Bang Theory" isn't true, because God created the heavens and the earth in seven days, not in one big bang. I, on the other hand, belive that the scientists have just proven the text to be real, for the simple fact, that they say the universe started at one infantecimal point, and then exploded outwards to form what it is today. Doesn't that sound like someone, or something, could have created it, like it says in the bible? I think so. Yea sure, they haven't found Abraham's grave, so what, whould we be able to find any of the remains of the people whom died trying to settle america, some six thousand years from now, even though we know the exact routes that the settlers took? I think not. Why, you ask, simple, they are flesh and blood, they decay, especialy when they haven't been preserved with formaldihyde or mummification. Which would bring my next question, whould such a poor farmer/sheperd be able to afford such a burial? probably not. As I have said I do not take the text of the bible as the whole truth, as if it where video evidence, but I read it, and can find the whole truth in it, and then have the very confirmation from science, that was trying to disprove it in the first place. So, please people, lets continue on arguing that the bible is or isn't real, and totaly forget about what purpose it, or rather they, the Bible, Qur-an, and the Tora where actualy intended to do, and that is show humanity a better way of living together. Yes, lets forget that they teach us how to love one another, and not start wars that ravage our lands, minds, and worst yet our children, whom will be the ones who have to live with the mess when its all said and done for us anyway. Personaly, I wonder if any of these people, who try and disprove the bible, have actualy read it in the first place, and if they haven't, where or who, are they to judge, whether or not, it is true? I realy hope my questions have provided answers for those who need them most, God Bless.

Bible gets a reality check

Anthony, Waynesboro, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:12:52 GMT

Yeah! I choose science too! But guess what? I believe the Bible is true. Contrary to what is often said, the two are not in contradiction with each other.

Bible gets a reality check

Des, Toronto — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:13:11 GMT

Hey Anna from Toronto ....sorry to burst your cozy little bubble. The bible didn't write itself.It was written by those same humans that you do not trust. Unless, you believe a hand reached out of the sky and wrote it.

Bible gets a reality check

Adam, Lansing, MI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:13:31 GMT

William wrote: "I'm pretty sure the major conflicts of the futurs won't be because of natural resources or ideology, but rather the underlying, ceturies old hatreds between the major religions of the world, particularly the two most violent ones based on the Old Testament, Christianity and Islam. God help us all....."

It is unspeakable that people have warred over religion, particularly when no religion can be proven or disproven, but does that mean that we should not have the right to choose one? This is what you seem to be suggesting--abolishing religion is the solution to war. Is that right?

Bible gets a reality check

Beamshipcaptain — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:13:53 GMT

Wether you believe in a God or other supernatural agencies is not the point. The point is, the Christian Bible is no more accurate than any other rligious/ historical tome form any other of the world's hundreds of religions. Ancient people's thought the Sun and the planets revolved around the Earth, had very limited knowledge of medicine, surgury, no antibiotics, no knowledge of blood-chemistries, or microbiology, no domestic electricity or indoor-plumbing, and misunderstanding and cruelty. The age of Reason replaced the Dark Ages, adn we learned to quantify Nature and control it with Numbers. 108-years ago, thanks to Tesla, we got industrial and domestic electricity. In the Bible, the only electricity known was lightning, which was assumed to be an instrument of God, caused by God. Because of Knoledge of Chemistry, we know that everything is made of Atoms,which consist of positive, negative, and netural electrostatic charges, in fast rotation, and we know thanks to theoretical math and practical research 70-years ago that the Sun and stars are Fusion reactors, and that Black holes result from supermassive old stars. Last week, NASA released the first-ever photos of planets around some other stars. We know of 300-extra-Solar worlds now. On some of the Earthlike ones, where beings similar if not idential to us reside, I am sure they have made up their own planet-religions, just as we have. Gradually, people are waking up to the truth about religions, and have learned what is more important than to follow the trappings, of ritual and traditions of religious dogma, is to be spiritual, and recognize that we are immortal-souls, on a journew of spiritual evolution, from the beginning of time, to infinity... Infinity is God, God = infinity. All the same. Love is the only answer for Earth-humans. Not religion, or the Bible.

Bible gets a reality check

Kent — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:13:59 GMT

If you believe that biblical scripture is the literal and unquestionable word of god then you shouldn't even be responding to messages on the site. It is an argument you shouldn't even entertain. While you're pondering the rapture just remember, 3,000 years ago the world was flat, there were only 4 elements, and mankind couldn't treat a simple infection. If we can't ask questions without coming to a pre-accepted conclusion then we don't the have freedom of speech or expression. That, for all you christians out there, sounds a lot like the Taliban to me. Blind obedience, to causes and ideologies, has been the bane of the human race and that is one thing that will never change.

Bible gets a reality check

A.J. Wasilla Alaska — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:14:21 GMT

Like anna, ill take the bibles word over some "knowledgeable" ditch-digger. Also, 30-25 years ago, archeaologists claimed the earth was always 7 seperate continents. today, and 10-15 years ago, they have evidence the earth had 1 continent, and it split into 7. who will you choose to belive?....

Bible gets a reality check

Derrick Rowe, Nottingham PA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:14:55 GMT

I get tired of the debate over the truth of the bible. The fact is that we will never prove this. I wish that both sides of the aisle would realize this.
I personally believe that God exists and I am a Christian, but I realize that the Bible has been translated copied, and retold for hundreds of years. This will cause discrepancies with historical fact. Taking little pieces of proof or disproof will lead scholarship nowhere; it will only lead to dead ends and very big arguments. As a matter of fact the city of Troy was a myth until the 1800s, and the Earth was flat until Christopher Columbus.
For those on the Religious Right what does it matter if PBS puts this out? So stop being so narrow. Also, for those who reject God and the Bible, stop being so narrow as well. I am tired of you claiming to be open minded, but in reality find any reason, big or small, to attack religion.

Bible gets a reality check

Ellie Mae, Hagerstown, Maryland — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:15:04 GMT

This mindless, blind, bigot wants you to know one thing: God loves you.... Even if you don't believe in him.

Bible gets a reality check

Alex Broth — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:15:33 GMT

Thank God!!!!! we live in a country like this where we can argure about it and not be filtered or punished. Thank you armed services for that one freedom. God loves everyone....in time it will be made very clear.

Bible gets a reality check

Doug Fingles, Warner Robins, Georgia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:15:50 GMT

Dennis: All the evidence in the world will not convince the religious minded to believe in reality.

All the evidence in the world will not convince the reality minded to believe in religion.

There, fixed it for you.

Bible gets a reality check

Anthony, Waynesboro, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:16:17 GMT

"two most violent ones based on the Old Testament, Christianity and Islam" - spoken by someone who doesn't know what they're talking about.

There's a reason why it's called the "Old" Testament... read the New Testament, and try and say that same thing.

It's difficult for me to listen to people calling Christianity a violent religion, and referencing things written about 2500 years ago. Things necessary at that time are perhaps not necessary now. We're under the New Testmament now man.

Bible gets a reality check

A.J. Wasilla Alaska — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:17:29 GMT

also, i would rather live my life beliving there is a god, than to live my life NOT beliving to find out he does exsist.

Bible gets a reality check

Cusbel, Orlando, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:19:27 GMT

The only I can say, is that God is real. I can not see him, but I can feel him in my life. Have you seen a sick person be healed, even when the doctors (the science) said the person will die?? I have seen a lot of miracles that for the human beings may be are imposible. It does not matter what science says, I BELIEVE GOD AND HIS WORD.

Bible gets a reality check

Sam Bacon, Marlton, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:20:34 GMT

Those who dismiss the Bible and God its author have never given it any real consideration or sought to understand it. It was written over a period of about 6000 years by many different men and yet is unified in its message. That in itself is a miracle. Where can we find such unity among men today, even in the church? Its message throughout is God's plan to save sinful and rebellious people and how that plan was fully realized in His Son, Jesus Christ. We shouldn't expect evidence that everyone would accept because it is a message to be accepted by faith. Would you rather accept one of the countless hopeless theories of sinful, faithless and fallible men? Not me!!

Bible gets a reality check

Jake S, Quakertown PA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:23:47 GMT

One can choose for them to believe or not to believe that is their choice. They can believe that God gave them that choice or they can believe that that choice was an inhereinted part of human nature. I read all of these entries lamenting both for Christianity and others railing against it.

For centuries everyone believed that the earth was flat. The idea that the earth was round was ludicris. While everyone believed that the earth was flat that did not make it flat now did it?

You may choose to not beleive in God and completely deny his existence, but if there is a God your disbelief in him will not make him disappear.

I believe that it is only human to want to believe that we can do whatever we want whenever we want and however we want. No matter what the deed is we should not have to live our lives in accordance to anothers plan especially not someone we cannot see or hear or touch. It is this very belief of superiority that has caused our society to progress from such humble beginnings to this amazing vast complex technologically advanced world we have become. No television program will be able to fully convince someone of the "correct" way to believe. We know what we want to believe and that belief is what will cause us to grasp at those ideas that help to "confirm" our belief, as well as help us to disregard the ideass that run contrary to our beliefs.

If you say you believe then truly believe and live your life as a testament to those beliefs and if you do not believe then feel confident enough in your unbelief that you do not have to criticize those that do. However you feel you should know for sure why you feel that way. Is it because you want to beleive that way or are you really sure? Because remember that the earth was flat before or so it was believed...

Bible gets a reality check

Rod, Houston — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:25:53 GMT

Why does science waste its time with myths like the bible? Isn't there real work to be done?

Bible gets a reality check

Jashon, Sacramento CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:27:21 GMT

Christians' lack of questioning contributes to the ruin of this nation. They take their faith from their bibles to the polling stations. I appreciate the moral values of Christ and I have learned some imporatnat lessons from the bible without taking it literally. Blindly following an ancient book written by man ruins the messages Christ sought to impart on us. Some people need to grow up and go back to school.

Bible gets a reality check

Laura, Massachusetts — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:27:46 GMT

Did any of the people posting about how awful this show is for possibly contradicting the Bible happen to lok at the review provided by Father Bouchard- pastor of a Catholic church in MA? He commended this film as a great work and marveled at how it stresses the omportance of scientific evidence as a tool to help understand the Bible. Typical of the religious zealots to yammer on before they give something a chance.

Bible gets a reality check

nick tesla — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:28:07 GMT

Once a confirmed atheist I found myself at odds with so called scientific and non-religiously minded individuals. I found that ones perception of what is true can be highly religious in nature even with atheists and so called scientists. Oh by the way the bible does indicate the world is round. Hows that? The bible indicates " let every word be established with two or more witnesses". If I take one statement from it such as "the earth has four corners" I will assume that it is flat. But if I combine it with another verse that says: " He that sits on the circle of the earth" the two pieces of information indicate it is ROUND. By the way recent research indicates magnetic fields have FOUR corners could be the earth ALSO? In any blueprint there are at least two or three views that describe the same object, part, or equipement. If I only take one view from the same blueprint without refering the others I could make some very creative suggestions of how the hidden views would look (what I call the magicians principle of limited perspective). Without all the data being presented in an unbiased way the archiologist can present the ""facts"" in a false light or lie. I have found and you may too that the Bible has helped uncover the past in a very accurate manner. In fact it is their secret book of reference, but, instead of looking for more information in it they default to their own imagination.

Bible gets a reality check

Janet, Santa Barbara, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:31:04 GMT

I believe the scriptures were God Breathed (or God's words 'channeled' through the many different authors.) If He created the earth and solar system, He could certainly get a message to us without having it tainted. The problem is, we as humans are always evolving -- wisdom wise -- and everything this guy says could be true and one day we'll see why they are consistent with God's message. 1000 years ago, we didn't understand a lot of what was written, now we understand more, and in the future we will still be learning the Bible's truths. Why can't we accept that some things are just going to be a mystery to us?

Bible gets a reality check

me — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:31:36 GMT

This bible is a curse upon this nation and is leaving us in the dark ages as new generations of home schooled american children know less and less about science and the real world around them. They are sheltered from reality by their cultish parents who went through the same indoctrination process before them!

Bible gets a reality check

d--colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:32:28 GMT

Why does someone always have to be right and someone have to be wrong a 100% of the time?! How about opening our minds to the possibility that there isn't 1 correct answer? Regilous, politics or anything? Why can't we just strive for what is good? Killing others because you want to be right... not good. I doubt any God would want that... science and religon can co-exist and peacefully. That is IF we believe we can. Our choice I suppose...

Bible gets a reality check

Jennifer Sanders. St. Croix USVI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:32:33 GMT

Oh my Gosh..the end of times must certainly be at hand!The Bible is true it has been proven right at all times. Athiest just hate God so much they constantly change their theories to prove God wrong! also the isrealites did worship goddesses, the same ones that the caananites and others worshipped that was brought into their culture when they turned their backs on God all those numerous times...and God always tried to call them back to the truth...I cannot believe that PBS would air such antogonistic bull. and i used to let my daughter watch it.

Bible gets a reality check

Donald, Arlington, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:34:28 GMT

Well, if you define the Jews as just a subset of the Caananites, then it logically follows that not all of them took part in the Exodus. There's a tautology there somewhere. Nor is it really news that some of the Jews engaged in Asherah worship. The Old Testament records that as a persistant problem. Funny how they try to repackage the data to avoid supporting the Biblical perspective. Also funny how they invariably start from the assumption that there is no God and discover that the Bible can't be literal because of the miracles. Another tautology.

Bible gets a reality check

Steven Kerens, Granville OH — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:34:40 GMT

I think some believers are of little faith and that is why they want to control what they and others read or watch. What good is untested faith. Temptation is the fitness exercise for the faithful. The efforts described in the article are merely efforts to determine what can be learned. I did not read anything blasphemous. There is evidence that the House of David existed; there is no evidence that Abraham did - nor is there evidence that he did not (though it would be hard to prove a negative in any case). So these people who want to pop off and call on Congress to stop funding PBS over a two hour show need to reexamine their spritual foundation. "O' ye of little faith....."

Bible gets a reality check

Dillon elk river minnesota — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:34:47 GMT

I cant beleive this makes anyone so upset, the fact of the matter is that the facts are all there and its rather selfish to think that only the bible can be right...interesting how an archeologist finding proof of the bible is praised but a single nay sayer is boo'd...pitiful faith means nothing in the end, you will see...

BTW King Solomon is the origional necromancer, he wrote the "book of the damned" (or the necronomicon)...i personaly study necromancy and the occult as a hobby and this is quite fascinating...

and before anyone goes bashing me or King Solomon id also like to point out that he owned and supported the "Free Masons" which has evolved into an underground society that infact fueled the revolution, crusades and spirits know what else, and just as well it has been proven and widely beleived that most of the founding fathers as well as most other major historical figures were infact members of the free masons...why does this mean you shouldnt hate king solomon?...well the free masons are thought to be in league with the Templar Knights (Paladins/Crusaders order for the christians) so basicaly if you despise necromancy or the occult you despise all of america and christianity...hows that for a history lesson?

Bible gets a reality check

J. Mikkola, The Hague, Netherlands — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:34:48 GMT

This is a prime of example of the mind being like an empty jar. In order to put something into it, you must first open it. Many people have failed to remove that barrier because they want to rely on faith. My faith is that I know the sun will rise every morning in the east, because it's based on fact. Not just because I'm told it is so.

The truth is always the truth, and the truth is in the evidence for you to decide for yourself. However I must also point out, that the lack of evidence does not make the truth.

Bible gets a reality check

Rick, Houston Tx — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:34:52 GMT

Big Bobby K, Where does the bible say that?

Bible gets a reality check

Brian, Chipley, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:36:43 GMT

God is real and all the Bible is true.

Bible gets a reality check

Jeff Chi Auckland , New Zealand — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:37:30 GMT

The Bible is the only truth.

Bible gets a reality check

N. Placeres, Kent, Wash. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:38:03 GMT

i think its good that science and religion are mixing. some of the greatest discoveries were made by religious figures trying to find how God works(Gregor Mendel and the study of dominant and recessive traits), which leads me to believe that the Bible isn't the only thing that people need to learn. so i feel that this documentary will be good since its making both sides pit against it, which means it taking a neutral stance.

Bible gets a reality check

Bon, Virginia Beach, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:38:08 GMT

The Bible was never meant to be a history book (especially the New Testament). But it does contain some history within it. Some of it's history has been proven and others have not. But there is more evidence that has been exposed that proves the scriptures. But to say that something DOES NOT exist because you have no evidence is ridiculous to me. I say to that one, where is your evidence that shows you that it does not exist?

Bible gets a reality check

Sara, Wisconsin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:38:41 GMT

Keep your religion off my government!

Bible gets a reality check

Ryan, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:39:03 GMT

Romans 1 : 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

A perfect example of scripture taken from the Bible that explains why so many people don't believe in the existance of God or the Truth that He gives us. How can you begin to disprove the Bible when you weren't there when it was written. It's like saying George Washington wasn't the first President of the USA, even though there are people who have written that he did exist. God does exist and the Bible will forever remain true. Jesus Christ was here and He did die on the cross for your sin as well as mine.

Bible gets a reality check

Pat Nyc NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:39:09 GMT

"It appears to me (whether rightly or wrongly) that direct arguments against christianity and theism produce hardly any effect on the public; and freedom of thought is best promoted by the gradual illumination of men's minds which follows from the advance of science." [Darwin]
"If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities." [Voltaire]

"I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation, whose purposes are modeled after our own -- a God, in short, who is but a reflection of human frailty. Neither can I believe that the individual survives the death of his body, although feeble souls harbor such thoughts through fear or ridiculous egotism." [Einstein]

"Faith means not wanting to know what is true." [Nietzsche]

"I cannot believe in the immortality of the soul.... No, all this talk of an existence for us, as individuals, beyond the grave is wrong. It is born of our tenacity of life – our desire to go on living … our dread of coming to an end." [Edison]

"The Bible is not my book nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma." [Lincoln]

"Religion is a byproduct of fear. For much of human history, it may have been a necessary evil, but why was it more evil than necessary? Isn't killing people in the name of God a pretty good definition of insanity?" [Arthur C. Clarke]

"Religions are all alike – founded upon fables and mythologies." [Thomas Jefferson]

"Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith, I consider a capacity for it terrifying and absolutely vile." [Kurt Vonnegut]

"Religion is based . . . mainly on fear . . . fear of the mysterious, fear of defeat, fear of death. Fear is the parent of cruelty, and therefore it is no wonder if cruelty and religion have gone hand in hand. . . . My own view on religion is that of Lucretius. I regard it as a disease born of fear and as a source of untold misery to the human race." [Bertrand Russell]

Bible gets a reality check

SS, Houston, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:40:04 GMT

I will watch the show and am a Christian. My belief is based on faith; therefore, there is nothing that a mere human could prove/disprove that would change my faith. My opinion is that we have finite minds and will never know all the mysteries of God, but our faith carries us. Faith means believing, even if there is a lack of evidence.

Bible gets a reality check

A.J. Wasilla Alaska — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:40:40 GMT

if god doesnt exsist, why fight us into beliving YOUR "reality"? PERHAPS, MAYBE (JUST MAYBE) if you gave god a chance and put something in his hands and got all of your arrogant, stubborn heads out of the sand, you could see the small miracles god still does in your lives (with or without your faith). do you not remember any close encounter that you so freely and willingly chalk up to sheer coincidence or pure blind luck? perhaps that was GOD saving your loved one 'cause it wasnt his/her time to die whilst not beliving. maybe he wanted him/her to die beliving, so that perhaps they would walk the streets of gold.
if you want to dis the bible, you'll be looking for evidence for EVER.
Try reading rebbeca browns books, or frank perettis books if the bible doesnt excite you enough.
you just wait atheists, weve got evidence underground somewhere, we just dont know where yet. (the earth is a big place to stash 2,000-3,000 year old proof.

Bible gets a reality check

Martin Wilson, College Station, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:40:50 GMT

Science: Law of conservation of Mass-Energy (E=MC2): “The total amount of mass and energy in the universe is constant” – Paradox: It got here somehow.
I am, you are, the universe is; that is the perceived reality by most sane humans.
Atheist belief system: It all just happened and I am only here for a while then exist no longer.
To me, it is sad that the atheist has not taken pure logic to the next level: Someone, something, some higher power set all of this into motion.

Bible gets a reality check

Jose Alemar Williamsbur, Colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:41:22 GMT

Since I was a child and able to understand I knew that the teachings of certain religions was false and missleading. For over 50 years I have been searching within and with my personal experience I will try my best to finish a book that will open the reality of the false teaching and misunderstanding and missinformation.
which bring me to the question is there is a GOD? The truth is that the god of religion is not the real god.Yes, there are a truth in the scriptures that when properly understood will make you free.There are fantastic information realted to our lives and what we are.

Bible gets a reality check

armadillo, Jeff City, MO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:41:43 GMT

Science and religion are equally faith-based. As far as science is concerned, the more we learn, the less we know. Consider physics, how much do we actually KNOW about atoms or protons? Next to nothing. Does it make sense to us that light is both a wave and a particle? Not really, but we take it on faith that atoms and protons exist and that light functions as both a wave and a particle. I guess religion is the same. Anyway...all I'm trying to say is that it's nothing to get your knickers in a bunch over; it is up to us as individuals to decide, so don't knock someone else's beliefs. I personally DO believe in God. For a time I tried to live by reason alone and found that it was not to my liking. Life without God is death. No, it's worse than death, it's non-existance. My one goal in life to be TRULY happy, and I have found that through MY OWN religion (i.e. one based on my personal morality), I can find that.

Bible gets a reality check

Rev John, Detoirt, Mich. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:44:45 GMT

I preach in my church that the Bible is just a collection of guidelines in which someone should try to model their life after. I believe that the true teachings of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus are that if you believe that Jesus gave his life for our sins, we will be saved.

Believing that a flawed old book that was created by men, who wished to establish a system of slavery over the common men after the fall of the Roman Empire, is the True Word of Our Lord is a sin.

There is no way a document as inconsistent and flawed as the Bible is the true word of the Lord. The Truth is in it, but it is obscured by the lies inserted by men with their own agendas.

It is up to each and every man, woman and child to read the Bible and it's teachings. To take from that reading the lessons that are True to them. To take from that reading, the Words that Our Lord has put there for them. To filter out the false lies put there by old greedy men who wished to control the minds of the weak.

Everyone, find your Truths. The Lord has made his teachings easily available for everyone. Make the effort to find YOUR Truth. To find Our Lord in YOUR way.

Bible gets a reality check

Josh, Norfolk, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:46:25 GMT

"I am a devout Christian. I am also well educated. I find history and archeology to be fascinating. I think, however, it is the heighth of hubris for Christians to state that God has given us all the knowledge we need in the Bible. A God as infinite as I believe in could not possibly fit into such a small book. Why is it so hard to believe that it is simply one message meant to show us how to live? It does not have to be historically accurate-that's not it's main importance. For example, I happen to believe that the entire world was not covered by a great flood. More likely, a smaller geographical area was affected. In that context,I read the story of Noah: a man's relationship with God and God's relationship with man. I just don't get why Christians are so threatened by Science, archeology and history. One is science, subject to the proofs of scientific theory and one is faith, subject to one's understanding and relationship with the divine. I for one laud the archeologists who search for truth in helping us understand the people who wrote the Bible and their journey and understanding of God."
Becky, Port Huron, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 7:37 PM)

I'm not a Christian, consider myself agnostic, as well as a student of history. I couldn't have said it any better then Becky, thank you! We have to learn to let go of our small thinking and understand that God is much bigger then we can ever imagine and people have a right to believe what they want without fear of judgement from their fellow man or woman.

Bible gets a reality check

pat — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:47:18 GMT

it is about time the us stops giving pbs a break.stop the flow of the unbeliever before they stop us. they are winning already, love, peace,faith is almost lost

Bible gets a reality check

Ores Hellas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:48:40 GMT

I think we need them both, religion and science. In any event, they are present in our life from birth to death. And both are multi-billion dollar businesses worldwide. All books that we have in our world (let's keep it simple) have been written by humankind. The books of science have been written over centuries involving observation, analysis, experimentation, modelling, abstractization, more observation and so forth. The books of faith, including the Bible, were apparently written based on observation and word-of-mouth. Given the subject that any such book, of faith or of science, usually covers, no such book can be 100% accurate. However, the difference is that the books of science have been re-written (by new author scientists) to include new theories and discoveries and in this way have adapted, while the books of faith have not, they were written once and for ever. Along these lines, it follows that the faith should not have changed over the past 2 milleniums. Has it ?
Lastly, archeologists deal with human civilizations and traces that humankind left behind while those civilizations went into existence and then disapeared. Archeology does not cope with religion or faith and does not dispute the existence of God in any faith. If the books of faith reveal the reality that happened at a given time in the history of mankind, then the faithful should not worry about new scientific discoveries. Even if the new discoveries are wrongfully interpreted initially, the books of science will adapt as they have always done and eventually the books of science and the books of faith will/should converge to the same reality, provided that the reality was accurately observed and recorded in all books.

Bible gets a reality check

Des, Toronto — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:48:45 GMT

Perhaps the worst thing that can be said about science is that it keeps looking for answers. Thanklessly trying to enlighten ignorant and controlled idiots that religions have brainwashed for centuries. The onus is not on science to prove nor disprove the existence of God, it is on theology to back up its claim to his(?) existence.Too many humans are simply too lazy to think for themselves,so it's a lot easier to accept the package that religion presents. The reality is that "God" will always be a question mark. Anyone who believes that he/she knows the answer of God is delusional, but if that gets you by, then more power to you. Peace.

Bible gets a reality check

John, San Diego, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:49:33 GMT

I agree with Danica, there is no absolute evidence either direction whether the Bible is true or not. I do know that believers pat archaeologists on the back when something found fits their beliefs. Then when the same archaeologists find something that goes against their beliefs they state the scientists are wrong and blah blah blah. There is really only one truth....we don't know everything yet. That's why they call it faith...you have to believe despite the lack of empirical evidence. Another example is the Dead Sea Scrolls which basically tears down the "establishment" of the church and even shows Mary Magdellan as a leader of Christ's faith, but so called "believers" don't want to look at that evidence. It's a pick and choose world, where whatever fits your beliefs is true and whatever doesn't is excluded....and people wonder why faith in religion is dying out.

Bible gets a reality check

I Believe, San Diego, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:50:11 GMT

People of Faith you are being de-programmed.
With enough media coverage and enough marketing telling you and your children that there is no higher power than a human or that the bible is a lie at some point you will believe it.
History will be re-written to reflect the scientific view of the people who despise a higher being. And at some point in time you will be in the minority. Many Atheist long hope for the day that your types no longer exist and we will give in to the cruel reality that even the sickest, loneliest and most impoverished people on this planet can no longer believe in G-d because according to Atheist a higher power doesn’t exist. Despite that the only thing these poor people have to cling to is G-d.
See, this is how it works. The people of faith can accept a non believer and show him mercy and understanding however this new Atheist movement will not accept a G-d believing cretin who's belief in any G-d is the only thing that make him whole.

Ok now the Atheist are going to spew the blame religion for not having mercy and the cause of all wars on this planet.
However, Atheist rarely point to incidents like: Josef Stalin, Communist atheist, massacred over 20 million people under his dictatorship, Mao Tse Tung, Chinese atheist, murdered up to 23 million people under his atheism, Phol Pot , Cambodian atheist, killed over 3 million people under his atheistic regime. French Revolution, people of faith were taken out in the street and murdered. In the 20th century 50 Million were murdered by atheists in the 21st century Atheist claim to have now been enlightened and want cast religion aside for their style of leadership.

The militant Atheist movement has in its own way become a faith based religion. It is a religion built on the faith and hope that G-d does not exist. Because the lies hatred and deceit they hold against a being more powerful than them would surely cast them into the pit of hell with the other person who thought he was mightier than G-d.
But what do I have too lose by believing – Nothing. And what do you Atheist have to lose for not. Everything.

Bible gets a reality check

AirForce Phan, Great Falls Montana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:52:40 GMT

JOHNC...Well said my friend, I especially love your quote ...”Research will continue because the Bible's impact on the world demands it.” So true because (they) just have too try, this is nothing new really.

Bible gets a reality check

Michael — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:55:31 GMT

I was raised in a psuedo "Christian" home. If My parents had true faith they were fairly casual about it. We attended church sporadically and my parents didn't seem to take biblical teaching seriously. However, I was riveted by several individuals who exuded the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control described in scripture. They weren't perfect but their humility, confidence and genuine lack of pretense was very attractive to me. I began reading the Bible with skepticism and simply left open the possibility that God might be real. Although that process began over 30 years ago, I have never seen Biblical truth successfully refuted. The more I read and pondered the more I understood and could clearly "see" God. The only thing I would say to the skeptics is that rejecting the possibility of God being a real person is an active choice you can make only because your Creator provided you the autonomy to do so. However, you will also be responsible for the consequences of your decision.

Bible gets a reality check

FrankyP. Boston, MA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:59:26 GMT

People don't believe in the scriptures because they don't want to . They don't know anything about science . They just believe it because it's what they want to hear. It's OK. Nobody but you suffers for your choices. I was a skeptic too for a long time.I wanted to live my life drinking, drugging, and sleeping around. But God showed Himself to me in jail. And I've been sober since. I have no choice but to believe. But that's ok. I want to. And in the end. I will see the truth. But not in hell.

Bible gets a reality check

MJW Saint charles , Mo — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:59:30 GMT

I find it amazing that so many who discredit works of humans forget that the bible was written by human hands.

Bible gets a reality check

M. Davied, Louisville, KY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:00:18 GMT

All of this hype about the Bible and nobody here has mentioned the one thing the Bible is centered around: Love. And as for "rules to live by", we are all imperfect and will always break the rules in some way shape or form, no matter if we take what the Bible says to be true or not. This doesn't mean we are expected to follow these rules to the letter. Some say that the expectations of the Bible are outlandish. Of course! This is because we are not perfect. This is the reason why the Bible serves as a mirror to remind us of how wonderfully imperfect we are, not as a way to make us feel guilty or give us power to punish those who cannot hold up the laws of the Bible. Again, the one thing to take away from the Bible is the importance of love for humans. We were created in the image of love, to love one another, and to spread the word of love, not to judge, or insult other people's intelligence or opinions. We were saved by love and this one gift is the most important thing every human has the opportunity to accept or decline. If you believe in love, you believe in the word of the Bible, whether you want to admit it or not. I have an amazing respect for science; as a matter of fact, I am a science major. I believe that God has given us the tools to explore our world and discover the truth about our history. This does not mean that we will eventually discover and know everything there is to know about our creation, because then their would be no need for faith, we would have "proof" of everything. Where is the fun in that? We are by nature curious animals, and God gave us the desire to gain knowledge. If we knew everything, that desire would dissipate and we would soon find ourselves spinning our wheels with nowhere to go. What I find most interesting is how religion is equated with faith. Just because I have faith doesn't mean I am religious, and conversely, because I am religious, doesn't mean I have faith. Religion is a physical practice of worship and following of requirements layed out by the beliefs of that specific religion. Faith is simply believing in the existence of something that you don't have any physical proof for. There are many people out there who practice christianity but don't really, deep down, believe that God exists and that He sacrificed His Son for them. Likewise, there are many people out there who don't really know anything about Christianity but know without a shadow of a doubt that something greater than themselves exists and is watching over them. Let's all remember too that Jesus Himself was not Christian; He was Jewish. What I am trying to say here is not that one religion is better than another, but that we should all remember what is at the heart of our existence: Love! We could go round and round forever speculating about the truth of the Bible and criticizing the things that we are not familiar with, or we can keep an open mind, respect the feelings and opinions of those who challenge us, and try to love everyone for the good they have in them, not hate them for their differences or the mistakes they make. God will pursue everyone in their lifetime and they have the choice to accept Him or deny Him. Just remember when he is knocking on your heart that everyone, including yourself puts faith in things they have no proof of everyday. We believe that we are going to make it to work on time, when we have no proof that we will not have a wreck or get pulled-over. We believe that the chair we are about to sit in will hold our weight. We may all say that our faith in these tangible, man-made objects comes from past-evidence of their reliability, but this does not mean that, without a doubt, they will hold true the next time around. If we could learn to transfer this everyday faith to God, you know, just give it a try, we would all find something we may not know we are looking for. For those who claim to keep an open mind, what can it hurt? It's not like talking to someone you can't see about your everyday life and asking for guidance is going to kill you. Also, if you have any investment in this subject, and we all do, I would suges reading a book called "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is an amazing look inside the ideal relationship between God and Man. Even if you don't believe in His existence, you might be shocked at the words in this story. It is most definetly worth your time, and a very quick read I might add.

Bible gets a reality check

BareFootFreddie--VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:02:58 GMT

Years Ago, Growing Up In A Christian Church, We Were Taught Of God, The Father--Jesus, The Son-- And The Holy Ghost---Today Jesus Has Become God Sent In The Form Of Man---To Whom Was He Praying In The Garden And On The Cross?? If God Was All Seeing And All Knowing, Why Did He Place Angels Around Eden "In Case They May Come Back And Eat Of The Tree Of Life And Become As Us"? Since, According To The Prophets, Jesus Was Both Able To Read And Write, Why Did He Not Write Down His Teachings, Rather Than Leave It Up To Men Years Later?? Would You Leave It Up To Others To Teach Your Children The Way, When Their Beliefs Would Lead To Joining You In Heaven Or Spending Eternity In The Tortures Of Hell?? Satan Could Have Been Simply Destroyed--I May Want My Children To Have Freedom Of Choice, But I Would Not Send Them Alone To The Playground Knowing That Satan (Or A Child Molester) Was At The Playground To Tempt Them--Since God Created All And Nothing Was Created Without Him, Does This Mean He Created Evil??

Bible gets a reality check

Eli, Alberta — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:03:35 GMT

My question to believers and non-believers alike, is what DONT you take on faith. Think about it.

Bible gets a reality check

Shannon Molver, Battle Ground, Washington. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:06:29 GMT

The single most important fact to understand and remember when discussing religion, is that religion, every religion, including the associated relics, texts and myths has been created by the hand of man. It is your choice to believe whether man was inspired or directed by something as supernatural and incomprehensible as an omnipotent deity, or by something as mundane and documented as man's incredible imagination. The fact is that over time science has and will continue to prove and to disprove parts of the bible. Whether or not the truth supports your opinion is irrelevant because what is true will remain true whether or not you choose to accept it. Parts of the bible have been proven to be inaccurate, if you are faithful than consider that the hand of man may not be as steady as the hand of God and remember that human error has always been a problem for us. At the same time, parts of the bible have been proven right! If you are faithful take pleasure in that, if not than at least consider the possibility of more truths to be revealed in the future. If, after learning the truth you still cling to the believe that the bible is completely accurate you will be just as wrong as those who choose to believe that it is completely false and either way you will be living a life of willful ignorance. As an agnostic, truth is the most important thing in the world to me. I rarely pass judgement on someone because of their religious beliefs but a person choosing to blind themselves with ignorance is, in my opinion, completely unforgivable.

Bible gets a reality check

Steve Carrier, Mesa<AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:06:59 GMT

God didn't intend to write a text book. If he had told us E=MC2, who would even comprehended it. He had tto speak too us as little children. The original texts have rich information that no translation could ever hope to convey. Ultimately we are told to come to GOD by faith, not because of some mathamatical formula or parchment says so.

Bible gets a reality check

Mary...south texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:08:45 GMT

Like a lot of you I am having a hard time swallowing some of the Bible. People lived 900 years and women had children at that age....brother, how could anyone believe that. I don't begrudge anyone their belief. I believe in a higher power. I'm just not sure who it is

Bible gets a reality check

DAVE THOMPSON — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:09:26 GMT

WELL...I BELIEVE IN THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME THAT I AM BASICALLY SELF-CENTERED, IN NEED OF TRANSFORMATION. NOW THAT IS THE GOSPEL TRUTH!

Bible gets a reality check

Derrick - Denver — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:11:21 GMT

The question I have for people who beleive that the Bible is absolutely accurate is - Do you believe that both the Bible and the Qur'an can both be the absolute truth. I ask this because there is not any argument that one can use to "prove" the Bible as true that cannot be turned around and used by someone else to prove the "truth" of the Qur'an.

Bible gets a reality check

LaToya — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:12:29 GMT

i believe that the Bible is full of truth. not every single word written in the Bible is the Word of God (His statutes and commandments), but it is history as well. sure, it was written by men, but I doubt that God would allow the apostles and others to write anything contrary to truth and have people belive a lie. what then is the purpose of even having them write those books if it wouldn't compell men to live right? to me, not all science is warring against the Bible. not all science is corrupt. creation shows the order and intellegience that couldn't possibly just come about because of a big bang. i really can't see order coming out of chaos (which is usually what an explosion creates, chaos). but anyway, it would be kool to check out the show. it's interesting to here all opinions. i believe in myself, but God is way greater.

Bible gets a reality check

matt,Columbus , Ohio — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:13:27 GMT

I will side with the archaeologist on this one.Mainly because I'm one. We have always and consistently showed that certain parts of the Bible have been altered or rewritten over the past thousand years by different people. Many of these people openly admit to doing it. The most famous is a Monk in England during the dark ages who changed the text on what the Underworld is like. He changed it from a cold blue tinted place to the modern day notion of a red hot place.

Bible gets a reality check

Nina Vah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:15:41 GMT

yOu need to do your research before you bash The BIble. I mean people read an articl elike this and belive it, they belive anything that comes out today, and it is gone tomorrow , yet the bible has stood on and on. Interesting that one post mentioned Jesus "supoosed" death, and that the New Testament first written (eyewitness acounts I might add, 4 of tehm were written separately) any way he mentions 30 years after Jeus "supposedly" died on the cross. He siad that was too far for him to have any accuracy.
Ha ha that is funny, research how close all your history people have been written about , how close after there death, and if there were any eyewitness records. The crazy thing is when you get deep enough is that Hollywood has written a history fo ryou that you think you know, and even wit pictures and the history books are not even close to be written that close, so what you are saying is all history could be inaccurate. I mean think of Jesus , only 200 years ago, you would htink these scientists have it all zoned in yet? I mean they mapped out all of the world for us did'nt they?, Right down to the dinosaurs various ages. And you buy it all, anything to run form consequence, to run from accountability. And all along God just wants you to talk to Him and know HIm. Think abot what you are saying, you belive these scinece stories as if they do not want money. Check out where they get money for research, it is all the same. They wil come up with anything to get funding. Gore and Obama and Clinton are playing right into this too with global warming. So what if came from apes should anybody care about what happens with the earth? I mean we would only be a speck in time in a planet that has changed aa million times, and we evolved so what is the point of reason and morality?

Bible gets a reality check

EyesWideOpen, Seattle, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:15:58 GMT

"Absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence." But absence of evidence should at least cause people to question their beliefs, at least a little.

I have no evidence that the Flying Spaghetti Monster exists, either. But just because there is no 'evidence of absence', should I believe in Him, too?

Bible gets a reality check

Michael, Sammamish, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:16:20 GMT

As a History book the Old Testament has some merit. Please, oh PLEASE don't translate that into cosmic significant!!!!

Bible gets a reality check

Lora, Waxahachie, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:16:36 GMT

Shannon in Colorado, I agree with you totally. I was reading the story and then the comments and I was trying to think of how to write what I know is true and its enough for me, and then I read your comment and it was a God send for me. Thank you for putting into words how I feel. FAITH is enough and its so sad for some it will be too late when they finally see the truth. God bless you! Lora, Waxahachie TX

Bible gets a reality check

Goddywoddy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:16:59 GMT

The Bible was written by me-God. Yes I wrote that book a short while back, well three thousand or so years ago. I came on to this site tonite, because I cant get any peace with your stupid chatter. Now shut up and go to sleep, you religious freaks. Its late and your clogging up the internet with your nonsence. Go to sleep before I banish you all to hell RIGHT NOW!

Bible gets a reality check

Jorge Juarez, Highland, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:17:23 GMT

Since the onset, the calling of the patriarchs out of the dominant culture they were in, was to offer a new alternative, a counter culture, where justice, righteousness and mercy would rein. The process of acculturation took many generations, thus even King Salomon, 800 years later, worshiped dumb idols, therefore corrupting righteouness, justice and mercy in all posibles expresions; social, political and religious. The logical consequence was destruction of the monarchy.

Bible gets a reality check

Rusty Hathcock — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:17:57 GMT

Great find but nothing calls the wod of God into question. The Holy Bible has never changed,science and its theories change daily.

Bible gets a reality check

William Bennett, Hillsboro Oregon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:22:01 GMT

HO HUM religion is nothing but social control of the ignorant, there is no magic sky god, the earth is not flat and is more than 6000 years old, I will skip religion, please do knock on my door about yours, missionaries suck wind, they just deliver spew

Bible gets a reality check

Carl, Altoona PA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:22:10 GMT

For cryin' out loud, it's like some of you didn't even *read* the article! some of the results actually PROVE things in the bible (or pretty close to it, not bad after 5000 years), and some of it disagrees. That's real science, always searching, regardless of the results. As opposed to faith, which starts with the results (the TRUTH). Don't get me wrong, I have faith, and am very firm in that faith. But assuming the bible is 100% true is just that - an assumption.

And you know what they say about assuming something...

By the way, Anna, Google Joe from Italy's full name. Someone's yanking your chain!

Bible gets a reality check

LaToya, USVI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:22:48 GMT

note: the Bible does have more books. if you read certain sections that mention other books, letters, and epistles you will realize that the books compiled are not the only books of the Bible. but anyway, you can't believe in one section of the Bible and not believe another section. you either take it wholly or leave it completely. God isn't to be loved in part, but fully.

Bible gets a reality check

Kayla Kolts, Lincoln, Nebraska — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:24:10 GMT

Anyone who is willing to uncover truth and go against what millions of people have thought is truth for centuries has my respect. The bible isn't crediable whatsoever and it's about time people realize this. For all we know, the people who wrote this book could be the best liars and story tellers of all time. But that's just it, we won't ever know for sure.

Bible gets a reality check

Charles Sifers, Camby, IN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:24:49 GMT

How amusing that non-Hebrews cleave to this book so completely. My northern European heritage has nothing what so ever to do with this myth, and I can't imagine why my modern brothers and sisters are so taken in.

The Bible is the story of the Jews. Let them have it. We have our own story.

-zz

Bible gets a reality check

Fred, Sioux Falls SD — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:26:04 GMT

I would just love to know exactly what parts of the Bible people are claiming are false. I want the exact scripture you took it from and the findings that directly disprove what is said.

Bible gets a reality check

Raj P, Rochester, MN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:30:10 GMT

To all believers and non believers,
Bible or any religious books go through 100s of adaptationa nd changes over time to match the era. So,literal meaning of these books would be blind faith. I love these documentaries as they unreveal the blind faith but do not distort the real message.The teachings are important and the fables around it keep changing. If this is reality is learned by everyone then there wont be any religious fantics trying to kill each other in the name of God, so so called relative evidences of MYTHS and figures.

Bible gets a reality check

Mary Magdelene , Lyon France — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:30:29 GMT

Reading all of these idiotic messages from wacko believers really disturbs me to no end. I just can't fathom how many people are so completely BRAINWASHED...indoctrinated with [B.S.] from birth so that they never had and never will have the ability to make a decision on their own. Never being able to participate in critical thinking by using your own common sense and reason is a really sad thing.

To think that there are so many religious lunatics out there who think all the hocus pocus and fairytales are literally true scares the living [crap] out of me and removes any shred of credibility they might have as human beings as well as any respect I could ever have for them.

Bible gets a reality check

TA, North of North, HVN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:30:42 GMT

To all non-believers, when you or one of your loved ones are laying there dying of cancer or some other hideous disease... be sure to look in the mirror or your loved one right in the eyes and firmly tell them and yourself ...this is it.
You're dead now and there ain't no more! I know for sure because science told me and I believe!
(Faith in)Science really explains the mysteries of life and brings much peace to the grieving loved ones. Now you can rot away into nothingness. That's your religion...science.
Empty, meaningless, non-existence when life is so much more....ahhh so comforting. Fools! Don't you see that most of today's science is a religion too? Take comfort in your "science God" when you're dying.

Bible gets a reality check

Cathy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:31:51 GMT

Faith it all comes down to Faith

Bible gets a reality check

Justin, Denton, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:32:47 GMT

Let people believe it what they want to believe in.
I believe in God. Do I believe every literal word of the Bible? No. I just find it hypocritical that some people on this board say believers are wrong to have their own opinions. Does it really matter to you if someone else wants to believe in the Bible or not? Neither side will be 100% proven. No one really knows what happens when we die, but that does not make either side evil or wrong in their beliefs.

Bible gets a reality check

Amon Gus — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:33:34 GMT

I also love the samrt responses about The Bible. so many have searched regardless wheter they belive it or not. And by that searching, and claiming they know another answer or have a conclusion to their thoughts and have concluded they are right or they are factual . Well that just is funny to me. It is like saying there are no absolutes. Well are you absolutely sure?
I must say Jesu Christ is real, you need born again. No one pursuaded me. I knew my searching was reall after awhile. Truly the Bile satisfies and is alive with all the truth you can muster. And if you doubt it so much and decide somuch against it, then why do you search. ? why do you have all these answers that dispute it, yet those answers , the idea of logic and reason and the search for truth is just the same facts revealed in the Bible. And there is so mush to trust in beyond here, so much mystery , but with the Bible and a relationship with Cjrist you get a little glimpse in the meantime. you will be stunned.
Anotherw weird thing is what would someone dispute people of Christian faith yet never dispute a Buddhist, ? New Age and all these other religions juts do not have the risk involved with being a Christian. OR a real Christ follower.
I hear a lot of arguments about atrocites that religion is , yet why do so many people agree that there is a right and wrong? and if you are so open minded why do you care what motivates someone to act bettr and become better if tehy absolutely belive something. Now Christinas that act like idiots and never seem good, thats a different story. but at least sin or bad behavior revela something absolute. we can agree on what is horrible and destructive. well, most of us.

Bible gets a reality check

rusty coushatta,la — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:34:12 GMT

rev John I feel sorry for u and your church. I would hate to know my pastor or spiritual leader did not believe the entire Bible to be inspired by God, therfore all truth.

Bible gets a reality check

Simon G., Fort Worth, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:37:19 GMT

The Bible is not alone in validating the existence of a Supreme Creator. Other scriptures have emerged to fulfill the law of witnesses, including the reality of a Supreme Creator (Matt. 18:16). God alone will judge. Read on:

2 Nephi 29:10 "Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
'11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written. (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/29)"

Bible gets a reality check

Tim Green, Kingwood, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:39:11 GMT

The bible was written by man. This scientist is a man. Man is imperfect. God is perfect

Bible gets a reality check

Samantha, Dallas, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:39:25 GMT

Please lets not forget that this documentary is in a sense the presentation of a theory, one person's view on a certain subject/topic. It is not PBS's absolute stance on the subject of the Bible. PBS is simply the outlet in which this theory is being presented. Yes it is controversial in the eyes of some, but that is what is so great about the first amendment! Gary Glassman spent some six plus years putting this together--which by the way, I did watch and whether or not you agree or disagree with the information persented, it was a very well excecuted program--creating a program of quality worthy enough to become part of Nova's heterogeneous catalog. It is a beautiful thing that in American that A)this program can be produced with out the fear of prosecution B) there is a public out let (PBS) were views/theories/perspectives can be expressed and shared with the nation. At it's simplest, this is an exersie in the freedom of speech; something we are all participating in now.

Bible gets a reality check

Rachel, Wellington NZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:40:16 GMT

The bible has served its purpose to mankind. Religion helped us create civilisation, and civilisation has stopped us from returning to the savages we once were.

Maybe God did create us, but keep in mind he created animals whose primal instincts are to based on bloodlust. Yet, those who supported christianity so devotedly have only succumb to that lust in order to force people believe in their faith.

I find such hypocrisy absurd.

Bible gets a reality check

Julie, Forest, Virginia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:42:02 GMT

Danica I would agree with you that we each have our own "opinion". So here is mine. I can't help but see God in our world, universe, or as a "believer" would say "creation".It is absolutely plain to me that God exists. His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been perceived by some since the "creation" of the world.I would not begin to try to convince anyone that God is real. It would be a waste of time. This discussion about evidence is not about religion at all. It is about choice.

Bible gets a reality check

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:43:18 GMT

My problem isn't with the Bible. It's a fine a book as any book. My problem is with the people who believe every single word of an American translation interpreted by their one denomination of faith and then try to shove into American government. The Bible has proven to be so far off track from a literal American translation, that we shouldn't even consider it for one moment anything other than a religious text.

Bible gets a reality check

Jasmine, Thailand — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:45:55 GMT

The Bible has only one flaw. It does not move forward into the future. Science is constantly evolving, evaluating and realizing its flaws. The bible does not do this, it holds those who believe back in the dark. Isn't it time to let go of the security blanket and look beyond the ever expanding horizon? As humans we are growing and learning. Science aids us in our conquest. Religion does not.

Bible gets a reality check

What if God was one of us? — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:46:27 GMT

If you agree hat the Bible is nothing but a number literary works and this proves it , then where do you draw any truth from? I mean what movie or book makes you see something true? And what occurs in your life to validate that , well, "I was right about that? " or "wrong about that" I mean if I tell you , do not touch that pan it is hot, I'm cooking olive oil and garlic in it, will you grab it anyway and find out, then say well , " yes it is hot, but I did not belive you. But regardless I still dispute this reality of it being hot at all, I mean why would God exist and make something like this hurt me." You see you are missing the warnings , the direction God wants to give us, and themercy and frogiveness of God is so great you have no idea. But go on beleiving your passing monets and the false TV and idols and authors that are slowly slipping just describing imaginary thoughts on and on.

Bible gets a reality check

SM Akron, OH — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:48:21 GMT

Just saw the program and as a science program, it was highly disappointing. It took pains to avoid upsetting the religioulsy sensitive. For example, it said that while there is archeological evidence for King david, "earlier figures such as Adam and Eve cannot be corroborated for lack of evidence" (as though the evidence may be out and we have yet to find it!). In light of the mountians of evidence in cosmology, geography, archeology, paleantology, genetics, and evolution, NOVA should have no qualms about stating the fact that the evidence disproves a 5,000 year old earth and human race beyond any reasonable doubt.
And for those who are commenting about the bible being either true or false, the Bible is a collection of writings some which report facts and some which are interpretations of events. Think of it like this - several years ago Pat Robertson prayed that a hurricane would not hit his home state. When the hurricane did not hit, he claimed God intervened because of his prayers. Robertson's account like the bible, is both true and false. Robertson accurately reports that a hurricane could have hit VA and he reports accurately that it didn't hit VA. However, his claim that his prayer caused God to intervene on his behalf is B.S and certainly not a provable statement of fact. The Bible in many instances has the same mixture of historical reporting with events being interpreted in a theological light.

Bible gets a reality check

Carmen, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:48:59 GMT

truly, i'm refreshed to see how many people commenting actually have a grip on reality. it's not like this is the first thing ever presented that disproves the Bible and calls into question the entire idea of religion at all. it's just one of SO many that do. :) i loved the comment below that said if you were brought up to believe in the Grimm brothers as God you'd believe that now. if everyone could just understand this and wake up from their crazy coma this world would be such a nicer, more humane place to live. *sigh*

Bible gets a reality check

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:52:45 GMT

The answer to your question (below) is that those of us who know that the Bible is a nice little book on par with all other nice little books won't spend our money on crooked pastors, fight to take away rights from American citizens based on a few words that don't even really appear in this little book, start wars over this little book, and try to govern a country over this little book. That's the difference! And I've already decided I don't want to spend eternity with most Christians I've met, so I'm on the right path no matter how you slice it.

<<My question to the 'nay-sayers' is...What IF WE are wrong and YOU are right? If that is the case, we all just go back to dust and are no more...No loss, No gain!
IF WE are right and YOU are wrong...We spend eternity in a beautiful Heaven He promised to prepare for us...YOU on the other hand won't have it so good. Hell is real! May God Bless You All!>>

Bible gets a reality check

Larry Quinata, Agana Heights, Guam USA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:53:21 GMT

I really don't care what is written on those rocks. What I know is that when I started a relationship with Jesus Christ, I have totally changed. The way I speak, act and think all changed. For the better. I became a better person, happier and contend with what I have. Start a relationship with Jesus. You don't know what you're missing. I love Him. Read the bible and you'll know what really is the truth.

Bible gets a reality check

sparka, tucson, az — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:53:46 GMT

Many of the people discussing the absolute truth of the Bible have spelling errors in their comments. Please be literate if you are defending a book that you revere so that we,the folks who have faith in "sience", the "non-beleivers", can take your argument seriously.

Bible gets a reality check

Shawn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:54:29 GMT

I try to stay out of religious discussions but here goes.
Christianty is but a younger religion based off of teachings by jewish followers looking to create something a bit different, which was based from Sumarian, Egyptian, and hundreds of other religions that had been in existance for thousands of years prior.
If the bible were true, about only one god, Christianity would not be based on a 2000 year period, it would be based on a period of time far beyond any other religion, even those organized by the neanderthal, it would be older than the Chinese civilization and its roots.
Remember that people in England were buried with their pet dogs (yes, dogs, those who evolved in Asia, from near China, from a geographically isolated population of smaller gray wolves who scavenged from human trash dumps) were carbon dated to over 100,000 years old. Remember that thousands of years before Christ the people of Thule Mongolia traveled on dogsled across Mongolia, through Siberia, across the frozen Bering sea (during the ice age, although to this day people take this same trip during winter ever year), south through Alaska, east across Canada, and traveled east to Greenalnd across the frozen atlantic, all during the ice age, they founded Thule Greenland over 6000 years ago. Their trek began over 10,000 years before, possibly 20,000 years or more before that.
Anyone who belives that the bible is the absolute word of truth is an ignorant fool. It was written like many other religion, as a basis to live a good and honest life by those who were educated trying to find a way to teach others to be civil who were not educated.
The bible was written over a few hundred years, and by many many people, in fact a few very famous fiction authors added their works to it in the last few hundred years. The bible was written, added to, rewritten, retranslated, retranslated again and again each time changing everything to fit the times and culture.
Everyone has the right to believe in what they so chose to, but no one has the right to force their religion on others. In the past the bible has caused the slaughter of more people worldwide than the next 10 religions combined, or as it was referred to then, "spreading the word of god", if it didnt work, people who refused to accept it were "put to the sword".
I think that religion needs to stay out of government, and needs to stop being a reason for death and destruction in the modern world.
We would all be much happier if we didnt have religion "shoved down our throats", and we were able to take the time to make up our own minds.

Bible gets a reality check

Claudine Stuber , Lake Charles, LA. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:55:51 GMT

It's all good. As I am a Christian. I don't believe that there will ever be proof positive found, no matter what people may argue. According to the Bible in the book of Hebrew, it tells us that things seen are not as they appear, and that we are to accept Christ on faith. Proof would require no faith on our part. As far as things as we see them, when God created Adam, he never said he was an infant. He created him with age, as well as the earth was created with age. If at the moment of creation if Adam had cut down a tree, how many rings would it have had? The apple tree was already bearing fruit. The ocean had a fishes, and a whale. No matter how hard to try to prove or disprove the Bible, if you are a non believer, you better start praying that you're right and I'm wrong.

Bible gets a reality check

Peter Simon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:55:58 GMT

Frank Guest seems to think that John lennon teachings are better. The problem with Imagine, is in make nothing in life worth dying for but diminishes what we should live for. It also does not take into account that people sin, so there cannot be world peace while sin still exists.Pick anohter false guru, please. Anohter false replacement, The Word became flesh ,Period.

Bible gets a reality check

Common Sense — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:56:19 GMT

Pah The bible may be a book.... But I consider it nothing other then any other fictional book I read.

The biggest cause of War is "holy retribution" from all sides. No religion is free from this.

What a crock of crap. Religion.... faith based cult

More people should believe in their own ability rather then hoping on the fabled belief that religion will look after them.

Bible gets a reality check

lyndal hainley, souht fulton tn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:56:44 GMT

remember the missing link. the piltdown man?

Bible gets a reality check

Gary Kupal — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:57:41 GMT

Now let's verify the Koran to make it fair for everybody. You dare or you are scared of the anger of the Muslims. I don't think they will consider to verify the Koran. Nobody will dare!!!!

Bible gets a reality check

Liz Owens, Texarkana, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:58:47 GMT

I am also a Christian, and feel He has blessed my life consistently from the time of infancy to now (45). And yes, I've had good and bad things in my life. I've always viewed the Bible as a learning tool; a guide to how to live. I have never put any real faith in its accuracy or truth. I think science and archeology are very important - we have so much to learn from the past and about the world. It seems to be that God would not have blessed me as richly as He has if I was so wrong about how I view the Bible. I have no problem with the idea of evolution, even though I'm a Christian. Do we tell children the real truth of their birth? No. They couldn't handle it at a young age. Why would God tell us the real truth of how He started human life? He knows as the egotistical beings that we are, that we probably could not handle the truth. Use the Bible as a tool on how to live and don't stress the rest. Does it really matter if it's true or not as long as we live good Christian lives? We need to be examples for others to follow, not judgmental beings who are so quick to yell "not fair" every time someone voices something with which we don't agree. I also agree with Becky. Personally, I'd love to see this show. I think it's interesting to see what the earth has hidden in her depths. Why would God give people the talent and desire to be archeologists if it was such a bad thing? Faith is something that shouldn't need proof. It is because we believe, regardless of the Bible being true or not. It's great literature and a great learning tool. And I still believe that God looks out for me and my loved ones. I have a blessed life indeed. I don't need a book to tell me so.

Bible gets a reality check

Kaylee Black, New York, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:59:44 GMT

I'm sorry to say, but reading all these messages made me sad, both the "God isn't real and anyone that thinks he exists is deluded" and the "I believe in the Bible 100% and it's all correct and factual!"

First to all the atheists: we Christians choose to believe that God is the true way and that Jesus is our savior. For some of us, He is the only thing that we can truly believe in and trust on a personal level. Why do you seem so intent on taking that one bit of trust away from us? It doesn't do you any good. So we believe that there is an omniscient and omnipotent being out there that loves us no matter what. Why do you care?

And now to people that read the Bible literally: You have your views and I have mine. I have no way to tell you that something existed or didn't exist and NEITHER DO ATHEISTS. If you want to believe that the whole world was literally covered with water and that Noah was able to build a boat big enough to hold two of every animal on board, that is fine by me.

If you can't tell by now, I don't take most of the Bible literally. The Old Testament is filled with symbolism. For all you scientists out there, how do we know that God didn't cause the Big Bang? How do you know the Big Bang THEORY is even real? Do you honestly believe that when they say God made the world in six days they mean six HUMAN days? Why couldn't it be God days?

Seriously, though. Atheists, if you're right, we Christians maybe just didn't have as much fun in life. Too bad. But if you're wrong, I'd hate to be you. Just something to chew on.

Bible gets a reality check

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:01:27 GMT

<<I really don't care what is written on those rocks. What I know is that when I started a relationship with Jesus Christ, I have totally changed. The way I speak, act and think all changed. For the better. I became a better person, happier and contend with what I have.>>

I know many people who "changed" for the better without joining a religion. Glad you're a better person whatever happened in your brain and habits that made it happen (and if you need to believe it was Jesus, then help yourself).

But there are, as always, many paths to happiness, and you've chosen one that tries to shove itself into a government and tries to take away rights of American citizens, so forgive me for thinking you've chosen one of the worst ways of "change." When you get bored with all that, trust there are many paths to happiness.

Bible gets a reality check

jovilher — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:02:23 GMT

You know what, the common reason for those who discredit the bible is that they really find it hard to obey the laws stated in it.That, it is better to make the rules themselves and do whatever they please, as long as nobody gets hurt.And that they decide on whatever they want to believe in, and most of the time, only those which are favorable to them.The other reason is that many religious sects use the bible as a money making business. They pick verses in the bible that will make them holy enough to be revered by their fanatics,in order to gain advantage over money and influence.These religious sects have distorted the bible in such a way that it discourages more the persons who already have little faith in the bible. I am from the Philippines, and there are many religious sects here that do that.And another reason is that other people think that they are so intelligent that they think they know enough to explain everything.But, they are no einstein, and to think that even einstein believes there is God.
Scientists have estimated that the ratio of the possibility that the earth had been created thru the big bang theory is 1 is to 10 million chance of happening and yet it happened! It is so perfect; the distance of the earth from the sun is just enough to have life exist, the existence of the moon to help the earth stay on its orbit or it will be pulled by the sun, the wonders of the nature that still science cant explain until today, and yet, they said that it is ALL A COINCIDENCE??? What lonely people they are.

Bible gets a reality check

Amy, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:02:41 GMT

Just because you don't believe the Bible to be truth, does not mean you do not believe in a God or higher power! I believe there is a God and an afterlife, but I also think the Bible is a collection of stories written and edited by man. And I also think that it is extrememly arrogant of us to think that we know all the answers and that we are right. I personally don't think any one religion is completely right. I don't understand why people cannot be open-minded and accepting of other points of view...it's the closed-minded hatefulness and rejection of anything different that has caused so much pain and destruction in our world.

Bible gets a reality check

Common Sense — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:04:29 GMT

p.s..... we can all post Youtube videos Bri on what god does and does not do...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk6ILZAaAMI

I believe in something higher..... but to be so brainwashed and not open to anything else is just as bad as being in a cult.

Bible gets a reality check

J.C OKC,OK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:07:16 GMT

I think this will turn out to be a good movie, although looking up at the comments it seems to have brought every retarded holy roller out of hiding... however this movie/documentary shows that there could be many points behind religion that should be shown to let people think more in depth about religion. Although people who do not understand it, i'm pretty sure will deny everything this movie/dcmentary has to offer, and will start ranting about god doing everything as soon as it starts to turn bad on their side. But all people should give this a chance just to see what it has to offer, and not bring religion and science into the comment forum, just their opinions about the movie not so much their beliefs. Seeing as that's the whole purpose of this anyway...

Bible gets a reality check

M Q Public — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:08:42 GMT

I find it interesting that this has disintegrated into an argument over whether or not the Bible, or God, is true.

Think about it - all of those arguments take FAITH. You have to have FAITH that science is true and did not use faulty process to achieve the result. You have to have FAITH that there is no God.

Dictionary.com defines faith as:
Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

Noone posting here is educated/knowledgeable enough to prove the existence, or lack therof, of God. Therefore, those who believe have faith there there is a God and those who do not believe have FAITH that there is not a God.

Either way, what did you think of the article?

Bible gets a reality check

Wolf — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:09:11 GMT

If you pay attention you will see that there is a movement to eradicate Christianity. Some contribute subtly by documentaries designed to show the "truth". Others fight to have the Bible banned from schools and court houses. They fight to take away our freedoms under the guise of allowing others freedom. Still others in countries like Iraq, Egypt, Syria, etc are less subtle and drag Christians out of their houses and beat them, sometimes to death.

To those of you that think that the Bible is just stories and that God and Satan do not exist, just remember that you do not have to believe in Hell to go there.

Why is it that Christianity is the only religion that gets questioned?

Also notice that there was no mention of any death threats or violence due to the documentary questioning the Bible.

Bible gets a reality check

Jason, Colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:10:55 GMT

What I would like is for the people who believe in the "Big Bang", evolution, etc. to admit that their belief is the same as my belief in God - based on faith. I believe the Bible is the literal word of God. Many people believe evolution is true. You say to me, "prove there is a God...oh wait you can't, your religion is based on faith." I say to you, prove to me evolution (on the scale that science teaches) happened...oh wait, you can't. Your "religion" is based on faith also. But science can not admit that. They find one tooth, and come up with Nebraska Man. This was in the news and textbooks for many years, being taught to many kids. Guess what? That tooth turned out to be from a pig, but by then science had already moved on to their next hoax, trying to prove the theory of evolution because their last "guess" was wrong. I will put my faith in God, and the Bible, and day compared to the laughable theory of evolution. Someone once said, "The suggestion that everything happened because of a random, mindless, chance process requires a faith which far exceeds a belief in God."

Bible gets a reality check

karl bub, cambridge ,ontario. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:12:57 GMT

At sixty years of age I have seen good and evil.therefore good and evil exists. None of this relative stuff. simply put the bible gives you a choice. practice good and we (the world will be o.k).
believe in evil and practice evil and you will bring on world war and the end of the world, period.

Bible gets a reality check

Crystal, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:13:25 GMT

I don't believe that scientific endeavor and the Biblical study are mutually exclusive fields, nor do I understand that mindset. I believe in God, and I also believe in the validity of scientific, historical and archeological extraction to explain that period. I doubt either is completely accurate (though I could be wrong; after all, I wasn't there), but I marvel that (for all the contradictions that are focused upon) there can be so much confluence.
On another note, why should Congress cut funding to PBS because a religious group is unhappy with their programming? It's that sort of dogmatic attitude that threatens the freedom of this nation far more than any terrorist group could dream to.

Bible gets a reality check

Celina, Anchorage, AK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:18:51 GMT

Hearing so many horrible comments from people who claim God isn't real...you don't know how many people you're crushing, or how bad. But you know what, I'd rather believe in God than nothing at all, even if He is real or not. It isn't foolish at all! Sure the Bible may be a hoax, but it teaches some pretty darn good lessons. For those of you who are disgracing it in your comments should at least read a verse or two in Proverbs. You can always learn something new, Christian or not.

Bible gets a reality check

Jodi — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:18:57 GMT

I don't think that any of this information is groundbreaking or controversial. I took a Western Theology course at a community college in Ohio that addressed these very issues, and presented the very same information. Historical evidence should not be able to dispute one's faith. the fact that any of the faithful would be disturbed and vengeful after this documentary calls their faith into question more then a un-bias academically driven film ever could.

Bible gets a reality check

Aaron Bakersfield California — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:19:04 GMT

It appears as though we have a stalemate we Christians can't convince unbelievers they are wrong, and they can't do the same for us. So why don't we just pray for these people? Our God who is REAL will open their eyes in his time.

Bible gets a reality check

Ron, Waynesboro, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:19:16 GMT

It my understanding that biblical writers were often writing accounts of events that occured many years before. Accounts were based on stories handed down through the generations. The fact that Old Testament accounts may not be entirely accurate doesn't diminish the Bible and the message of Judaism and Christianity. It is the basic beliefs of these cultures/faiths on which much of modern value systems, and legal systems are based. This alone shows the importance of the Bible and Christianity. The fact that archeologist find artifacts that would lead them to certain conclusions that prove or disprove the historical accuracy of biblical accounts doesn't take away from the importance of Christianity. When a person jumps from a plane with a parachute for the first time, I would guess is based more on faith than scientific data.

Bible gets a reality check

MeLinda, Georgia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:21:00 GMT

As a Christian, I believe exactly what the Word of God says - FAITH is about believing when you can't see it... when you come to know Christ for yourself, it's not a matter of what man "preaches" to you but what God speaks to you Himself. It's a tough concept to grasp when you have a closed mind - and heart. It always amazes me how vehemently people will scorn those who believe in Jesus Christ and how offended they get by the mere mention of his name - how quickly people are to ridicule Believers as "chasing a fairy-tale" - but as soon as a tragedy strikes, even those who claim that they don't believe call on the mighty name of Jesus - "just in case". When you're facing death or the hospitalization of your child, prayer sounds like a perfectly good idea. Turbulence at 30,000 feet in the air suddenly calls to mind long-forgotten scriptures and prayer verses... Not ridicule - just reality. If we are all TRULY honest with ourselves, we've all faced situations in our lives that dictated that we shouldn't even still be here - but BY THE GRACE OF GOD and the fact that He has a plan for YOUR life, you're able to read this now. We've all faced an illness whose recovery the doctors can't explain or a car accident that you shouldn't have walked away from. I'm passionate about the God I serve because I know Him personally to be a Deliverer, a Healer, a Comforter, a Friend, a Mighty Counselor. For those that claim that God has never done anything for them, He put the breath in your body to make that claim. Man can't create oxygen - he only has the power to harness it.
For those who believe in evolution, if it were true then, logically, we should be evolving still. What happened?
For those who believe in a "Big Bang", I don't have to look any further than the intricate workings of the human body and how precisely everything is created and works together. Impossible that it's chance.
The biggest tragedy, to me, is to never know the God Who loves you so much that He gave His only Son to suffer and die for YOU. How many of us would surrender our only child to people who despise him? My prayer is that for everyone who claims that they don't believe in Jesus Christ to sincerely seek God and ask Him to prove Himself to you. What do you have to lose? If He doesn't, then you're right back where you started. But if He answers your call, your life is going to be more amazing than you can even imagine. I pray, in the name of Jesus, that everyone reading this will call on the name of Jesus and open your hearts to him. You'll never regret it.
Be blessed.

Bible gets a reality check

david, Merced CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:24:07 GMT

So...Who wrote the bible???? Answer that question. Did it magically appear? It's a written account, right? So, who did the writing? Well...Umm...HUMANS! AND WE DON'T HAVE MUCH OF A GOOD TRACK RECORD!

Bible gets a reality check

Roxanne, Elizabeth City, NC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:30:51 GMT

You know what, the majority of all these comments have completely strayed off topic...I guess I'll follow along then. A lot of people are saying the Bible is just abook written by man. But heck, it's a good book. You don't need to believe it at all; you can still learn some wonderful lessons. I became a Christian when I was younger, and it hurts to see all these people arguing over religion. It's put me into a religious termoil. In recent years I've begun to doubt. But you know what? I'd much rather believe in the Bible than care about some scribbling on a rock!

Bible gets a reality check

George Cheboygan, Mi. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:31:19 GMT

Only the unbelievers would be swayed

Bible gets a reality check

Melissa, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:31:50 GMT

Jack Cain from Fountain Hills says: "If they wish to pick at and chip at and discount the Bible, they should stop feeding and funding at the public trough and seek help from the agnostics and atheists." Well, last time I checked, I pay taxes. OH WAIT. Last time I checked, churches and religious organizations DO NOT pay taxes. HMMMMMMMM. Let's see, they don't put any money into the tax system and yet we should bow to their every whim and belief. Doesn't make sense to me. Aside from that...your comment makes no sense. You are saying that PBS shouldn't go the public for money, they should go to us atheists and agnostics. Well, being as we do actually exist in the country and pay taxes, we ARE part of the public. Why is that anyone with a difference of opinion when it comes to religion is somehow "less than" in the devout's eyes? Why are they not "part of the public", not a "real American" or not worthy of the freedoms that we all are supposed to enjoy? Are they really that insecure about their faith that they have to objectivfy someone who disagrees? I will never understand that. A difference of opinion on matters of faith do NOT make me any less deserving of the feedom to speak my mind. Stop trying to silence everyone that has a difference of opinion and start spreading some of the goodness that religion claims to represent.

Bible gets a reality check

Tony D'alessio, Desert Hot Springs, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:32:10 GMT

Many affirm that The Holocaust never happened: it
did regardless. Anyone could say whatever they like,
feel or imagine and even if it happens right now, It does not change reality. Just watch the world's disar-
ray were God's Principles are ignored & watch science
still trying to conquer peace and joy. Good luck!

Bible gets a reality check

Gus Tustin, Ca. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:36:23 GMT

Could you tell me where Ron Tappy found his rock?

Bible gets a reality check

Sara Shishani, Tustin, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:36:31 GMT

I grew up as a Muslim for over 20 years and converted to Christianity a few years back. Before converting, I researched the many different religions to see what each one is about. I've come to this conclusion: To each his own. My faith is in Jesus Christ. I believe that Mohammad was a profit, I believe that if in your heart you try to live a life of love, honor, and respect for yourself and others, then you are living the Word of God. God does not ask you to go above and beyond what you are capable of to please him. All He asks is that you live your life with a good heart and loving arms. I personally believe he is my Savior, I pray to him because I know He hears me. All of us look for a higher being that can help us through rough and good times. Some write in journals, some pray in silence, some pray out loud, some hope for the best, some go to therapists for advice... Ultimately there is one truth... Believe in what you want to believe, as long as you feel confident in what you believe in. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me on the Cross. Whether the stories in the Bible are real , exaggerated, or false, they are in there to tell us a story of the things that matter the most, Love, kindness, integrity, faithfulness, fidelity, monogamy, trust, courage, and the list goes on and on... There is good and evil in the world, we just have to choose to live with goodness.

Bible gets a reality check

Vanessa, Phoniex, AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:37:26 GMT

It is difficult to hear truths that have contradicted your beliefs or past truths. However they are truths none the less. It is difficult to argue against proof and simple to argue against philosophy and story, which is what the bible is. Personally, the bible should not be taken as truth, but as a tool to help one live a better life. As far as God's existance, who know's? Life humbly and kindly and whatever the truth is, you shall save face. To me religion separates people when the opposite should be done. I pity fanatics, their angry and judgemental nature. It's all big talk, but the truth is they are going against the word of their God by their actions.

Bible gets a reality check

Melissa, Arizona — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:39:23 GMT

Anything is accurate if you don't question it.

Greg....that is the most concise piece of wisdom I have ever seen in a comments section. YOU ROCK!

Bible gets a reality check

Aaron Field Bridgeport Connecticut — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:39:38 GMT

ok you know what bugs me people do realize that archaeologists basically try to tell a story of what happened hundreds or thousands of years ago... i forget don't agnostics and athiests condemn that? oh and for those who wish to say it's not the same because archaeologists base their stories on deduction of evidence my response is this, stories in the old world were not always written down and were generally spoken due to a severe lack of literacy so it may have been several generations before a person with literacy was able to write down the stories of their ancestors. i mean who hasn't heard their grandpa's war stories... imagine if he had talked to a burning bush you'd never get him to shut up... then again the only flaw to this theory is that things may have been exaggerated however the contemporary christian may say that God would give a little whisper here and there so that the truth and only the truth would be written.

Bible gets a reality check

Paul TEMPE, AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:40:18 GMT

The literal translation of the Bible is and ALWAYS will be a JOKE.
I'm NOT saying there is no God. But...
As human beings who live in 2008 we need to start trusting in science. No one back then had the technology or the ability to understand what we as humans do now.
I mean do people actually think, as an example, that the story of Noah and the ark is true?
Come on people, please wake up.

Bible gets a reality check

Shan, Roanoke, Va — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:41:21 GMT

How does a stone with Solomon's name on it prove there's a god?

Bible gets a reality check

Jules, Boise, ID — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:41:58 GMT

Honestly. You really think everyone is just here? That we just exsist and thats the way things are? You really think that life is that shallow?

Bible gets a reality check

Megan, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:42:51 GMT

I believe Jesus lived and was a great teacher. I do not believe the magic tricks. My OPINION is that the Bible is for the most part, made up. Just because atheists don't understand how most of the world can put so much faith in a story, doesn't mean they have the right to trash those who believe. And the same goes for believers. We don't need you telling us that we need to be saved. I'm not going to tell anyone what to believe. Way too many years have passed for anyone to ever fully understand what supposedly happened in biblical times.

I was brought up in a relatively religious household and I have learned one thing... No matter how many ideas people shove down your throat, nothing is more powerful than what YOU believe in.

Bible gets a reality check

Ryan Dwight, Clearbrook MN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:42:52 GMT

Look here is something I hope everyone will agree on regardless of your ideals. NO ONE knows for sure what religion, or lack there of for those who choose not to believe, which is fine an opinion for everyone. Anyways no one one knows for sure what path is the right path whether that be Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Islam, Hindu, or atheist. The reason no one knows is that no one has ever died and come with proof (unless you're counting jesus which I'm not) to tell us which belief is the right one and which ones are wrong. None of us will know that we've followed the right path until we die. We only go by what we choose to believe and trust that it's the right choice. I for one choose to believe in God, and that when I die I'll be able to see my kid brother again. But if I find out that my belief is wrong, then so be it. That is why I try to live as full a life on this planet as I can so that I might hopefully balance things out. But again there is no concrete garantee that our (meaning every person on the planet) belief is the right one. We can only trust that we made the right choice.

Bible gets a reality check

Den — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:43:48 GMT

If they were not so scary, christians would be funny.

Bible gets a reality check

Karl-Marcel Koenen, Mpls, MN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:43:49 GMT

The Biblical scriptures are amoung a small group of
sacred, divinely inspire texts that exist in todays world. It certainly seems to have, as well as claims to have, God's imprint about it. Though, it would be impossible for the work to even exist without having been written through the minds and by the hands of men. Thus carrying with it some of our taint. We are simply limited, finite creatures attempting to understand an unlimited, infinite Godhood. Yeah, it may not be perfect or accurate for that matter but it's the best we have and its flaws should'nt diminish its importance in peoples lives.
It is still a profound book of spiritual wisdom and
truth. Of course those uber-Christyan literalists out there should really get life. The Bible and its literary ilk are more than mythical and less than factual. It's now more evident than ever. Y'think? Thanx, Karl-Marcel Koenen, Event Photographer.

Bible gets a reality check

Miss Mingmei Wu — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:45:55 GMT

"I don't even think about proving the bible wrong. It can't be done."

Of course it can't be. Any time science proves that the Bible is wrong, it is later shown that it was simply an inaccurate interpretation of the Bible that was proven wrong (e.g., the earth being the center of the universe). If you believe that which cannot be proven, it is faith. If you STILL believe that which is proven to be false, it is stupidity.

Bible gets a reality check

Daniel, metairie, LA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:46:04 GMT

amazing how cynical, so-called believers are, not all but most. Anything that questions their carefully constructed belief sytem must be attacked.
I, for one, would rather know the truth, no matter how unsettling it may be to some people.

Bible gets a reality check

Big John — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:48:54 GMT

Um cmon people do you really think a dude lived in a whales stomach for three days straight? Or perhaps that a bunch of people built a tower that got too close to God and struck them done and made them speak all different languages? (Guess that means the moon landing MUST be fake!) Get a grip People!!! NOT ALL OF THE BIBLE CAN BE TAKEN LITERALLY!

Bible gets a reality check

Dawn, Chico CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:49:29 GMT

The problem with "religion" is that its all based out of guilt and fear. Denying who we "truly" are. It was created not by God,.. but by those that wanted to control others behaviors. Imposing limitations, guilt, judgement, fear, etc. Somehow by portraying "God" as this angry, vengeful, God that will turn his back on you and punish you with a firey eternity. Bullshit. All ANYONE needs to do is to wake up and realize that God is all understanding, all accepting, and it is NEVER his intention to be a part from us no matter what we have done. He has given us "free will" and this is his promise, that no matter WHAT you choose,.. functional or dysfunctional,.. you are unconditionaly loved! Listen to your heart and ask they questions you have. Thats where God speaks the truth to ALL of us ALL of the time whether we choose to listen or not. Never trust the words of any man. Do not be blinded or deny the voice in your heart based on any fear or guilt imposed on you by another. Sometimes it hard because the ones telling you this stuff are those you trust to always have your best interest at heart. Live your life, EXPERIENCE all that you can. do not fear this is what life is all about,.. do not waste it, just love it and take care of it. Peace be with all of you.

Bible gets a reality check

GP, Poky ID — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:50:33 GMT

Archeology has NEVER disproved the Bible.
The Bible IS historically accurate. If the Bible is God-Breathed (and it is), then why would it not be?
The Bible does not contain stories and events as great fiction, but as great events of fact. NO question!!

Bible gets a reality check

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:52:57 GMT

After seeing the program I have to say this is one Jew that got it right...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE7tTT8khf0

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE7tTT8khf0

and finally:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKxnaMeOK20&feature=related

Bible gets a reality check

Steven Kidd, Huntington Beach, California — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:57:17 GMT

If there was scientific evidence to prove that God exist, then we would know he exist as a fact.
Then there would be no such thing as faith. He gives free will, and we can make the decision to believe in him or not based on what we seek. The bible teaches us, "if you seek, you will find...".

Bible gets a reality check

Aamir Yousuf, Faisalabad , Pakistan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:58:07 GMT

I like jesus and i prays at church at daily basis, so i want to like any hummamnity person that is not compulsory he will christian. Anyway i like to hummanity.

Please read and give me answer!! I waiting from someone answer. ok

GOD IS! IS ALL THAT MATTERS AND IF HE HAS NOT REVEALED THIS TRUTH TO YOU THEN YOU ARE NOT SEARCHING FOR HIM WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, THAT'S A FACT!

Bible gets a reality check

Oliver James, Lk Havasu City, Az — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:03:51 GMT

All religious writing in any and all relgions was written by "man", with one purpose only: To Control Man. As an example, the Bible (biblioteca=library), is the greatest collection of fictional books that humankind has. Blind faith, and blind adherence is simply the "lemming reaction" that all the business operators of the various denominations require for their "bottom line" balance sheets to show a profit. And that "profit", is what I call "the profit of doom". My admonition: Don't be afraid to think for yourself. Cover all the bases. Watch all the documentaries. Science will out. The brains of modern man is proving to be far greater than many who "sanskritted" the impressive early books of the Bible. We all need to be thinkers; not just believers.

Bible gets a reality check

doug rounds, irvine, ca — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:04:14 GMT

i find it hilarious (and disturbing) that people are able to ignore what is scientific fact and instead believe that there was a guy 2000 years ago that walked on water and died and came back to life. the earth is much older than a few thousand years and guess what?? when you die, you dont go to heaven or hell.... you become fertilizer.

dont sacrifice your intellect just because you are old and scared.

Bible gets a reality check

Jillian, Sacramento CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:05:19 GMT

There are no FACTS when the philosophy of religion is at issue. I believe in GOD--but after that I am not sure of anything--because God is too much for me to grasp. I wasn't here when the world began. I do not believe anything in the Bible is FACT. I believe it was meant to be a teaching tool for its time--but has been used for more evil than good. If true Christianns followed the true teachings of christ, to love one aonther and to forgive--the the world would be a much better place. You can believe in whatever you want--go ahead and believe dinos and men walked together--but don't judge others who don't believe the same as you. True Christians, remember what Jesus said, "let he who is without sin throw the first stone." That is one lesson all can learn from.

Bible gets a reality check

Al Burns Portland,OR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:07:35 GMT

Life is wonderfull. you do not need religion and devine miracles to believe so. I can see a few reasons belief in god exists. One- a after life is comforting. 2- religion can be a controlling device. What I mean is, Most people in the world don't have all the things they want (especially those in poverty). By having them believe every thing will be equal and all is good in the afterlife, People are more apt to accept there lot in life here and not cause anarchy.

Bible gets a reality check

K Brown — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:10:32 GMT

Archeologists are good at digging up things...but interpretation is another thing. One person's science might me another person's hogwash. The only way to know anything concerning God is to do your own searching. God waits for you to ask.

Bible gets a reality check

JPR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:10:54 GMT

Such silliness here.

Did Abraham exist? There is no proof of that, but the Bible says so. Believe it or don't.

Did King David exist? There seems to be some physical evidence that he did. Does this mean that all the hundreds of other stories in the Bible are true? Not really. But feel free to believe that if you want to.

The Bible is a collection of oral parables, legends and history that is just about the oldest coherent human document that we have. Is it unique? Yes. Is it divine? That's your call. Grow up, and stop fighting like children over unanswerable questions.

Bible gets a reality check

Eric S, Dallas TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:13:42 GMT

To Bernice from Clarksville TN:

Yes, lets type in commanding capital text to try to convince people that we are right. Especially since we claim that it is our words themselves that are important and that stand alone as absolute truth. /end sarcasm

I felt the need to show that I am no longer writing with sarcasm because I fear you are not intelligent enough to realize it, and so my following advice would go unheeded:

Do you really think your God wants you to walk through life with a closed mind, eyes, and ears? Perhaps He wants you to study and be in awe at His creation, and to try to decipher the truth of it on your own. Perhaps He wants you to constantly question your faith, so that it may become stronger, not to blindly accept it as fact.

You are a fool and the worst kind of Christian. Maybe the next time you are presented with evidence of something that doesn't fit into your preconceived world view you will think twice about blindly rejecting it.

Bible gets a reality check

eli Las Vegas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:14:35 GMT

Okay I'm not an educated guy, but I ahve a question for the smart people with all the college degrees and arqueologists. When the dead sea scrolls where found all the proper test were done to them to prove or disprove the date they were written on. The results were that indeed they were thousands of years old. for thousands of years, the entire world thought that the earth was flat and that if you sailed far out into the sea you were going to fall of that flat surfice, yet when if you read the book of Isaiah 40:22 it clearly tells that the earth is a big circle. Now, keep in mind that the book of Isaiah was part of the dead sea scrolls. There's a copy of a letter sent by Cristopher Colombus to the Queen of Spain when he was trying to get her to finance his trip to discover new lands in a musseum in France with that same Bible text. Now some people say that they don't believe in God because it takes faith, and faith is not tangible, yet it was by faith that Cristopher Colombus made his choice to set out on what most people believed was suicide, his faith worked. Some say that faith is not tangible, and I say neighter is love or hate yet everybody has experienced one of this without questioning their exxistence.
One more thing, in the book of Daniel chater 2 the future of the word kingdoms is foretold starting with the head of gold (Babillon), the chest of silver(medo-persia), the waist of bronce (greece) and the legs of iron which happens to be pagan Rome. And yet the book of Daniel was written thousands of years ago as well. So, does anyone know how that happened? I believe it Divinely inspired, thats what I believe.
I Know for a fact that GOD exists, not because of what the Bible says, not because of what my parents thought me to believe in or anything else, I believe in GOD because of the change He has changed my life!!! And please try to explain to me with science how a man who is full hate after reading the Bible and having a heart to Heart talk with GOD (tru prayer) can change to the exact opposite!!!
Jesus told the Gadarenes; go to your people and tell them what great things GOD has DONE FOR YOU. And that's all I'm doing!

Bible gets a reality check

John, Coatesville, PA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:14:40 GMT

The neat thing about faith is it does not require thinking. In fact thinking is actually discourged. I would be willing to bet that some of the most faithful have absolutely no idea how the bible was created or the history of how their own religion came into being. If you asked them they would probably make up some child like fantacy that they would immediately beleive after they created it.

Science is just the study of what God created and how it works. Scientists are only human so they do make mistakes or come to temporary incorrect solutions, but each time they get a little better at the understanding. Most scientists beleive in a God and just want a better understanding of how he made things. If you really listen to those who call themselves "faithful" or "beleivers" and their explanations of the bible and it's application they actually belittle God. A God that created the universe could not be such a small uncomplicated understandable thing as they pretend to know. Their greatest fear appears to be that there could be more to know about God and his creation than they could possibly comprehend.

The bible was geared toward the common man of the time who was not very educated or in some cases very intelligent. That was the reason for teaching by example through parables and story telling, kind of like trying to teach childeren through example.

For some reason many who claim to know the bible and are faithful are more users than thinkers. They tend to use the bible to put other people down to make themselves feel more elite. They calim that other people have very little understanding of the bible when they have very little comprehension of the entirety of the bible themselves, let alone the history of how the bible was created itself or how their own religious faction was created and came into being. Very few people understand the origins or principals that their own religious faction was based on.

Can anyone explain if there is only one God and one truth why there are so many religions and factions within religions and each person thinks that theirs is the only right and true one?

Bible gets a reality check

Dave, Gardner Mass — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:17:02 GMT

As a 20 year old man, everything I know about faith I learned from the most obvious source: Kevin Smith's Dogma. It's better to have Ideas than Beleifs. So what if the Bible isn't literally true? Isn't it enough to use it as a guide to a good life? So much needless hate, anger, and bloodshed has already happened over this book. No religion preaches violence. So i guess what I'm saying is that it's a shame that we are such a divisive species. Who else wants a little togethernesss?

Bible gets a reality check

Annette, Frisco, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:19:46 GMT

Please, tell us more. I want to hear the truth and the facts. The truth of The Goddess has been covered up for far too many years and women have been made to be lesser than what they actually are because of politics and religion. Let us know more of feminine deity - It is the truth.

Bible gets a reality check

Gui Lung, Nezperce Idaho — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:20:49 GMT

Every Major religion has similar stories as the bible, I personally believe that they are all a set of guidelines to live by, nothing is ever truly stated that this is the only path to take.

Bible gets a reality check

InJM — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:21:35 GMT

"when these mockers die, as we all will, they will have the surprise of their lives."

I think you mean afterlives.

Anyways, there's one thing we can count on: books and records are written by people. People have agendas and be it fiction or non-fiction, those agendas will come out in their works. All religious texts included.

Bible gets a reality check

SHEWAYE EAST AFRICA "ETHIOPIA" — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:27:06 GMT

GOD IS ALWAYS PRESENT IN THE PAST IN FUTURE, THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW HE IS TRUE OR NOT OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE ALL THE CREATURE IN THE WORLD AND YOUR SELF AS WELL. EVEN SEE THE NATURE OF HUMAN BEING STARTING FROM THE FACE TO THE HOL BODY DON'T U THINK "IT IS AMAZING"

Bible gets a reality check

Steve, Berkeley, Calif — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:28:37 GMT

The dogmatists are barking, both mockers and believers. Archaeology is about empiricism, investigating what we don't know, not confirming what we already think. People who seem to miss this don't do much for their cause. I'm a believer and that gives me the confidence to also critically examine evidence. I encourage others to do the same.

Bible gets a reality check

Ryan, Michigan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:34:24 GMT

Science points to intelligent design. Nothing can be proven in science, concepts can only be supported. I have 2 degrees in science related fields and can tell you, I am more sure today of the Bible being true than ever before. Science is one way God gives man glimpses into His infinite power and majesty. It takes more faith to believe that we and everything in this world just happened than it does to take the Bible at its word. For those who want to try to disprove the Bible, go ahead it will be here long after your gone and forgotten. Gods word will remain ever true. To God be the Glory!

Bible gets a reality check

Kenny Montgomery, San Gabriel, Ca — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:34:45 GMT

If the bible is so true then believers have nothing to fear. He has as much right to state his findings as any other person and its the reason we question our beliefs and ideas that we are able to improve on them. Why do you think major strides in medicine and science have helped our lives? To cure cancer you cant just pray for it, you have to take action. I dont think people give these scientists and archeologists enough credit. While they slave away at their work to make life better and to understand our history,everyone else just knod their head and agree with previous teachings like a flock of sheep; they are the ones that are stiffling research and development.

Bible gets a reality check

Will Revere Ma — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:35:47 GMT

This is the Simplest way to make Bible believers understand... The First thing You have to do is whip out the dictionary and define just two words..

1st word being "Something" which also means anything from an object to how thoughts are processed..or even a entity such as god..

2nd word is "Nothing" which means the absence of "something or anything" or a void.. THis includes everything from thoughts to objects and even entity's such as God..

Now here comes a basic relationship that these two words have with each other..In fact its a rule that can't be broken.. For something to exist there first must be Nothing before it.. You would not exist if there was no space/void for you to exist in.. The same thing goes for a god.. Everything came from nothing because you can't have something without it.. And according to the Bible god came from Nothing... Thus the bible contradicts it's self.. God was essentially born from nothing like everything else..Unless you are some how telling me that God is Nothing..Because the only infinite thing possible is a void of Empty Space or Nothing..

The other only possible explanation to existence is that there was always something.. Meaning everything has always existed and simply exists because it does.. This means nothing is now considered a something..which is more logical since you can perceive nothing.. This seems more plausible than a "God"... But believers blindly believe without ever having the information to prove their beliefs.. Beliefs are the exact same thing as Theories.. People are simply not capable of ever knowing the answer and any idiot that tells you they know the answer to our existence is completely delusional..

Bible gets a reality check

Rob, Earth — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:36:48 GMT

Where is this "god" that so many people blindly believe in when children starve to death, you know the one's that die EVERY 6 seconds around the world?

Religous people are funny, they always give "god" credit for anything good and never responsibility for anything bad. Why is that?

Where was he or she when the child molestor priests were raping your children, literally and figuratively?

Where was he during the Nazi death camps were in operation?

Out to lunch? On a smoke break? Oversleeping?

Get a clue...things happen because of peoples will not god's....cause there is no god. Some people wrote some stories and then someone else combined them (proabaly some nut case trying to take control of other people) and 1000 years later there are still people buying into it and coughing up their cash every Sunday.

I think I'll start a church and start getting my share of your sunday offerings. God just spoke to me and said I am the Messiah. Send me your money.

Bible gets a reality check

Alex, Philly — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:36:53 GMT

Believing Bible over science ? Does that include that drinking poison part ? Do you believe you can drink potassium cyanide after saying a little prayer ?

Bible gets a reality check

lilian newport city uk — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:37:03 GMT

from a young age you are taught that the bible is true religion but as you get older you question is there a god what would the world be like if there was no religion would catholics and protestants still fight amongst them selves if we are to believe there is only one god why is so many different religions why are you branded a protestant or a catholic or any other faith we should be as one maybe this world would be a better place ,i am not a believer or a none believer i would just like to no the truth,the bible says though shall not kill but it also says eye for an eye what are we suppose to believe if the truth is out there i would like to no

Bible gets a reality check

Arjuna9 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:40:27 GMT

Why are you all so interested in ancient Jewish mythology anyway? Why not ancient Hindu mythology, ancient Greek mythology, ancient Egyptian mythology, ancient Aztec mythology, or any other? Most of you don't even know the actual name of the one you think was an incarnation of God. ( It was "Yeshua". "Jesus" is just a very bad translation and it took centuries to twist the name that badly) How many other mythologies have stories about some "incarnation of God"? Just about all of them.

Bible gets a reality check

Paul-Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:40:39 GMT

Our universe was perfectly made...the sun in relation to the earth..not to far and not to close...to have the only planet that we know of in existance to sustain life...trees,grass,animals, and all living things..most importantly water, without it nothing will survive. Our bodies are perfectly made..brain, heart, lungs, liver,kidneys,bones, vessels, muscles, they are so perfectly made to work together to give each of us life. And people say that God does not exist and that the creation of everything around us just happened without God is wrong to say. Nature without God as athiest would have it..is not perfect enough to create what is!! It can't happen. If so, how could nature on it's own know that "I" need a brain to function or lungs to take oxygen in to feed the brain or muscles to need blood to function or ligaments, etc. Nature on it's own couldn't have created everything as it is without a GOD!! He always have been and always will EXIST!!

Bible gets a reality check

Mike Tatham, Snohomish, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:45:45 GMT

Even the Apostles based their faith in the historical Jesus which they verified by sense experience (sounds kinda like the definition of science, doesn't it?): See 1st John 1:1 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen withour eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life (Jesus) The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to id, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and appeared to us." Without the historical Jesus and being able to rely on this fact of science we have no basis for our faith. No, you can't "prove" it any more than you can Washington crossed the Deleware, but my faith experience makes its historical certainty even more sure. It's not either scientific fact or faith, its both.

Bible gets a reality check

John Doe — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:46:02 GMT

I find it pretty sad and disconcerting that religious people are so paranoid about their faith. Any scientists or theorists willing to question it are automatically labeled the anti-christ and are assumed to be trying to destroy the church.

I think one should always question authority, especially if that authority is from a time when people knew less and ideas were not recorded and shared as they are today. If you assume that something is truth without fully questioning its origin and without fully understanding human behaviors and tendencies, then you might believe anything you are told, and a fool.

One cannot write anything without incorporating the times. So did the kings and the places in the Bible exist? Of course they did. Even David Karesh wrote about the current presidential administration and made mention locations (like states) in his rantings.

The problem with most religious people is that they are not open to the possibility that what they believe is not entirely true. It is a scary idea that what we believe may not true, because then we are only left with the unknown. There is nothing more frightening than the unknown. This is what drives people to believe in SOMETHING, even if it's just old superstition handed down over thousands and thousands of years.

Bible gets a reality check

D. You, South Central Pennsylvania — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:49:42 GMT

I am a Christian. I also have interests in scientific explainations of the things that make this earth go round. However, to be a Christian is to have faith in God and his word. I don't need "evidence" to know God is reality. When I pray and it works, this is evidence.(among other things)

What I don't understand is if someone merly states they have faith or believe, then they are "fanatics". Whats up with that? Living your life as a Christian is morally the greatest thing you could do. If you are weak minded and cannot handle respecting others or not cheating on your spouse or not answering for your wrongs than I see can see why you would want to instantly dismiss religion.
To you I say, educate yourself. Don't read clips here and someones opinion there. Really educate youself in the bible and its meanings. You may be surprised at what you REALLY get out of it.

Bible gets a reality check

Yvonne, British Columbia, Canada. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:50:58 GMT

I have just spent quite some time reading through all these comments and found them both amusing and alarming. Amusing, because I am over 60, have read the Bible all my life, and am currently teaching a class the history of how the modern Canon of the English Bible eventuated: and alarming, because I had no idea that so many people in North America, had such atrocious grammar and spelling. If one believes that God exists and has spoken to mankind through the medium of His Word, then the basic doctrines of salvation and redemption can be understood by faith. If one does not believe this, no amount of verbal argument will dissuade them from their viewpoint. In practical terms, LIVE your faith in grace and truth, so that others want what you have.

Bible gets a reality check

Wendy, Rochester NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:55:08 GMT

"We are greedy, we humans, and what is it all for if we are simply going to die with no hope of something better. I hope that we do have a purpose and that God does exist. I hope that we are not living just to die."....
So why are we so self-important and egocentric that dying, truly dying is beneath us? Why is there this need, this belief that we must live forever? Would you, for real, want to "live forever"? When you consider your pets or other organisms on this planet or any and all humans, even the cavemen or neanderthals who lived long before us, do you feel they have eternal life somewhere too? What could they possibly be doing and where could they be for all eternity? What is wrong with living a life here on earth that is productive and loving, serves one's community and family, and runs it's natural course? It is entirely possible to live life without eyeing some eternal prize. Man has been able to do this for as long as he's lived in communities of other men. Long before Western religion. Morality and harmony developed due to empathy and the need for cooperation--not because some vengeful God requires it. When I volunteer in my community or do good deeds, it's not because I'm seeking my 'golden ticket' to heaven; it's because i want to live here and now in a better community and i want to teach my children how to help as well. God and the Bible have nothing to do with it.
As a non-believer, I find the Bible interesting for the historical context it offers. I like history. Some here have put forth that archaeology is a "pseudoscience". How else would you propose to search for evidence of societies that existed long ago? You'd prefer that knowledge and evidence stay buried, like your heads in the sand?
Oh, and to the guy who believes in the TRUTH of the literal world-flood: where'd all the water go? I guess God pulled one hell of a big drain plug. (If that was in the Bible you'd believe it too, right?)

Bible gets a reality check

Tony, Fresno CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:08:21 GMT

I like how non believers are so adamate about disproving faith and God. I especially like how they like to make their "eloquent" statements about how it is not true, with NO evidence to prove themselves. The reason you'll never see a Christian doing these documentaries is because we don't need to be proven anything, we know in our heart that our Lord exists.
And I know I may not have any evidence to support this, but God does prove this everyday, and if you cannot see this, then I am truly sorry. So you non believers can continue to try and convince YOURSELVES that God doesn't exist because in the end, trust me, we will be proven right.

Bible gets a reality check

Nate, Gallup, New Mexico — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:09:58 GMT

WOW. This is truly amazing how many comments are posted on this article. and i am amazed at the comments by those who call themselves educated, and by those who call themselves christians. and i am further amazed by the comments that say this is fact or that is not. It boils down to passion. those who feel this show is going to challenge a belief in God are passionate about standing against it and those who want it to succed are passionate that it will suceed. It has nothing to do with informed or educated circles. Those christians who say they are looking forward to it, well thats fine, but as a christian myself i must say that if you say that the whole bible is not really true then i would challenge your belief if you can not take your God at his entire word. And those who say that religon is a thing of culture and you are following facts well really see what you are following before you make yourself look bad. It is not proven fact that the world is billions of years old. dateing methods have been known to be inacurate, at most dating our world to maybe 65000 years or so. and if youwent to america two hundred years ago i'm sure you would not have found many who believed God did not exsist. In other words you are following as much of a cultural fad as those you claim are wrong, and put that with the true fact that a billion year old world and evolved human beings are not proven fact then doesen't that mean that you are actually following a belief as well. There has even been found dinosaur tracks crossinf over human foot prints, but the scientific comunity have hushed it up. Why, because people will fight to protect a belief, they will just skip out on class when it is only about science. And if science can not prove everything then why do we follow it as infalible, even when it has failed us. there are things in this world that will remain unexplainable, but doesn't that just make life exciting? there have been some very wise coments on here so far and i think the wisest is that if what i believe is wrong then all i am doing is living a good life, but if i'm right, then that makes a big decision for others. But many of you are right, if we can not look at this with open minds then we are already showing just how foolish we are. It was openmindedness that brought me to Christ and all his truths, and so i ask others to check out all the avenues of science and cover up before you blindly follow the very big cultural fad of Scinece Knows All. If you are interested google up the Creation Science museum or the Institute for Creation Research. Also the Magazine Answers in Genesis. Well informed and educated resources, then make your decision.

Bible gets a reality check

Joe Blow — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:10:02 GMT

ha ha ha ha ha soon no one will believe in a God because of documentaries ;) C'mon everyone believe what you want as long as your happy and dont harm anybody else and let others believe what they want.

Bible gets a reality check

Jesus H Mijares — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:25:31 GMT

DEFINITION OF FAITH:
"It's the belief in a Idea that can't be proven"
You either have it, or Not................
Do you have it?

Bible gets a reality check

Christi Arredondo Laredo, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:28:29 GMT

*sigh* Debate about religion and science is a never ending useless battle. You believe what you believe, end of story.

Bible gets a reality check

Vaughnie, Puyallup, Wash — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:31:10 GMT

I find it very sad that so many people choose to get upset about a collection of stories, fiction or not. whatever happened to knowledge being power? I think everyone should focus on what this program could teach us, regardless if it goes against what we currently believe or not.

Bible gets a reality check

kelby, shelley, id — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:46:46 GMT

bible was wrote by man's hand and man has a habit of lying or ebbelishing stories so to take the bibles every word is idiotic. Come on use some common sense here god did not write or publish the bible man did. now if I told you that I am a prophet and god told me to reveal this truth to you you would laugh at me even if I told you the truth. but yet most of you are gullible enough to believe every word in a book. anytime controversey about history and bible collide the church is quick to shut it down because they want to keep you all brain washed and blind to the facts. Oh one other thing where does dinosaurs fit in to your little bible. Don't get me wrong I do believe there may be some higher power but do not believe every word in the bible.

Bible gets a reality check

Steve, Denver, Colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:49:51 GMT

I find it so interesting how people get so worked up on either side of the argument. PBS seems to have it's good points. I find myself entertained more by this blog than the program itself. If you believe in the Bible, then believe. Rest in who Christ has made you (2Corinthians 5:17). If you don't believe in the bible, then believe what you believe. But by all means, stop riding the fence! While it is true that fervence for religions (not just Christianity) has wounded and/or killed many people, truth remains truth. It comes down to this question: who will I worship? If I worship something/someone outside of myself, then I had better find answers to all the questions any detective has to answer. If I worship myself or nothing (worshipping nothing is to make ones self the object of worship by ones self) then I better have all the answers, and then who needs anyone elses rules (historic, social, governmental, etc.). Be honest with yourselves! For cryin' out loud! Self-actualization will be our end as a race of human beings, unless we actually care for one another, despite our differences.

Bible gets a reality check

Brenda, Colorado — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:55:03 GMT

Through the centuries the Bible has been proven accurate on every account of archeological evidence. Unfortunately, other "scriptures" cannot boast such a high record of accuracy, yet man is on a mission to accept all other "scriptures", but the Bible. There is a reason for that.

Just for fun, let's look at the Bible from a moral position: Why is it in the whole world everyone knows that it is NOT ok to steal? In some countries, they cut off your hand for stealing. (By the way, these countries follow another "scripture" and not the Bible.) To put it a little closer to home, I would venture to say that if I came to your house, took your keys, and drove off with your car, you would NOT be ok with that. I, of course, would never do that, why? Because the Bible tells me it is wrong. Therefore, I respect you and your property and would report it to the authorities if I saw someone trying to steal your car.

And why is it that on every continent it isn't ok to tell a lie? Yes, all people lie, but no one wants to be lied to no matter where in the world you live. Most people feel greatly betrayed when this happens. Just watch any reality show where someone has to get "kicked off". They usually sight lying as one of the worst betrayals.

These are just two small, but important moral examples. There's only one answer to this question of why everyone knows it is wrong to steal and lie (even the most selfish know it is true when they are lied to or stolen from): the answer and reason for this phenomenon is found in the... you guessed it... the Bible. You will find them in the 10 commandments. God has written these laws on our hearts whether we believe in Him or not.

All the archeological evidence or "non-evidence" cannot dismiss the condition of the heart of man. Nor can it take away the feeling of violation when someone lies to or steals from us.

You see, the Bible is more than an accurate, historical book; it is a book that explains all about man and his condition. But then again, wouldn't you expect that when someone creates something that he would also supply a manual? There is only one true manual: The Bible.

Perhaps you have never read it from cover to cover. I challenge you, read it for yourself. It just might change your life! It did mine!! There is no reason to fear it, or try to disprove it, just because you may be afraid it is true.

Bible gets a reality check

karen, hawaii — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:55:42 GMT

Hmmmmm, i too have no ryhme or reason and should be sleeping, but; i have to be honest and am just bored. This subject for this evening is keeping me up and entertained. If anything, i don't have to stress about family, ecomincs, and wether i have a job tommorrow. Isn't religion grand. And for that matter, cheero to the government for making it possible to forget "OUR DEPRESSION", DARE I SAY. Oh wait, were not there yet, are we?

Bible gets a reality check

Corey, Adelaide, South Australia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:56:11 GMT

Its funny how non believrs mock believers & laugh at the "fairy tales". I find it funny because the Word of the Living God speaks about these people.

1Co 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools

Yes the bible seems like a load of nonsense but thats the way God Almighty designed it, to put to shame those who think there wise according to this worlds standards. The bible makes it clear people are blind to the reality of God & Jesus Christ crucified. It is obvious to those who have been given eyes to see that Jesus was crucified for our sins.

Ask Jesus for eyes to see. What do you have to lose, besides your pride?

Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, I have come into this world for judgment, that they who do not see might see, and that they who see might be made blind.

Bible gets a reality check

Joesacramento.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:56:53 GMT

Not so fast. Me say: Until science and archeological digs can explain morality and love, Bible not in jeopardy of going out of print any time soon.

There are some really interesting posts in this thread. Some not so much. I have to admit it's always entertaining to watch the stereotypical Bible detractor assume the role of cocksure older sibling so they can get their jollies mocking their make believe younger siblings.

I'm beginning to think that's the anti-Bible secret handshake or something. E.g., "Rule #237: When talking to Christians, always discredit Bible as a fairy tale. Make good use of Santa analogies, and if all else fails quote Bill Maher to demonstrate depth."

Speaking of Bill Maher. He is great fun to watch. I swear Bill has become the PONTIFF of Disbelief, hasn't he? Funny how he makes fun of religion, yet he himself now has more tithing faithful than most churches. What's next for this guy, tax exempt status?

But it's all in good fun, right? I know, I know, I know: Bill kids the God! Personally I enjoy Bill's sermons (even though they are longer than most in my church). At the end of the day he is not an enemy of Christianity; he is merely just another bratty Angelica on the Rug Ratz yelling at her siblings, "You dumb babies!"

-A dumb baby

Bible gets a reality check

Hella Sick, Kearns, Utah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:39 GMT

The Bible.. ha ha what a joke it is. have you ever seen Jesus? No you have not. Proof that there is evolution? Yes there is. Religion causes war, do away with it, burn the bibles and get a clue.

Bible gets a reality check

Paul M Marion, Stuttgart, Germany — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:48 GMT

I have always said that the bible is a history of what happened. Archeologist have never said that a the things in the bible never existed.. just that there was no evidence that it did. Now weather or not you want to attribute the happenings in the bible to "god" that is a matter of personal opinion. And just like an anus everyone has at least one.

Bible gets a reality check

Bongani Zekani, Johannesburg, Gauteng — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:01:55 GMT

churches in south africa make money from poor people
(christian churches) ran by american so called pastors, they even act bigger than god that they preach about. maybe some of them are aware that there is no truth in the bible and it's their opportunuty to loads of money, sad for the poor because their told their problems will be over if they pay a certain amount to the church.

Bible gets a reality check

Ty Webb, Oaxaca, Mexico — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:05:16 GMT

So when do we get to hear about the research Terrance McKenna started back in the seventies involving mushrooms, or how about the time that cannabis was mistranslated out of the old testament and replaced by 'sweet cane'? If we are talking about spiritual matters, wouldn't it be appropriate to discuss Rick Strassman's earth-shattering clinical research involving DMT, the so-called 'spirit molecule' which is illegal to posess in this country despite the fact that your brain and most plants produce it naturally?

Shouldn't PBS want to report to John McCain and others suffering from PTSD that the research being conducted at Johns Hopkins University involving psilocybin mushrooms has been an overwhelming success? Why are people so afraid to admit that drugs are a part of the human condition when the average person is currently being prescribed seven different pharmaceutical concoctions?

In all seriousness, why not a special about the ongoing search for ancient Soma? How about asking the folks at Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc) what their take on the subject is, wouldn't that be putting our tax dollars to good use by actually giving the public useful information? Wouldn't that be more interesting than the sanitized version of history?!

Bible gets a reality check

Kawika Kahili, Kihei, HI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:05:26 GMT

Bri, Arkansas's little reference to the YouTube video of being some sort of proof of God's existence is extremely laughable. This is just another variation of the "athiest college professor" tale that's been going around on the internet for years. It's simply a lie told by folks that are pragmatists thinking that the ends justify the means when it comes to trying to convince the equally ignorant that they can prove God really exists. No one can prove that God does or does not exist.

Bible gets a reality check

Erick W, Columbus, Oh — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:09:44 GMT

As a 3rd year Archaeology and Ancient History student, the comments I have read in response to this program are a stark reminder of the failure of archaeologists to explain exactly what it is they do, how and why they do it, and just what archaeology is capable, or not capable, of doing.

Archaeology is the study of the PHYSICAL REMAINS of human cultures. Archaeology works hand-in-hand with Anthropology - the study of human cultures. ARCHAEOLOGY IS NOT A TOOL FOR PROVING OR DISPROVING THE HISTORICITY OF THE BIBLE!

Neither is archaeology out to attack the Bible; IT IS INDIFFERENT TO IT!

It should always be remembered that THE BIBLE IS A RELIGIOUS DOCUMENT, NOT A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT. That is not to say that the Bible does not contain any information that is factually and/or historically correct; the bible may contain some information that is historically accurate. In fact, we would expect that the authors would be able to accurately describe some of the things they saw in their everyday lives, such as the layout of the city of Jerusalem and the various sites within the city (pool of soloam, temple, etc.). However, the Bible's PRIMARY function and design was to transmit and reinforce a religious ideology, NOT to historically inform.

It should also be remembered that the Bible (especially the Pentateuch, the Prophets and the Hagiographa) was written by Hebrews, for Hebrews, and is culturally biased towards the Hebrews and against other ancient cultures (Caananites, Philistines, Egyptians, etc). Cultural biases often serve to create historical inaccuracies.

Bible gets a reality check

K.M — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:13:05 GMT

I would like to know if freedom of speech still exist why the comments need to be aproved here. Another BS just like the bible to deal w/ it.

Bible gets a reality check

Shakir, karachi , sindh — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:18:37 GMT

hi I am a muslim and my message to those who think that bible is not the word of God or who think that Abraham (peace be upon him) and other religious figures never existed are absolutely wrong. Bible old and new testament were sent down by God to his chosen ones but the difference between us muslims is that the present bible is not in its authentic form , meaning that there have been made a lot of changes made in the bible in time. Alot of christians do believe it as a fact. So the bible was a word of God until it was in its original condition but when it went in changes by human hands the present bible has lost its credibility as a word of God. Certain theories like trinity were developed by people like Saint Paul who never even met Jesus in the flesh he (paul) was the one to originate trinity. Jesus never claimes such a belief. If you analise it gets more confusing because trinity teches us about father son and the holy ghost and they are not three but one. They say that Jesus and Father are one then how can he be a BEGOTTEON son of God , if hes God then whos the son and if hes the BEGOTTON son then whos the Father? And the more they try to explain more confusing it gets.

Bible gets a reality check

Tim Rommes, Washington, UT — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:18:43 GMT

Thomas Ashby,
Was your comment of 11/18 2204 a free standing philosophical/religious question or were you bouncing off another comment? (There’s no way I’m reading through all this drivel, I just scanned through looking for comments from people whose opinion’s hold any weight for me.) Man was created in the image of God, woman was created from man. This has man as a “closer” creation with more authority and more responsibility. (Politically) correct or not. Women were left as property of men, except they became their own if their husband died. They still had a degree of responsibility toward God. But stood something along the lines of a young child compared to their parents of today. There are occasions when the men didn’t step up to their responsibilities and we hear from those inspired women, but for the most part they were always there, standing obediently behind their inspired men.
Excellent point about God, whose character runs a full gamut from (to our perspective) jealous husband to nurturing mother.

Bible gets a reality check

Juliana, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:20:59 GMT

Such funny comments on both sides. Nothing can be taken literally science or bible, everything is with a grain of salt. Nobody can prove God but then again nobody can yet prove black holes. Sometimes you just need a bit of faith to make things more interesting in life.

Bible gets a reality check

Rev. S. E. Ray, Fishers, IN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:29:43 GMT

The majority of the comments contained are uneducated rantings without any background in the historical study of biblical authenticity. The study of scriptural authenticity has been the center of heated controversy from the time of the early church. This small post can't begin to divulge the vast knowledge required to even begin to fathom this field.

First, one must not become consumed with the letter but with the meaning. One can express a thought any numbers of ways, but the meaning does not change. I would like to propose, as many have through the centuries, that the Word of God is inerrant in meaning and purpose. But where the hand of man moves, it sometimes lacks accuracy. The oral to written scripture is in fact not inerrant and many errors exist. The historical scholar knows this without question.

The main emphasis here is the fact that human’s are given to error, therefore it is logical to surmise that throughout the centuries, manually annotations by scribes would result is textual modifications and grievous blunders. However, despite the folly of man, the essence of truth is infinite and never changes. Scripture aptly points out that as one approaches the reading of scripture with a humble and contrite heart, they can glean life changing truths. Therefore, despite the thousands of questionable scriptural inaccuracies, the essence of truth is what one must seek, as a buried treasure in a large field.

Bible gets a reality check

Pete....Winchester,IN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:31:08 GMT

I find it rather humorous to read posts written by "educated" people who discount the teachings of the Bible and whose spelling is atrocious. Their "intellectual" displays are substantially self incriminating and nothing more than a futile attempt to make their wishes known.

Bible gets a reality check

Tema, Ghana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:32:46 GMT

A family has a head i.e. the father, countries have presidents, societies have leaders, schools have headteachers who manage the affairs the whole school, schools have school prefects, even classrooms have class prefects, every human society/group has a leader or a head. I strongly BELIEVE that the whole world has a head/leader, i.e. GOD. After all I lose nothing but rather gain a lot if I believe there is a GOD who controls the whole world

Bible gets a reality check

Wil_ng — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:35:49 GMT

Have ever occur to people, the some parts of the bible are fairy tale said by Christ so that his imperfect student can understand the meaning of things.
Him students are imperfect and thus, the bible are imperfect. However, the idea taught by the bible should be the important issue, not the actual story.

So do not be particular about the words but be particular about the idea that was taught.

There are so many extreme Muslim now as they concentrate on the words and not the idea behind the teachings.

Remember any evil person can twist the word of the bible.

Bible gets a reality check

shakir , karachi , sindh — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:36:38 GMT

please check on wikipedia the word (ebionites) who were the earliest jewish christians and they believed jesus to be a human messianic prophet instead of being devine. And considered Paul as an apostate becuase of his false techings

Bible gets a reality check

spiritual in Winnipeg — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:42:23 GMT

Well, where to start. Ahhh, yes.

Even if every place and person in the bible is proved to have been there in the appropriate times doesn't prove the bible is true. It just proves that the writers knew the people and places or got an accurate description from others. Considering none of the stories of Jesus and what he told his followers was written within a few generations of Jesus, I guess we know the stories were handed down. Even so, the stories likey passed down family lines.

Can anyone out there honestly say that they know the whole exact truth of who their great grandfather was, what he did, and what he said, along with how he treated people on a daily basis?

Not likely, you are not your great grandfather and no matter what you have been told or read about them. 90% of it will have been fabricated. Especially if there is a written account. Not because of any devious means to build up a family name, likely just out of simple human nature to view our elders with respect, as has been beaten into our heads from the dawn of time. We have to view them as godlike, or else we are scum.

I have read a few bibles. Personally, I think their idea is a primer. The kindergarden book of morals. We were meant to evolve past that. Too bad the Spanish Inquisition (Christians) Killed off all of the people who were on their way to becoming selfless beings. The natural healers. Anyone with good hunches. Anyone who disagreed with Christianity as it was decreed by bitter greedy men. Yes, men. Sorry guys, but Women and their old testament chapters had long since been given the boot.

So my humble advice for the non-believers is to just chill and be content in knowing your own heart and soul without someone trying to beat the concept into you.

And for the believers. I'm sure you all know this;

"Judge not, lest thou be judged."

Be content in the knowledge that those you disagree with, will not be joining you in the last days. They will have already ascended into the next astral plane and be about their next life of trying to help people to believe in themselves and their own souls.

Evolve. A bit of god is in all of us. It's called the spark of life.

Bible gets a reality check

Lance Logan, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:58:08 GMT

Judging from the words on the shard, the location of the find, and the references to the time of Solomon, that shard was probably an inscription by one the tribes of Adonijah who was Solomon's half-brother.

Adonijah was cheated out of his birthright and was politicized against and attacked by Solomon and was chased through Yemen back into Africa. The shard was probably inscribed by a member of one of Adonijah's original tribes from the Holy land.

To prevent problems like this and to protect and maintain the holy seed, an order was given by Abraham that no one after him was to marry outside of his African homeland.(Genesis 24-3) This order then passes down through generations of Africans to keep the holy bloodline of Adam pure. For example, Noah's bloodline had not mixed with the devil's son Cane's bloodline, and God spared his life in the Ark because of that. The order passes down through time but David violated the order w/ one wife and Solomon came out mulatto, as written in the Song of Solomon. This caused the problems between him and his pure African brother Adonijah, who's tribal scribe most likely wrote the inscription. This is also how Joseph spotted his brothers so easily, but they didn't recognize him. Also, the Egyptians in the bible are Nubian. They are from the old country of Nubia (North Sudan). Egypt was the "New Country." The Hebrews of the bible are African as well. You are reading about an African tribal dispute, and nothing else but that. Remember, Moses DID NOT KNOW he was Hebrew; when he found out he went to Midian (Saudi Arabia) and the girl at the well told her father "An Egytian man..." What she was saying is African man... When Joseph went to his father's funeral he said Egyptians and Hebrews both went. But when the ceremony passed by, a man from Palestine thought he saw a group of Egytians during a funeral. The bible makes clear what everyone in it looks like, you just have to read closely and carefully and be blessed to understand. Solomon caused problems with Adonijah because his skin was lighter like Cane and Abel, and the holy bloodline was not pure African anymore. This sort of affected his thought process a bit. You would think a person would get along fine with their half brother.

Bible gets a reality check

Travis Spokane Wa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:59:49 GMT

Faith is great, for some. But i do not believe in something i can not see. Who created god? Why do people keep re-writing the bible? Why are tattoos a sin? Why is it a sin to have slave? What about all the empires and garbage you read about in these books. Well i think it is hypicritical bull.
There is not alot of proof on either ends. If there was a god then people would not be dieing and suffering. Oh wait that is what god wants. People to pray so they can live and then when on there death bed he turns his cheek.

Bible gets a reality check

Dragana, Croatia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:14:11 GMT

Believers keep mentining "the word of god" (omission of capital letters is intended). What word of god?!?!? Bible is written by men. It scares me to see that there are people who see Bible as instructions manual for life. For crying out loud people, that book is so full of violence, child molesting, incest... Are you really saying those stories determin your moral standards?! Than it is no wonder that our world is what it is today: scary place full of conflicts, on the verge of hopelessness.

Bible gets a reality check

Lawrence, Pennsylvania — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:19:17 GMT

It is amazing that there are so many out there that are willing to do and say anything to discredit the Bible; but it is also understandable as to why they do this. In the New Living Translation, the Bible warns of the false teachers saying "In their greed, they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money." (2Peter 2:3)

Because the Bible was written by the hands of men, people are quick to denounce that it was inspired by God; a being that we cannot see. Man has an innate desire for the tangible world, and most are unwilling to believe in that which they cannot make tangible. Can you see the wind? No, but you can see the effects of the wind. The same is true with God. You cannot see God, but you can see the design of God in everything.

The Bible is the ultimate design of God (aside from Christ). Within its pages are countless stories, parables, and prophecies, all pointing to God's desire to have a relationship with each of us; even those who do not believe in him. For those who say "where is God, when so and so happens", or "why does God let bad things happen", the answer is simple, God is there waiting for us to come to Him.

When you cross a bridge, do you know that you will make it to the other side? No, you have faith that you will, otherwise you would not cross it. This show is doing just what it said it will do. To quote the article, "The fact that PBS is setting aside two hours of prime time to focus on the Bible's early books demonstrates that those ancient texts can still stir the soul - and stir the blood as well."

Approximately 2,000 years after God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, came the great flood. Approximately 2,000 years after the great flood, came the birth of Christ. Now we are at the dawn of yet another great event. What will the next great event be? For those of us that believe, it will be the Lord calling the true believers to meet Him in the air. For the unbelievers, it will be a great time of suffering; the likes of which the world has never seen. For all the naysayeres, scoffers, and mockers, I leave you with this: the Bible is full of prophecies of the end of days.

Bible gets a reality check

LALA, Phoenix,AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:24:04 GMT

WHICH GOD, ANNA?

Almost every religion has one; or ten; or dozens.

Every religion's version of a god construct is as valid as the others.

MIKE FROM ALO - you stated:"Just because scientists don't have evidence from some of the bible doesn't mean it's not true. Some evidence is too old to be found"

Do you realize that's the debate between science and religion about EVOLUTION? Do you still stand by that? Becuase if you think bible evidence is too old to be found, what about the dinosaur record religion claims "is incomplete, therefore false"?

JOHN SMITH, Memphis: I AM TOO.
(and I can prove it)

Bible gets a reality check

Tolu,lagos,nigeria — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:28:36 GMT

The only food I v got for your thoughts is...if God doesn't exist, who created the wprld and all that's in it?
Who controls this world?
Who established faith, love, and even the huma nature.

Think about this pls and stop the blasphemy...

Bible gets a reality check

Matt, Ventura, CA. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:40:50 GMT

I think the show will be very interesting but it brings up a real question of what is the "truth". It really has to do with the person asking the question and searching for the answer. It that person wants to believe in a eternal "God" then he shouldn't watch the show - it will just stoke their anger towards the "infadels". If a person wants to belive in a limited science developed by man then by all means watch the show - it will once again prove what a bunch of wingnuts the religous people are. Wake up people, the great stories of the Bible and the objectivness of Sceince are one and the same - our understandings of the working of the world and the universe from just different places and times. In the times of the Bible the world was explained through great stories and fables with a bit of "history" in the mix. In our time of "great technology" we use science to tell the same stories. The "God" is in the details folks. Both religion and Science are just our own egos wanting to "know" the answers. But just to throw one at you, a little quiz of sorts, think about the following: Let us just say, for the Bibles sake, that the Garden of Eden did exist. That the Tree of Knowledge, which caused the downfall of humanity, did exist. The Tree of Wisdom, which after Eve bit of the Knowledge Tree, God hid from Humanity for all time, did exist. My question is Where did it all go? That is the big question - Where is the place of "Heaven on Earth". Want to know a secret - I know where it is - took lots of looking but I have the answer. If you look really hard you might find it too. Good luck.

Bible gets a reality check

Jimmy, SLC Utah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:45:41 GMT

Here's to hoping that Jesus shows up soon to save us from his followers!!!

Bible gets a reality check

Thor, North Platte, ne. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:02:39 GMT

Ok i am a pagan i believe that everyone just needs to get along who cares if what a bunch of men wrote about a man is true or not after all the bible says thou shall not kill but christians use the bible as a means of killing more people than any other religion anywhere in the world so be it they will suffer in their own time all others can rest easy just get along everyone science has been around since we first jumped out of the trees and gathered in groups as has some form of religion weather it be earthly or godly

Bible gets a reality check

Joseph, Fredrick, Maryland — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:46:04 GMT

Why... In this age of technology, free thinking and enlightenment, do we STILL have cults like Christians? If there really was a Jesus, he would send you all to a flame pit for going against every teaching he ever preached. Christianity is a cult.. Thankfully young people have access to the internet and have started to think for themselves. And now , I can proudly say, that the original faiths.. The older faiths that predate your borrowed faith have surged in numbers and continue to grow everyday... Soon we will outnumber all of you. And what really blows the mind is how you stole a Jewish based faith. Slap on another newer version and then have the audacity to tell the Jewish people THEY are wrong and some of you even claim they are going to your imaginary hell for not buying into what your selling... And now attacking PBS and some of you even mouthing off about MSNBC? Get over yourself. Stop pointing fingers at them and try looking at your own lives for once.. That is your problem.. You are unable to take on any self accountability.. SO you let some sweaty fat guy in a tacky suit , yell at you for three hours and then take your money so you feel better about yourself..

Way to go Christians.. Way to go..

(An actual bumper sticker - "Jesus.. Please save me from your followers")

Bible gets a reality check

Richard, San Francisco CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:33:03 GMT

I'm often amazed that those who most support the bible seem to be those who have the least understanding of it and what it represents. A reader's digest compilation of a small amount of available religious works edited and likely abridged by a roman emperor with his own agenda is hardly the end all be all of a religion with a great deal of histroy both recorded and unrecorded.

It's not an archeologists job to prove or disprove any part or context of the bible nor should any new discovery or understanding of the past suddenly shatter your faith or anyone else's.

Faith shouldn't be considered so fragile and neither should history.

At one time many priests and monks strived to pursue and advance knowledge, and found it strengthened their faith and understanding of the world. I'm not sure when or why such laudible beliefs changed from the the advancement of knowledge in the name of faith to the active repression of it in the name of faith but I think it a doomed and dangerous path.

It's not like religious debate is anything new, and even the apostles debated amoung themselves. Paul himself expressed doubt that the merciful God and father that Jesus taught of was a completely different God that of the Vengeful God of the Old Testament said to have liberally found employment for his Angel of Death and struck down whole cities. The faith survived and blossomed nonetheless so it's unlikely to suffer any setbacks from a couple of educated men digging around in the sand for something to talk about.

The Bible is a great source of Christian Mythology and even History, but it's not the only one and it never was. Much of Christian Scripture is even contradictory and much of it is no longer taught or emphasized as it once was because religions evolve and will continue to do so. That passages of it may be wrong on occasion should be a given rather than a cause of concern and it's no reason to doubt faith.

Bible gets a reality check

Mike — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:33:29 GMT

Ignorance is bliss, i was born and raised in a traditional christian home and grew up to realize that it’s all [crap]!! the simple truth is, most of the stories in the bible are probably true, although HIGHLY OVER EXHAGERTAED, after being told by thousands of people, over such a long period of time. jesus was not the son of god, he was an ordinary man that challenged the roman empire and gave people a new way to think and new things to hope for, there was no virgin birth, and jesus did not rise 3 days after being buried....that is why when one of these shows comes on TV and challenges a religion, it [ticks] people off, because deep down we all know the the truths i have just listed, even though most people, including members of my own family, BLINDLY follow the "holy bible" with no foot in reality. religion is a multi-billion dollar a year business, and they pay NO TAXES ON EARNINGS…. EVERY CHURCH, all over the world is ran behind the scenes by hypocrites, who have a lust for money and instill a fear of hell, with an underlying promise of a trip to heaven if you meet the requirements, into those to weak minded to have a mind to think for themselves. you are all simple sheep, and I truly feel sorry for you……

Bible gets a reality check

Bill Poteat — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:39:52 GMT

I think we need to find PRIESTER JOHN to ask his take on this.On 2nd thought-I'll just wait til 2012 to see if it really matters!!

Bible gets a reality check

Mike — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:43:47 GMT

oh yeah, one last thing, faith, this is the biggest scam in the bible, asking people to have faith is a copout, its a never ending circle,and the idea that "god" works through faith is just plain funny, if you need something, you pray for it and have faith that "god" will grant it for you, and if he does, he is praised, and if not, oh well, i still have my faith.....if you need to pray for something, have the backbone and self respect to do it for yourself

Bible gets a reality check

BMS, VA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:02:48 GMT

Boyle, you idiot!

Bible gets a reality check

Nancy Knight, Seneca Falls, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:09:10 GMT

Ironically, I watched 'Inherit the Wind' yesterday and think back to part of the defense used in that trial. If God had not meant us to question, why would we have been given the ability to think and reason.

Bible gets a reality check

Tom, Cleveland, OH — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:18:31 GMT

The Bible is not a history book. It is not a science book. It is a theology book. Those who would mix these disciplines are doing the Bible a disservice.
When studying scripture, one should remember that "all stories are true and some of them actually happened".

Bible gets a reality check

Josh, Vernon, In — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:19:34 GMT

"Not a tittle shal be lost..."
To the believer, the Holy Bible is the inerrant word of God. Paul tells us that "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." II Corinthians, 4: 8-9
God is our refuge and our strength. Those that rely on Him have seen Him, and felt his strength as our own. It is not possible to know the truth if you haven't ever been exposed to the truth.
Archaeology can only tell us so much of how one lived long ago. Just because there isn't "proof" that someone didn't exsist, doesn't mean there wasn't anyone there. Millions of people throughout history have been completely forgotten. This doesn't mean they just weren't there. Prior to the invention of the printing press, people could remember entire stories by hearing them once and could recite them back in perfect detail. This was necessary in order that stories could properly be passed down, because the majority of people could not read nor write.

Christ was offered as a sacrifice for the remission of sins for the common, mortal man. This was the proof God loves us. Those of you who will hear, let him hear.

Bible gets a reality check

Dan Waters, Iron River, MI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:39:17 GMT

Science used to say that Nebuchadnezzar never existed. But science kept digging and found his name on the bricks of Babylon. The Bible was right.

Many said that Israel could never be a country again after many hundreds of years of non-existence (even some Bible scholars). Israel exists. The Bible was right.

As far as King Solomon being a "real historical person", perhaps the "scholars" should consider the most remarkably preserved writings from ancient history, many written contemporaneously with the events they portray, now collected together in a book called the "Bible." It is more reliable than a questionable rock inscription!

As scientists keep living and digging, they will discover that all of what the Bible says is accurate. It certainly changed my life, just as it promised!

Bible gets a reality check

Clyde Farris, Kirkwood, MO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:42:26 GMT

Based on some comments, it appears that some people have more faith in the Bible than they have in reason, the scientific process and empirical research, and, thus, continue to believe that the earth is the center of the universe, that the earth has foundations and does not move and that humans are special, separate and distinct creations instead of having evolved from earlier forms of life. The power of religious indoctrination.

Bible gets a reality check

Rachel — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:55:21 GMT

Great message, Becky (Port Huron, Michigan).

An intelligent Christain woman such as yourself who has such diplomatic and open-minded views is the reason I don't immediately dismiss anyone who loudly declares they are a "MAN/WOMAN OF GOD!!!1" I thank you for reminding me that these people are not all so insular. :)

Bible gets a reality check

Darren — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:04:43 GMT

Psalms 104:5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

Game over...

Bible gets a reality check

Jacob Doe — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:13:33 GMT

It's funny to watch the Christians and the Scientist argue the same view points back at each other, neither ever realizing they are doing the same dance, just doing it to a different beat. Arguement is arguement, not respecting someone else's beliefs is simply saying you are better than someone else.

Bible gets a reality check

Vic, Simpsonville, SC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:17:54 GMT

Religious fervor (brainwashing) cannot coexist in the same mind with logical, critical thought.

Bible gets a reality check

Stephanie Orozco — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:30:05 GMT

The bible is historical fiction. Take a few historical facts, mix in sex, murder and drama and PRESTO! you have the recipe for an international best seller. Of course some items will be proven true and others as false! Should I live my life by the bible's rules? I'd as soon adhere to Shakespeare's rules, or perhaps Diana Gabaldon's! They wrote historical fiction, too!

Bible gets a reality check

Missy Booth, Mendenhall, MS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:30:25 GMT

All I want to say is God is very real to me. I will pray for the unbelievers. Everyone has a right to their beliefs. But, I want you to think of your quality of life. How's it working for you without God? Peace, Hope, Love, and a sound mind. I wouldn't give that up all archaeological proof in the world!

Bible gets a reality check

sweetmusicman — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:45:25 GMT

I am from Namibia (Africa)
To the guy who said there is no God because he can't see God; well, here is one for you, "We can't see a human being’s brain! Does this mean that we don't have brains?" Thought so!

The problem with people who don't believe in God or that He does exist is because they only read literature that has a bias towards which they already leans. Go do yourself a favor and start to read material teaching about the authenticity of the Bible. The Bible is historically and scientifically proven. Go and Google “authenticity of the Bible.”

Christy

Bible gets a reality check

dave,burlington,vt — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:49:22 GMT

i just cant help to think that the romans or greeks had the same talks about the truth or facks with there gods or bibles and in 1000 years peple will look back and laugh at the joke that was are relegin / fath we need to feel that there is more and thats just who we are

Bible gets a reality check

Jesus — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:56:01 GMT

Faith is believing in that which cannot be proven. Declaring the bible as objective truth is a declaration of one's loss of faith.

Bible gets a reality check

Lars sveten — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:57:44 GMT

I feel sorry for all those who believe in such an old myth. A creator that came from nothing and created everything, the worlds biggest lie. People have decieved one another since man has existed. Christianity is here for one purpose, power. Live your own life and treat others well. Thats all jesus wanted everyone to do, Love.

Bible gets a reality check

A. Armfield Jesup GA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:01:16 GMT

The purpose of archaeological investigation is not to prove or disprove any beliefs. It is however, to present all findings. It is up to the individual to make a choice to place trust in only the secular, or to celebrate his/her belief with the proverbial leap of faith. Let 'em dig, it's provocative, interesting reading and makes me exercise my mind.

Bible gets a reality check

Gary Lauver, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:05:30 GMT

People of 'faith' won't believe fact if it hits them in the head. The Bible was written by MEN, the same fallible humans that write computer code and drive your kids to school. Smart people realize that Faith is believing in something for which there is no physical evidence. I believe that parts of the Bible are historical BUT most of it is a story. Just a story. It would be awesome if some of the Bible thumpers around the glob would use the Bible as the 'reference' tool it was supposedly designed to be. But mostly I feel the Radical Right uses the Bible much like a drunk uses a lamp-post, more for support than illumination.

Bible gets a reality check

Jake C, Delaware — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:07:15 GMT

Well, ignorance is just bliss, isn't it? The Bible was compiled from exerpts of longer stories and scriptures...many were lost over time and if you haven't realized there are HUGE gaps in the book that spans thousands of years between those covers! Archaeologists are just trying to fill the gaps and better map out human history. Do not close your minds to this research.

To those who take EVERY story in its literal sense, then please be the ones to discover the bones of Goliath or how about explain why Dinosaur fossils would NOT be mentioned in the ancient text! They are just a collection of stories to help us learn to be better people, not all are to be taken at their litteral meaning. God did not write a book, people wrote a book hundreds of years after the events took place in attempt to collect the basis for a religion.

Don't remain stuck in the Dark Ages - learn from our past and move into the future.

Bible gets a reality check

C.J., PA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:07:31 GMT

Congress should stop funding PBS because...they argue the bible might just be a book put together by many authors over a very long period of time? And that some characters in the book are legit and others may not be? And its stuff like that that should be a reason to cut governement funding? For reporting what they find and how it plays in the bible? lol are these people serious? Is the American Family Association araid that families will start acting like pegans now that this program is going to be aired? Look, god didn't fax the bible down to us. It was put together by many different people over many different time periods to show exmples of how how and why we should live and act the best we can and the struggles people had to overcome to do so. And not all the gosspels that were writen and preached are in the current bible. And yet there are those out there who close themselves to the idea of chrisianity's evolution over time. What are they afraid of?

Bible gets a reality check

trubeliever, Oklahoma City, OK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:13:03 GMT

Well, rats! I got distracted and forgot to watch the show. I really meant to because I find this on-going debate and discovery very interesting.

But the reaction to such programing is very disturbing to me. The "literalists" of faith feel threatened by the research conducted by respected scientists and archeologists to the point they want to cut off funding to PBS. I am afraid this is an Ostrich approach. It's like sticking your fingers in your ears and shouting lalalalalalala so you can't hear bad news or something you disagree with.

FAITH is just that. You have FAITH that something is true and you BELIEVE in this despite all commentary or evidence (or lack of evidence) to the contrary.

SCIENCE is not FAITH. SCIENCE is FACT or the attempt to find and prove certain theories and truth or falacy of certain assertions.

When you try to assert your FAITH with so-called science you are trying to use an apple to prove the existence (or non-existence) of an ORANGE.

If you have FAITH, you beleive. If you are a scientist, you may also have FAITH and you may also have questions. The two are NOT mutually exclusive.

But having FAITH is not a valid reason to cut off funds for scientific research just because you disagree with their theories or findings.

Not everyone believes as YOU do. And YOUR beliefs should not control the public's purse-strings.

Bible gets a reality check

Lee, Franklin TN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:14:52 GMT

I love how some will argue "large portions can not be proven" but yet we are supposed to believe that we evolved from nothing. Now tell me - what takes more faith - belief it a book that has supporting historical evidences OR a collection of theories where something is born of nothing?

Bible gets a reality check

James McGrath, Indianapolis, Indiana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:22:17 GMT

The first commenter seems not to understand that they are taking the word of an ancient text written down after the fact over evidence from the time itself. In other words, this is just a way of saying that this person has decided to believe what she wants about the Bible, rather than actually examine in detail what evidence the Bible itself provides, not to mention other relevant sources of information.

What the documentary presented is common knowledge among Biblical scholars and well-informed laypeople. The only people who will have found anything in it shocking or surprising are those who are deliberately avoiding learning anything about the Bible, who in their pride believe they already know everything they need to know.

Bible gets a reality check

Ruben Vasquez — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:25:23 GMT

GOD be with me in this comment but i believe our mind are not ready for the wonders of GOD I want to ask you all out there do you believe in extraterrestrial many would say yes but other witch is always be the minority would said not I don't belong to any church but i believe that JESUS came 2000 years ago and sacrificed himself for the good of humanity so my relation is straight with god i don't need a third party because that is what he taught me in his word another thing that i realize reading the bible is the many times they talk about extraterrestrial objects Jesus himself in john he said he's not from earth but from above the bible also say that GOD is in the third heaven so all i can said is that there is no more blind that the one who don't want to see we still using 10% of our brain we still not capable to assimilate the bible yet in all its concept so to all the non believer out there i have this message repent cause the kingdom of GOD is at the door peace.

Bible gets a reality check

Alex, Chicago, IL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:25:41 GMT

I don't believe the government should fund stations like PBS that always carry an evolutionary stance to everything historic. There should be a mixture of evolution and creation to please both sides.

Bible gets a reality check

LDP, Monroe, Louisiana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:32:19 GMT

The bible was inspired by God, but written by men. Therefore you know there are going to be some inaccuracies and personal agendas in it. The overall message and a persons faith is what's important.

Bible gets a reality check

Stephen Frey, Albany, NY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:32:24 GMT

Three words: The Davinci Code.

Need I say more?

Bible gets a reality check

Anthony, Cincinnati, Ohio — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:46:20 GMT

Good points about the research and intent behind archeologic pursuits in the field of biblical studies. I will watch. I am disheartened by the ignorance in this forum on both sides of the argument. I for one am an atheist but believe that everyone has the right to believe what they want but shouldn't be put upon by any one group, be it religious, political, or socioeconomical. If you don't believe in god you shouldn't be attacked for it and if you believe then the same should hold true. Too many people in this forum are stating their beliefs or attacking others' comments when the purpose of this forum is to discuss the ramification and interest held within the PBS program. I know I've gone beyond this as well but can't anybody just have an intelligent thought without stating scripture and knowledge that isn't your own, or without outright telling believers that they are wrong. I only wish we could hold onto the belief of peace, acceptance, and understanding that has wholly been thrown out the window by most of academia and religion.

Bible gets a reality check

Cas, Portland, Or — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:48:31 GMT

Thanks PBS continue with the fine programming. I support this show, it was as noted, pretty much right down the middle.

Bible gets a reality check

Frederick Christensen — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:51:40 GMT

I wish to debunk the myth surrounding Science and it`s twisted agenda.Science should be stripped naked and thinking people need to de-mystify Science because too many weak minded individuals seem to be intimidated by it`s arrogance.GOD,NOT SCIENCE,is the source of all truth.Science is just a collection of fallible little human beings with agendas,bias and other hubris associated with the very imperfect human condition.Science trys to con us into thinking that they believe in empirical evidence,one of their pet slogans,when in reality Science and Scientists will sell out to the highest bidder if the money is right.Science has been found to be the very antithesis of perfection and truth because Science is,in reality,just another human hustle motivated by ego,money and power.Science eats it`s own shit and therefore any pathetic atheistic attempt to refute the majesty of the Christian God should be ignored.Boycott the program and PBS until they are prepared to be less provocative,controversial and partial to the demented atheistic persuasion.

Bible gets a reality check

David, Martinsburg, WV — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:57:19 GMT

I would like to say to all Christians, Jews & Muslims--let the world challenge what you believe. Adversity makes you stronger. Read what Saul did to the church and how he made it spread.
Remember that the Bible has never been disproven.
One point though, if the Bible was not a book currently used for religion, wouldn't it be considered an extremely important book for historical purposes? Perhaps the most important.

Bible gets a reality check

Alan Crabtree, New Castle, IN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:28 GMT

I agree that Congress should cut off all funding for PBS. I don't want my money going to a bunch of liberals, who spend all their time discounting the truth. I believe EVERY word in the Bible, even though I don't understand it all. That's called FAITH. When we are all standing in front of Jesus Christ at judgment, all of this will be a mute point anyway. I just hope non-believers will open their eyes before it's too late. I will put my trust in God and His Written Word any day of the week, over some man's idea of the truth. God says that His ways, and His thoughts are much higher than ours. I believe it.

Bible gets a reality check

Micheal H., OK. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:39 GMT

The only reason that "God" exists is because you can't prove a negative.Having read the entire book,I wonder that anyone could possibly condone the morally reprehensible acts commited by "God" in the Old Testament. Here it is, I am morally superior to "God", because He either can't, or will not attempt to mitigate the "evil" in this world. In either case, He is not worthy of worship. If He does exsist... He has alot to answer for. If He were manifest in the world today, He would be on trial for war crimes...That oughta stir the pot:)

Bible gets a reality check

Reality Check, Ok — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:01:36 GMT

Archaeologist have always had a rather unscientific problem with finding some small bit of artifact/evidence and jumping to huge conclusions based on this tiny finding. It's really not very scientific of them to take this conjecture and promote it like it's proven fact.
The shear volume of things we don't know about the past is truely inconcievable to the average mind, and no one will ever acurately piece it together with the little snippets that survived though the Ages.
So take it for what it truely is... ...not much.

Bible gets a reality check

Phil Gilman, Dunnellon FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:04:25 GMT

As a Christian and Bible believer, I feel truly sorry for those whose faith is so shallow and unstable that they cannot abide seeing another opinion without going ballistic over it. If only they would believe in God instead of the dogma and tradition that they have been taught, they would receive the Peace that Christ offers.

Bible gets a reality check

Myron, Temple, Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:07:40 GMT

"so what I want to know is what kind of dinosaur Jesus liked to ride."

WWJD?
What Was Jesus' Dinosaur?

Bible gets a reality check

C Martins, Orlando, Florida — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:17:04 GMT

Jack Did I miss something PBS doesn't that stand for Public Broadcasting. I didn't know PBS was a christian TV Station.. Not all of the Public are christians We have all kinds of people out here. I could have swore I read something about the seperation of church and state. What does congress have to do with this.

Let me ask you christians something God made man in "our Imgaine" who is he speaking of? Himself ok.. that explains Man... How do you explain Woman... Last I checked most men don't have female parts. Where did those come from? How did God have a Son? Must have been a woman somewhere... Something somewhere had to be left out.. Just a collection of stories to make men feel better.. Do you feel better?

Bible gets a reality check

Toni Bourlon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:21:18 GMT

I've read Dever's book on the early Israelites, and it's a load of crap. He clearly is trying to carve out a middle road, and admits that most people won't accept his theory. The reason I rejected it is because the evidence presented in the book could just as easily back the Biblical account as his peasant revolt theory. He points out that these new settlements have a housing design scheme that is very different from anything in the Caananite cities, also that terraced gardening and the use of cisterns are new to the region. To me, that implies the settlers were NOT from the Caananite cities. But he says they were because of 14 pieces of Caananite pottery that were found in the settlements. I find that inconclusive. There are three possibilities: 1. the Caananites that moved to the hills came up with the housing, gardening and cisterns on their own; 2. the Israelites bought some pottery from the locals; or 3. some Caananites married into the Israeli tribe and brought the pottery with them. Personally, I go with the 3rd one, and not surprisingly, the Bible does mention something like this happening.

Bible gets a reality check

Nick, Fresno, California — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:32:12 GMT

Are only theistic lunatics allowed comment approval. Hey guys your vile supernatural religion needs supernatural help. There is a reason adults do not believe in Santa Claus, try using that reason to figure out the invisible, never been proven to exist universe creator, doesn't exist either. Jehovah of the Bible is a vile, murderer and barbaric nightmare just like his authors. Enjoy your myths of dead men lunatics.

Bible gets a reality check

SG Elizabethtown, ky — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:39:07 GMT

i am always amazed at how some pass judgment about something they have not seen yet.... fear is a big thing in this area. People are afraid that something might, (i say might) rock their world. If it were up to some, we would all still be living on plymouth rock

Bible gets a reality check

Brian, San Diego, C.A. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:40:18 GMT

This was a great documentary. It proves the words of the bible can now be proven with facts. Now, I am waiting for the Book of Revelations to be proven also. When the great comet enters our solar system and causes an increased wobble with consequent sloshing of oceans and violent winds
a lean to the left moving rapidly into
3 days of darkness and
6 days when the Sun seems to rise just west of the N pole
a few weeks of slowing rotation and then
5.9 days of rotation stoppage, followed by
the hour of the pole shift as talked about in the Book of Exodus

Bible gets a reality check

Larry Hunter Akron, IN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:44:45 GMT

Although it states it in the Bible, most of us forget that it is the inspired word of God, not mans notions or recolections. In the four gospels you can find four accounts of the birth and death of Jesus. They are all a little different and it is because four different authors seen it from their own point of view. But because it is the inspired word of God what is written is accurate. The bible also says that we are not at war with flesh and blood but kings and kingdoms we cannot see yet. If you are a christian God and His word are leading you, if you are not a christian who is leading your thoughts and actions? There will come a time and it's not far away when EVERY knee shall bow and tounge confess that Jesus Chrit is Lord. I hope TV shows like this do not keep you from the truth of the bible.

Bible gets a reality check

Brian M. Bannon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:47:50 GMT

Religion is still the opiate of the masses. Time to wake up from the pipe dream and confront reality.

God is Imaginary.

The facts are right here: godisimaginary.com

Get educated.

Bible gets a reality check

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:56:16 GMT

The myths of the bible have been debunked for centuries. Almost 500 years ago Galileo and Coperniucus proved that the biblical myth of earth being the center of the solar system and universe was false. Science has proven that the earth is far older than 6,000 years and that Man has evolved from primates. Religion is nothing but shared myth and it's time that we put these myths in their place as just that.

Such a pity that so many people would rather believe feel good lies than the real truth. Religion has been at war against science for too long and it's time for this nonsensical war to end. Accept myth as myth and understand that truth only comes from science.

It's time to shun the male chauvinist takeover of religion with the Judeo-Christian-Islamic faiths that brought us one male god and ofcourse only make priests. The pagans were more honest having male and female gods and goddesses and male and female priests and priestesses and worshipping nature. We can see how the male chauvinist religions are only concerned about having power over people and not in doing anything productive for the people.

Bible gets a reality check

Chuck,TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:05:28 GMT

There are three completely seperate concepts: Creator, Belief in God, and Religion. They have nothing to do with each other. [I prefer the term Creator to God. I feel that it gets a little closer to accuracy.]

Bible gets a reality check

kent (laguna beach) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:10:34 GMT

I definitely lean toward the notion that the Bible is a group of fairy tales written over centuries of time. As research becomes more precise, I'm sure time will prove that those who take the Bible literally are no different than those who worshiped fake gods of the ancient past!

Bible gets a reality check

Ryan, Germantown, MD — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:10:41 GMT

Eh, the purpose of science (in this case, archeology) is to prove that a theory is true, not to prove that something is wrong. Did king Solomon really exist as the Bible said? They just found evidence that there was a king that matches whats in the bible? Was his name Solomon? Who knows? Even Pope John Paul II embraced evolution.

Bible gets a reality check

Tim, Schaumburg, IL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:12:13 GMT

There are so many ridiculous comments here. "Congress should cut off funding for PBS" why? Congress doesn't have to adhere to principle of separation of church and state? It is ignorant to state that public state funding shouldn't go to PBS because the air a program that question one religions holy book. And the guy that says historical accuracy in the Bible goes out the window because the New Testament was written 30 years and more after Jesus's death is equally misguided. Historical texts written recently about ancient Egypt must be inaccurate as well because it's been 3,000 years or so since that empire crumbled. Why can't my fellow Christians accept science and faith together? Science cannot disprove God or our faith. If science says the earth is 4.45 billion years old, and the Bible indicates a number closer to 10,000 years, does this mean that everything in the Bible and everything we believe must be a fallacy? NO! Maybe "God created the universe/earth in 7 days" is a metaphor. Would your average early reader/lister of the old testament really been able to comprehend dinosaurs and a 4 billion year old world? No, so maybe the authors simplified things and used the 7 day model for our week and the Sabbath and as an illustration of God's power. Science and faith are only mutually exclusive if you want that to be the case...Even Stephen Hawking acknowledges the possibility (he has been known to even say probability) of the existence of a higher power.

Bible gets a reality check

Steven G., Allen, Fayetteville, AR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:13:02 GMT

For those interested in some excellent research on the Middle East's three monotheistic religions, I recommend "In Search of Zarathrustra" by Paul Kriwaczek and "Spirituality in the Land of the Noble" by Richard C. Foltz. I've read the first cover to cover 3 times and the second one cover to cover twice. Both are fascinating books and informative.

Bible gets a reality check

liz alderson montour falls, ny — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:20:43 GMT

as a person who was raised jewish, i am not offended in any way. if anything, it reaffirms my belief that the bible is just a book of moral fairy tales. so it stands to reason, that there would be no proof that, anyone in the bible, existed. but i stand for most of what the bible stands for. of course, you shouldn't kill, or steal, or engage in incest. thank god it's a free country!!

Bible gets a reality check

Rob Seattle — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:22:08 GMT

Religion is for those who need a security blanket. The bible is a document of a few meaningless facts wrapped in fantasy. What amuses me more than anything is how easily threatened religious people are. You would think if they really had a god on their side, they'd feel more secure.

Bible gets a reality check

Dennis Garza, San Antonio, TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:26:37 GMT

I think a lot of people need to open there eyes and see the Bible for what it is. A tool for beliefs. If you are Christian or Jewish so many things have been left out of the Bible on purpose and accident. All the stories are history and passed on by oral tradition so it is always going to lose something. Those that believe word for word need to open there eyes and realize that religion is man-made and what YOU believe is your Faith. Stand strong and believe, but don't question the facts as we have proof in front of us. In the absence of proof, stick to your beliefs. There is a lot left out of the Bible but what is in there we use in our religion. Just leave it at that!!!

Bible gets a reality check

Tim, Schaumburg, IL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:28:27 GMT

Wow, did I see someone say she believes we coexisted with dinosaurs? There is scientific proof that we didn't. That doesn't disprove the Bible or diminish it's value though. And I saw someone reference Bill Maher?! Thank you, because his opinion has nothing to do with greed or being an attention-whore. Why don't we discuss what the self-serving windbag Christopher Hitchens has to say about this?

Bible gets a reality check

Donald Davis — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:35:10 GMT

The Bible is a crock. Period.

Bible gets a reality check

Dave, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:41:05 GMT

Science has finally won the war against faith. I always hoped to see this day. The Bible has finally been exposed for what it truely is, a book of fiction.

Now we only need some legislation to require all book publishers to print "fiction" on all printed copies of the Bible. I "believe" that will end this nonsense once and for all.

Bible gets a reality check

David Robinson — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:41:40 GMT

What surprises me is that this article is written as if none of its readers has had any exposure to Biblical studies in the 20th century. I graduated from seminary in 1968. It was taught as well-established and widely accepted that the five books of Moses are the result of the compilation and interweaving of several major sources over a long period of time. College courses and study groups in mainline churches would have been taught with that same understanding of the genesis of the Torah. The point is that Rabbinic Judaism for the part called the Old Testament (by Christians) and eventually the Church for the laer 27 books agreed formally that these particular 66 books (and sometimes a larger number)form the core history and story of the People of God and are essential in teaching, understanding and handing on this Faith.

Bible gets a reality check

Alex — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:51:09 GMT

Seems so many answer their own question, the difference between science and faith comes down to this, Science often admits to its own wrong thinking because its searching for the truth constantly, and everything is an IDEA, the faithful strand on dogma as fact, and any questions against that dogma to discover a new truth is heresy. Herasy means in short, your wrong.. my way is right and Im putting my fingers in my ears ...LALALLALALALAA

When you seek to find truth or ask questions you open yourself to discovery, to many think thats biting at the apple again, fearful that they just might discover some truth they cant live with.

Bible gets a reality check

Brandon, Denver, CO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:59:54 GMT

Seriously people, do you believe everything your friends tell you? Has anyone ever heard of gossip? Sure things in the Bible have happened, but definitely not everything... and anything "magical" was DEFINITELY exaggerated. Sure Jesus probably existed, but he DEFINITELY did not have magical powers. If you don't believe Greek mythology for that reason, then you really shouldn't believe the exaggerations in the Bible. The Bible has helped humanity just like most religions have. But times have changed and we need a new thought process to get us through te next hundred or thousand years. The only thing these old religions do for us now is cause war with other religions, and forecasts of "The End". Let's make the right decision and not have an end. To bad our current religions keep us so stubborn though. We're bound to make it happen on our own.

Bible gets a reality check

Tom, Orland, Fl — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:04:47 GMT

I can't believe how many comments are posted both for and against something none of the posters has seen. How about waiting until you have seen the broadcast before commenting on it!!

Bible gets a reality check

yonaosn, Tampa, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:08:34 GMT

A Torah observant Jew doesn't need archeology to "prove" anything. Our Sages have always been obsessive-compulsive about telling the truth. If any of our history were a lie, then you would have to assume that at some point in our history we did a complete 180 Deg turn from falsehood to truth, a change so drastic that one would have to be at least a bit dishonest himself to believe. But if it floats your boat, knock yourselves out.

Bible gets a reality check

DWScott, Ann Arbor, MI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:09:51 GMT

It would be useful to have a study comparing how other historical texts hold up under similar archeological scrutiny relative to the Bible. To state that contemporary science gives a document a certain degree of accuracy would be more meaningful if put in context of the rest of recorded history.

Bible gets a reality check

Harold Lambert Johnsville, Ohio — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:12:15 GMT

I beleive that we should let the facts speak for themself. Science is not a "feeling it is proven facts. Let the facts speak.

Bible gets a reality check

Dave Bailey, Toronto, Canada — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:14:22 GMT

"...archaeological findings that will annoy believers as well as skeptics..."

Why would it annoy skeptics? I am an atheist, but I welcome advances in scientific knowledge. This new information does nothing to prove or disprove the existence of a god, or the overall accuracy of the bible. We have known for years that there are references in the bible that are completely wrong, and others that have a factual historical basis. This simply adds another aspect to the story. I'm not annoyed at all.

Bible gets a reality check

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:14:59 GMT

Flying Spaghetti Monster. I want to believe!

Bible gets a reality check

Nicole Westland, MI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:16:16 GMT

I believe the Bible is true. Period. Its “HIS-story”! If someone wants to dig around in the dirt to try to prove otherwise that is their decision and the waste of their time and money. It does not scare God. It does not change my mind. And it is supported by the Devil. I do think it is a foolish thing to waste money on. How many starving nations could be helped each day by the money spent on trying to "discover" the past. A book has been written about it (the past) and its fairly cheap to obtain (in the free world anyways). Read it and accept. Spend your time and money on something worth your time and effort. Do something to help the humankind you claim to be a part of. The one laugh I get from all those who seek to disprove God is that they are admitting by their research that He is real. If they truly don’t believe there is a God, they would spend their time and effort doing something else!

Bible gets a reality check

P.B.inLosAngeles — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:16:48 GMT

Fact: There is no anger interjected into the scientific perspective of the subject matter; the opposite is apparent in “The Believer’s” dismissal and disdain for the evidence, true or false, presented.
Fact: The obvious bottom line emanating from the Bible is that kindness and compassion should be at the forefront of societal evolution.
Fact: Any and all science and research is an “ongoing” undertaking. To dismiss archeologists’ changing or abandoning their perspective(s) on Biblical subject matter is moot as, obviously, not every dig returns tangible questions & answers; trial and error is the cornerstone of genuine research. By the mere presence, or lack thereof, of evidence and within the limits of logic, nearly all scientists and researchers admit when they have erred or when new evidence suggests that a long held theory of truth is actually incorrect. The recent DNA sampling of remnants from an Oregon Early Man site proving Native Americans inhabited Oregon far earlier than Clovis people, who had previously been thought to be the earliest North American inhabitants, is but one example of this self governance.
Fact: Bible people simply get angry when challenged; Scientists, get busy!

Bible gets a reality check

Bryan, Seattle, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:22:17 GMT

You know the people who are upset by this show? These are the same people who think that the earth was created 6000 years ago and that man walked with dinosaurs (either that, or god put the fossil record there to really mess with us). They don't want to hear anything other than what's written in some moldy book, a book that tells them what to think and who to hate. Apparently, that list includes free thinkers and free speech.

Bible gets a reality check

Belda Priest — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:25:15 GMT

Some of these folks scare me. I actually thought the show offered some actual evidence that some of the Bible migt be true. I was amazed to find out some of it really happened. It made me want to take religion seriously again, till I read some of the fumdimentalist hoo ha comments here. Let's remember for a moment the Dark Ages, witch hunts, crusades, persecution of the greatist minds in history and all the other lovely things brought to us by Western religion. It was only after years of persecution by organized religion that rational thought finally had a chance. There will always be a fringe of fanatics that believe whatever they want, regardless of the facts. I will never forget someone telling me that dinosaur bones were buried by the Devil to test our faith. Nuts.

Bible gets a reality check

Jason F — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:30:16 GMT

Man is unable to write a story with Gods and allow the followers to have "free-will"
Look it up historically. Never happened.

So - Man alone is unable to produce the fantastic wisdom and unbelievable mercy the Bible produces.

Man, therefore - PROVES the existence of God by our very being of a faithless, whoring creature questioning everything - without a clue to even who we are! Sorry folks - God is real....the Bible is the Word - and WE are living proof of it's existence and our inablity to co-exist and control..

Bible gets a reality check

Chad, Sioux City IA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:21 GMT

It is absolutely amazing how people fight over who has the correct religion. To me it seems like children fighting over who has the best imaginary friend. No religion has it right. How arrogant can someone be to claim that they know the nature of God? Athiests are just as bad, they claim they know God does not exist. No one has the answers and most people will not accept that.

Religion is a great way to get people together for a positive purpose, but the flipside is you can also get people with extremist beliefs. When people believe that their religion is the absolute answer and all others should be punished for not believing, then we are better off without religion in those cases. I just can't understand why anyone feels they need to force their religion on others. Our Creator gave us life and no one has the right to take it away even if they claim to be doing it in his name.

Bible gets a reality check

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:35:11 GMT

It's just too laughable how people have this bizarre need to have something that is perceived as an absolute guideline to moral practices and social interaction, supposedly put together by an extremely delusional population of people called Israelites that started millennia ago and still survives and thrives. This is a scary comment on the problems that exist in the human mind and that are passed down through time.

Bible gets a reality check

ILPUL, Cretaceous Period — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:41:24 GMT

I like the idea of Raptor Jesus with his father the Great Rex. Maybe if I write it all down and wait a couple thousand years it will change the face of earth as the new global religion....

Bible gets a reality check

Scott, Chicago, IL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:45:44 GMT

Bible gets a reality check

Harry Rabe Washington DC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:46:01 GMT

From the darkness of the caves human emerged long ago. Still today we have not emerged from the darkness of our believes and religions. We still held higher what we want to believe is true than that what has been proofed to be true. Do not turn wishful thinking into facts because it fits the purpose.
I am looking forward to see the light shed on a very distant past by the hard work of archeologists.

Bible gets a reality check

Jac, Philadelphia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:46:13 GMT

I'll be honest. I am an Atheist.
I was raised as a Roman Catholic, I've even been to the
Vatican, and dragged to Church every Sunday. I say "dragged" and mean it literally. I didn't have the choice.

Though I have my strong beliefs, I am wise enough to know that the belittling occurring on both sides, will not get us anywhere. It is wrong.

Please, do not judge me based on the others who say they believe the same as I. I do not believe in God.
I view religion as a . . "drug." To me, the Bible is just a book. It has the same importance to me as Peter Pan, The Great Gatsby and my English Text Book. It is a literary work.

To me, the idea of this "happily ever after" is just comforting. When my best friend died in a horrible accident last year, I wanted to get him back so badly.
I remember screaming and crying hysterically. I was willing to go to any lengths to see him again, to talk to him again.

The idea of him being in a better place, was comforting, until I realized he wasn't. He was dead, buried six-feet-under.
I realize this idea is comforting, but it can not be the bases of our lives.

To those who are Religious, I employ you to look beyond what you believe. To really look into what you believe. If you find that your Religion is what you need and not what you want, than fine. You have a right to do that.

To those, who are so convinced that The United States should only be a Christian nation. Do us a favor and please step into the light! We are a country of mixed Religions trying to assimilate into one nation. Your book does not, and shall not ever control me on a governmental level. How dare you say, that your Religion is the one and only true one!

Religion is something that Humans invented, and can be easily swayed. It is manipulative and destructive!
I find that I have more acceptance to those who are peaceful and accepting. Your intolerance, will be the end of us all.

I'd write more, but I have a term paper calling.

The World Needs Love! Let's spread it around! Please!

Bible gets a reality check

Matthew, Ann Arbor, MI — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:50:04 GMT

Every new finding seems to bring more controversy. The truth it seems, all religions are much more closely related than they would like to admit. The sad part is the negative reaction from the very few extremist from all the major religions. What happen to love thy neighbor?

Bible gets a reality check

Dave, Jacksonville Florida — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:52:12 GMT

For all of you single thought people out there, ponder this; The bible [King James version]is a translation of a translation of a translation of a translation of a translation. Hebrew to greek to latin to german to old english. Is there anyone out there that could honestly state that there might not be even the slightest mistake in translation. Please dont hand me the "Hand of God" routine, anything made by man can and will have fault in it. In case you didnt know it, all translations were made by man.

Bible gets a reality check

Euphoria,Euphoria,Euphoria — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:52:57 GMT

it is amazing how u laugh at scientist but when they say when u push the brakes on your car u believe them, when they have medicine for you and your children illnesses you believe them, when you press the button on your keyboard to type the biased [crap] you type you believe them. but when they say we got here from the big bang or the bible isn't totally true you say no no no you are talking [crap]. Is it okay then for a pastor who reads the bible and preaches the story of "sodom and gomorrah" and turns around and gets married to a man, turns around and molest kids, turns around and says god will understand i'll pray and god will forgive me. Just like the lion, cats and dogs you humans - although we think we are the most powerful thing - have something called human nature and we can't get away from it. I can assure you all the flapping you do about atheists, you are no different. you have sex before marriage, eat unhealthy do every sinful thing we can think of and then believe in god how are u different i can assure you push comes to shove you people who believe and talk about how you will die for GOD will be the first to run. the difference between you and I is that i am not in denial.

Bible gets a reality check

SLR, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:57:31 GMT

TJ in WASH states: I will continue to put more faith in that than the work of any human being, no matter how intelligent they may be. -- so the fact that the bible was written by MEN doesn't count at all right?

Bible gets a reality check

Brian P. Evans — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:31 GMT

Why would a non-Jew/non-Christian have a problem with the existence of David and/or Solomon? Nobody seems to believe in the Ancient Greek gods and yet there really was a city of Troy and it really was sacked, just like the Iliad claims. The locations of Odysseus' journey as detailed in the Odyssey really do exist.

In our own history, George Washington was a real person, but he never chopped down a cherry tree as a boy and then fessed up to it. And just because there isn't a platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross station doesn't mean there is no city of London.

Just because a story has some truth in it doesn't mean everything about it is true. Just because a story has some falsity to it doesn't mean everything about it is false. The Bible is a textual document taken from oral tradition cobbled together by multiple authors over centuries. Why should we expect it to be all true or all false?

Bible gets a reality check

TJ, Shoreline, Wash. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:35 GMT

"So historical accuracy goes right out the window right there."

To Chris in Edmonton, Alberta: While the New Testament may have been written 30 years after Jesus' supposed death, much of it was written by his disciples. With that being said, I would take their historical account of those times over your assumption that the New Testament is not historically accurate.

P.S. I am more sorry for you and your lack of faith than you are of me for mines. God Bless.

Bible gets a reality check

Jim, Greenville, South Carolina — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:00:04 GMT

Why do the Sumerians have similar stories to those in the Bible?

Jesus Christ IS NOT God!

Bible gets a reality check

MACJR, Everett, WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:02:10 GMT

Who am I to say that God does not exist? Even if the Bible is more myth than literal fact, it does not prove that there is no God. This is the biggest mistake most atheists make.

The Bible as a teaching tool of ethics and morals is not without merit, although, it must be understood that the morals and ethics of one time period may not necessarily fit well into another time and place without question and flexibility.

The Bible as a history book should be compared and contrasted with real world evidence or it is just hearsay.

The Bible as "The Word of God" should always be questioned since it is mankind who keeps saying that "God said it," or that "God inspired it." Mankind tends to make a lot of claims that prove not to be true.

Bible gets a reality check

Nick Jones, Birmingham, AL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:06:15 GMT

Which version of the Bible would be called into question? There are historically over 450 ENGLISH translations and into over 2,000 (other language) translations. So which version/language are we going to use as a "control" in which to judge this PBS program? Very few Christians even consider the notion that The Bible, in terms we understand, is NOT today, as it was originally scripted. Translations, missing texts, interpretations, then current political influences, etc. have changed every nuance into the text we call "The Bible" today. While the concepts and precepts may have stayed the same, true, literal acceptance is merely a matter of faith. As a Protestant Christian, I do not rely on validation to prove to anyone that my God exists. I simply believe. I don't need to know whether a story is factual or merely "a tale or parable." What matters is if there is eternal truth and whether that truth is applicable today. That is what matters... Don Wildmon needs to get a real job. "Village Idiot" is already taken by our current President.

Bible gets a reality check

Joe Westminster, MD — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:07:32 GMT

I consider myself a non-believer. The fact remains that each individual will have their own beliefs. There is nothing worng with any of it. At the same time, it is my belief that the Bible is nothing more than a history book. For me, validation of the Bible won't make me believe, it will show me that this stuff really happened in history. I think studying the Bible might not make folks believe or not-believe in God or Jesus, but rather help them understand history so it won't be repeated again.

Bible gets a reality check

Beth A, Columbus, OH — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:09:40 GMT

This book as been given too much credit for far too long. It's time we see it for what it really is, ancient superstitions and fairytales

Bible gets a reality check

Zach,San Antonio,TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:12:27 GMT

It's interesting that non-believers are seen as "immoral", when religion has been the cause of countless atrocities,i.e(salem,crusades,and numerous cults) God himself drowned the earths population becuase he changed his mind about his own "accidents".
And the flood story is by the way one of many stories of a diety saving a family and Pairs of animal specie, most notably the epic of gilgamesh.And if the bible were to be takin litteraly and we adopted its values in this nation whole heartedly, we would see massive depopulation as homosexuals would be put to death and children would be stoned in the streets.

The majority of scientist believe creationism is a failed hypothesis for a good reason. I think we as humans cant progress to a world without war and despair until we put aside the fundamental belief in such ludicrous and put our hands in science as TRUE KNOWLEDGE.

Bible gets a reality check

sean scott — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:21:08 GMT

I graduated from a Catholic High School. Went to mass two and three times a week. Every year I had a different nun, or priest teach us the word of the bible. After I got away from that oppression my eyes were opened. I quit reading fiction when I left high school.

Bible gets a reality check

Janet, Springville, Utah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:24:09 GMT

I watched the program. First, the Bible does not begin with Abraham. What happened to Adam and Eve and the generations between them and Abraham? Second, Abraham did not come up with a "new" idea of one God. Third, the Hebrews/Israelites had been warned by prophets--God's messengers--for centuries about their idolatrous habits. By 600 B.C., they should have known what was coming--bondage for their rampant disobedience. It should be noted that those who had been obedient heeded the warnings and had left Jerusalem, just as the obedient did prior to another temple destruction in A.D. 70.

I do appreciate learning about the archaeological finds, but the endless questioning of God's reality or the existence of his prophets is not productive.

Bible gets a reality check

Meggan Ward, Burlington,Vt — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:48 GMT

Seroiusly, the bible was written how long ago? It is a book of stories and opinions. A book like this would be completely discrieted if it was written today. Tales of walking on water, parting the seas, and of rising from the dead. It wouldn't fly today, so why does it from thousands of years ago? Nothing in the bible was put on paper until years after events supposedly happened. There is just too much room for interpretation.

Bible gets a reality check

Bertram, Philadelphia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:27:33 GMT

Having actually read around the subject (both through and outside of academia)I'd have to mostly agree with Shank's assesment of 'old news.' However, I'd like to point out that the 'fact' that archaeology proves has nothing, directly, to do with archaeology. The Documentary Hypothesis (DH) itself is based on many features in the text. All archeology does in this situation is provide evidence for post-Mosiac dating, Israel's familiarity with legal codes of other nations and other such factors- the context for which the particulars of the DH work out. The evidence, or possible lack of, for the hypothesis is in the text itself.

Bible gets a reality check

Roger Morris — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:29:20 GMT

For those of you that think Moses found the latest version of the King James edition of the Holy Bible on a rock during his descent from The Mount, please take some time to educate yourself in the history of the Holy Bible. Biblical stories were originally verbally conveyed from one generation to another, then written down in snippets, in mulitple languages, combined, edited, sometimes heavily, translated from one language to another, revised, banned, burned and fought over for several thousand years. Anyone that takes any version of the Bible literally is deluding themselves. A very early version of the biblical text relating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt refers to the "sea of reeds" rather than the "Red Sea". Which description is the most believable? I recently read the Holy Qur'an and the similarites with and differences between it and the Christian Bible are a real eye opener! I personally believe the "Big bang" WAS the instant of creation. The "day" didn't even exist when God supposedly created the heavens and the earth in six days. The physical and mathematical beauty of our universe is too elegant for it to have happened just by chance. Surely God smiles at our feeble attempts to define Him and "his word", but sorrows over our killing one another for the sake of "religion".

Bible gets a reality check

IMAN, Hudson, Ma — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:30:50 GMT

Sure take away the funding from PBS. We don't like what they are saying. Christian believers that propose things like this amuse me. PBS is funded for the entire public, not just Christians. Get off of your soapboxes. Some people want to see the bible questioned and have that right.

Bible gets a reality check

Jesse, Georgia, U.S. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:32:58 GMT

We can all go in circles all day long, one way or the other, back and forth, round and round.

I believe dinosaurs co-existed with humans, in fact, I believe dinosaurs co-exist (presently) with humans. I can go look at one now, and can you BELIEVE IT!!???, thier bones are made of stone!! lol

What so many people refuse to recognise is the way in which we argue over two sides of the same coin.

Bible gets a reality check

ariel, tempe az — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:34:46 GMT

i could write the same things that are in the bible and claim i am god....
a few hundred years from now when they are found, will they believe what I have written too!?
I canot believe in a book written some 400 plus years AFTER Christ was dead. Do I believe in god? yes, do I believe jesus was real? yes. do i believe he is the son of god? no. i do not think god is what every interprets him/she/it to be. i think jesus was a man who wanted to show people how they need to be towards one and another and live a good life.... that is all though. until i have actual proof of it, i can't believe it.

Bible gets a reality check

Caught in the middle , Ames IA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:40:44 GMT

Wow where to start... I am a geologist that views that the bible is not a literal document. I believe in God and I believe that the bible is a good way to live. I have, through turning my life over to God, recovered from drugs, alcohol and abuse. I have obtained a loving wife, children and 2 degrees and starting my masters since doing so. Having said that... the evidence that I see before me is that the world is 4.4 billion yrs (give or take a few hundred million. I cannot account for the earth processes that we can replicate in a lab being so much different than what a literal bible translation would indicate. So I must believe that the old testament is a work that was meant to teach a way to live but not give a history of the earth. We need not discuss the new testament. For those who care i was raised as an athiest. An inquiring mind can make choices on what to believe or disbelieve based on the evidence one pursues. That is a choice. Blindly sticking to one path leads to the inability to accept when ones perceptions are incorrect which in turn leads to anger. That leads to the extreme veiws that are evident in several of the previous comments.

Bible gets a reality check

P Turner, Renton Wa — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:53:45 GMT

I'm beginning to wonder if people here realize that, well, the Bible IS a work of man. Even if the first ever bible was written by the pen of 'God', humans have been transcribing it for THOUSANDS of years. Don't think humans make mistakes?

Bible gets a reality check

Luke, Alexandria, Egypt — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:01:52 GMT

You guys, the Bible may be the Word of God, but it is men who wrote it. We have since changed it when translating and misunderstanding it. The Iseralities have been under many governments as a result many languages. Since the books have been written they could of been misspelled, misinterpered, or changed over the years. Also the Bible won't have all the history of the Isearlites, only the choicen few to make you believe. The Bible doesn't even have all the miracles that Jesus performed, just a few.

And the things that the Isrealites did bad, oh well. They got punished for it, they were bad and severed their time.

By the way Christians, don't write anything rude, we must act better than them. If they choice not to believe, then they can bring it up to God.

And you non-believers, quit it. It is may be a free country but it doesn't mean you can pick on people, also you have no proof that God doesn't exist, so buzz off.

And for you other relgions, buzz off as well. If your faith felted like it was under attacked wouldn't try defend it?

Bible gets a reality check

ABRAHAM, JERUSALEM — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:03:02 GMT

HOW SILLY ARE WE TO BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE ACTUALLY BUILT AN ARC AND LOADED IT WITH TWO OF EVERY SPECIES(IMPOSSIBLE)? HOW SILLY ARE WE TO BELIEVE THAT HUMANS COULD LIVE TO BE 700+ YEARS OLD. MORE PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM RELIGIOUS CAUSES(FIGHTING FOR BELIEFS, BEING KILLED FOR BELIEFS)THAN ANYTHING IN HISTORY. WAKE UP PEOPLE. IF YOU NEED A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES TO TELL YOU HOW YOU SHOULD LIVE YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES. I HAVE FOUND THE MORE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS SOMEONE HAS, THE MORE JUDGEMENTAL THEY TEND TO BE. HOW COULD GOD SIT BACK AND WATCH CHILDREN STARVE AND DIE AROUND THE WORLD DAILY ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER DREADFUL THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO INNOCENT PEOPLE? WHY, BECAUSE HE DOESN'T EXIST AND HAS BEEN FABRICATED OVER TIME TO HELP EASE THE PAIN OF PASSING LOVED ONES. PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN. WAKE UP, YOU AND YOU ALONE HAVE CONTROL OF YOUR LIVES. THOSE WHO PRAY CONTINUE DO SO FOR ALL OF THE ATTROCITIES COMMITTED DO TO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

Bible gets a reality check

jncc1701 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:07:24 GMT

“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.”
Galileo Galilei

The documentary was well done - watch it and decide for yourself.

Bible gets a reality check

Aethiest MCgee, Dallas Tx — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:14:55 GMT

The Bible refers to God as "HE" as in a male with genitals. When Did the land of NOD come around seems like it was there when adam and eve got kicked ou of the garden. Most religos nutts live in the country get little education and depend on dieties to make there lives better than doing things for themselves. What happened to the BOOK OF THOMAS? The teaching of jesus. Why wasnt that in the bible. And Sunday Is a pagan / christian naming meaning SUN DAY ... IF you take the BIble litterally because thats what you were taught. You only beleive what your taught(parents) You miss the whole point of enlightenment. Christians cant even agree. There are always groups leaving churches for this reason and that over wording in the bible. Being a good person has nothing to do with beleiving in a god. Being a goood person just takes practice. Oh yeah and when you die you dead.

Bible gets a reality check

A Dean, Columbus, OH — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:15:55 GMT

This show wasn't about proving or disproving the Bible, it was about archeology. If one's faith is so fragile that new information will somehow threaten it, then that faith is too weak to survive anyway. Faith is faith and archeology is archeology. The Bible doesn't need to be history to have value and archeology doesn't need to "prove" the Bible's historical basis to be legitimate. There is no conflict.

Bible gets a reality check

Duke Johnston — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:18:56 GMT

Well, Folks
It is very apparent, after reading most of these postings, that we "humans" have a very long way to go to be anywhere near what GOD wants us to be!
Duke Johnston

Bible gets a reality check

Concerned Christian — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:21:44 GMT

There is an urge for all of humanity to seek a higher power, no matter where or when they were born. If they were born in a remote area (like select groups of natives in any country, never exposed to religion or mainstream society) all praise / worship a higher power. Explain that one.

Bible gets a reality check

Megan Stanley, Austin TX — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:26:02 GMT

Yea archaeology! i worked on the dig at Tel Zayit and was there when the NOVA crew was filming. Biblical archaeology is just fascinating!

Bible gets a reality check

FSMbuccaneer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:59:28 GMT

Well finally the voice of reason. The Flying Spaghetti Monster has touched this blog with his noodly appendage and set the record straight.

What? You say the FSM isn't mentioned in the bible?

What? You say there is no archeological evidence of his existence?

What? There is no documentary evidence of his existence?

Who Cares? All you need is FAITH! Well, that and a really good Pirate Accent!

ARRRRGH Matey, be ye landlubber or be ye a mighty sailin' man, ye be the children of his noodly notions.

Arrrrgh! Shiver me timbers and pass the parmesan!

Bible gets a reality check

James, Lubbock, tx — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:08:35 GMT

Abraham was a herder who probobly lived a semi - nomadic life. Why would there be any remaining evidence? As for the goddess worship of Asherah is mentioned regulary along with Asherah poles put in high places as some of the Kings worshiped and lead others to worship her.No suprises there either.

Bible gets a reality check

dat crazy bok — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:13:22 GMT

it's funny how certain christians never miss a chance to point out that science is flawed, and the bible is accurate.

they don't trust science from today... but somehow a story book from 2,000 years ago had everything figured out. it's amazing, and completely asinine.

i guess i realized around 10 years old that god is in the category of santa clause, the easter bunny, the tooth fairy and the boogieman.

he was great at his purpose, which was to scared you as a child into doing something a certain way...

after all, if not the boogieman will get you. or you won't get presents for christmas or candy for easter. or your teeth will fall out. or you'll end up in hell.

fortunately, i realized this while i was young, as some people have been so indoctrinated in this cult we call christianity that they refuse to see the truth.

To control the actions of the young or weak minded, leading to blind acceptance of what you're told by whoever convinces you the best. The purpose of religion in a nutshell.

Bible gets a reality check

Jon W, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:22:10 GMT

I find the whole concept of faith interesting. If I believe that Mary in fact HAD a little lamb, then she did. If i pass that onto my children, they will also believe that Mary had a little lamb. Will there be evidence, scientifically or archeologically, of said Mary or her lamb. Probably not. We will find lamb bones and numerous historical evidence of persons named Mary. Does that mean that Mary existed, as your faith suggested. You'll never know. But if I tell my children that they will die a horrible death if they don't have faith in said Mary, they'll have the faith and she'll have existed as said. Any challenges to faith will trigger an immediate defense response.

The Bible is a GREAT guide for how to live your life, much like other philosophical works in history. But if any of these old testament figures lived today, I believe most of them would be in prison for crimes we find hideous. Genocide, rape, murder, and incest among others.

But why hasn't this "cult" dissappeared? Fear. Plain and simple. No one wants to risk spending eternity in a place of fire and brimstone. I sure wouldn't want to live there. As technology and science progressed, the miracles and super-powers of prophets inversely declined, excluding the Mormon magical translating stone, when was the last time an Angel appeared, global disaster occured. Hey, Las Vegas has not been obliterated and not a single person has turned to pillars of salt in thousands of years. Great flood? Parting of the sea? Plague of frogs? Try and get that past youtube without anyone noticing.

I'm not trying to change minds, cause I know I won't.

Bible gets a reality check

SDGemini — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:34:38 GMT

Thank you Becky, Port Huron, Michigan. I enjoyed your thoughtful and well written comment.

Bible gets a reality check

Scott Matarrese Lexington KY — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:44:57 GMT

I am always amazed at the people that comment on these types of articles.

They have faith in science, which is wrong a LOT, and then ridicule people for having faith in the word of God.

They also seem to believe it is OK to be a bigot towards people of faith. I gues it makes them feel good about themselves? Maybe it validates thier faith in science?

Ironically, science teaches us the how, the Bible teaches us the why. They fit together quite nicely if you have an open mind. Claiming the bible is a colection of fairy tales is a close minded as you can get. YOU HAVE NO PROOF.

Besides, the words are more important than the author, or the hisotical context, or the divinity of Christ.

Argue about the Old Testement all you want, Jesus lived, he was real, and he was wise beyond all human capability. HE rejected parts of the Torah (Old Testement and Kuran basically).

"Above all else, love one another as I have loved you"
Rejecting those words as a fairy tale is childish, close minded, and wrong.

Even Islam recognises Jesus and Mary as real and special, while they have every reason not to. Ever wonder why? Suck on that too.....

The Bible never discuses the true nature of the power of God. Darwin did. Suck on that bone for a while.

Bible gets a reality check

ILPUL, Cretaceous — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:05:39 GMT

[quote - Concerned Christian]There is an urge for all of humanity to seek a higher power, no matter where or when they were born. If they were born in a remote area (like select groups of natives in any country, never exposed to religion or mainstream society) all praise / worship a higher power. Explain that one. [/quote]

Simply a crutch to lean on because they can't explain why it occurs. Besides, it's inevitable that whoever these people wind up worshiping obviously isn't your god so they're damned to hell anyway so why worry?

Bible gets a reality check

Nat, Austin Texas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:06:46 GMT

[...] Personally, I can't imagine living a life in which I was constantly measuring myself by a book of fairy tales. As someone who was brought up in a STRICTLY Christian, Southern Baptist home, and as someone who once 'invited Jesus into my heart', I think I'm pretty well informed on "God's" word, and what Christianity is all about. If the bible really IS the 'WORD OF GOD', why is it so purely written? Even if God 'spoke' through man, it's truly a very poorly written book.

By the time I was 25 I realized that "God" was nothing but a myth. Just as people of the past believed in Zeus and a myriad of other mythical gods, so too does our society. Sadly, most of the myth believers are the ones who run our country

Bible gets a reality check

Samuel Clemens, Florida, MO — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:14:00 GMT

It is ignorant to ignore science and it is ignorant to say everything in the Bible is false. Can we prove that God doesn't exist? Of course not, but we can prove that there was no worldwide flood. The Bible is not infallible. One Bible says we had unicorns on Earth; another one says David killed Goliath while yet another one says it was Elhanan. Christians should keep their faith but I believe it is silly to say something is 100% without error. At the same time, those who don't believe should not insult someone's faith. An open minded approach would be beneficiary to both sides of this debate.

Bible gets a reality check

Omni Malev — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:16:46 GMT

The comments after this article are gold. Christians reassuring themselves, atheists clapping their hands. Am I the only one who realizes we can’t 100% prove or disprove any of this stuff?(sorry, but "faith" isn't proof) Why bother? I’ve also noticed that atheists don’t just disbelieve God, they're opposed to the whole idea. Most of them consider anybody who does believe to be a total idiot. That’s just as narrow minded as your typical Christian! People are fools. To each his own I say. If you want to worship Jesus go for it. If you want to worship a creature with four arms and an elephant’s head… that’s kinda weird but GO FOR IT! I’ll be over here, staring at the Sun. Ain't that the "truth"?

Bible gets a reality check

Hiltje, Pensacola, FL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:20:42 GMT

Evolution is a THEORY.
Religion is FAITH.

Yelling about evolution versus religion is only a futile attempt to prove YOUR point. And to do this by telling that if others don't take YOUR point awful things will happen to them is not nice. And as we all know 90% of wars are about differences of religious thought.

The only real thing is that humans are on earth. So I guess I am a Humanist. I trust that my fellow human beings have a conscious and a heart. And I treat others as I want to be treated.

I may not agree with you, but I respect your view. What a beautiful place this earth would be if we could just all get along. And to Bernice: you happen to be prejudiced towards the Jews, but wasn't Jezus a Jew? And by putting your opinion in all caps, are you trying to scream your opinion down my throat. If that makes you happy, go right ahead. I accept you as you are, screaming and all. Just please don't scream in my ear. Keep your cool and be happy.

As an afterthought, you learn nothing if you don't investigate and ask questions.

Bible gets a reality check

Eliza Clark, Big Timber, MT — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:26:04 GMT

The Bible was not handed out by God, as is, written and indexed. It evolved first by the spoken word and eventually, loooong after that, by the written word. Once it was written, there was still discussion and disagreement about what belonged in it and what didn't (thus, for example, the Apocryphal books). The Bible that we know today is a very, very recent collection in the context of its entire history. The ancient Jews didn't talk about "the Bible" - they referred to the more ancient sayings and writings that codified their understanding of God and what He expected of them, and how He interacted with them. The key is that it is THEIR UNDERSTANDING of these things. God did not dictate to someone sitting there, pen and papyrus in hand. Biblical scholars all agree that there were different authors, sometimes multiple authors of the different books of both the Old and New Testaments, over sometimes hundreds of years. That's an awful lot of opportunity for mis-interpretation, mis-representation, or mis-everything else along the way. Maybe God spoke to Joshua and appointed him leader after Moses died. Or maybe Joshua just thought He did. Or maybe Joshua needed to give some weight to his authority as they were about to invade Canaan (or whatever really may have happened), so he made sure everyone believed that God spoke to him, and therefore it got written down that way. The point is, does it matter? If the exact text isn't true, does it make the messages any less important? Does it make God not exist?

The ancient Jews also were much better (as are most cultures) than we are at understanding and incorporating story and metaphor into their lives. They understood that the story of Job was literature. They also probably believed that there was really an ancestor named Abraham, much the same way that we believe that Mrs. O'Leary's cow started the Great Chicago Fire (did she? didn't she? does it matter?).

Finally, as one pastor once put it, "History gets written by the winners". Certainly the peoples conquered here and there probably viewed their religions as the one and only true way. Perhaps the Babylonians felt that their overthrow of Jerusalem and exile of the Israelites was proof of the supremacy of their God, much as the story of Joshua is intended to illustrate the supremacy of ours. One point of the Biblical stories in ancient Israel was to cement the identity of a roving group of periodically oppressed people. This is THEIR story, and it often amazes me that we modern non-Jews have adopted it as our own. Jesus was the one who figured out that the literalism of the rules and Biblical Word was not important (thus his healing on the Sabbath, having a temper fit at the temple, etc.) - but that our actions and faith that there IS a God, one God, who loves us and who expects us to act on His behalf toward each other, are the really important things that bind us ALL together as a people, not just the Jews.

So... archeology becomes an interesting subject in its own right, a curiosity about historically factual human history that probably isn't all that important one way or another in terms of understanding or "believing in" God or Scripture.

Bible gets a reality check

JR, NJ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:31:39 GMT

The Bible is true. Jesus made the dinos; look it up! People who say the bible is contradictory usually haven't read it. The other minute portions of that population are often shown their error. People CHOOSE to disbelieve because other ways fit their agenda. Science is based on theories … and a good scientist knows that one can not “prove” anything. Therefore a scientist puts a lot of faith in their theories. They have traded God (in many cases) for their own set of beliefs based upon man-made theories.

To the atheist, remember, to believe in “nothing” is to still believe--and have faith--in something. See my above point for clarification.

I know I’ve wandered off topic, but I can’t help but battle ignorance; it’s a commission of mine.

Bible gets a reality check

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:34:04 GMT

Caught in the middle, Ames IA: "Having said that... the evidence that I see before me is that the world is 4.4 billion yrs (give or take a few hundred million. I cannot account for the earth processes..."

Its a well known geological fact that the earth is 4.6 billion years old. You better not be telling your geology instructors 4.4 billion for that Masters you are working on.

Bible gets a reality check

Joseph Boston, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:00:36 GMT

These comments are great. This is the GREAT thing about America- that we can have open debate about things that we may, or may not agree on. As a BELIEVER in my lord and savior Jesus Christ, I don't think that PBS should have funding cut just because of one show. Evidently from the synopsis, they objective opinion leaving the viewer to make up their own minds. This is freedom of speech. Nothing wrong with that. Based on most of the comments I have read, most viewers already have their minds made up either way so it is not like the show is going to sway someone or indoctrinate someone into or disbelieving the gospel of Jesus Christ. Besides, the Bible is absolute truth, it's ok for it to be questioned, it has been over time, and yet it has endured through out generations. All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever. 1 Peter 2:24-25 So either way, I am not threatened by this show. As a Christian you have to question you faith, and how solid it is, if you feel threatened by a show that questions aspects of the Bible. If you read scripture it has been man's way since the beginning of time. The Bible speaks on false teachers attempting to lead believers away from the Gospel. As for my the commentators on here who say they do not believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I ask what do you know of the Bible? I can tell by some of the comments, you do not know much. At least, if you are going to refute something, or the validity of it, then at least fully know that which you claim to not believe in? Meaning, read the gospel. The Lord, challenges you in the Bible to taste of him, and you will find that he is good! What are you scared of? The next question is what do you believe in? Your arguments against the Bible is not only invalid but unsound.
Some folks say, "all truth is relative it just depends on what you believe, you know, there ain't no way to know for sure who God is or what's really true" but that means you believe YOUR own statement , that there is no way to know what's really true- but if all truth is relative you are saying that your statement is true ; therefore you're killing yourself.
So if what is true for you is true for you, and what's true for me is true for me , what if my truth says yours is a lie? is it still truth???

Bible gets a reality check

Eliza Clark, Big Timber, MT — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:03:54 GMT

To Jon W from LA: It isn't always about fear. The hellfire and brimstone thing is what drove me away from religion as a kid, and I stayed away for decades. But there are larger questions: why does the Universe exist? Is there anything beyond it? What is it in people that drives them to do good? To do bad? Is life just an accident wherein DNA stumbled upon millions of interesting ways to replicate itself? Kind of a psychedelic cosmic skipping record? I have days when I think there might be a God (or gods?) of some sort, although whatever It is, It isn't a guy with a flowing white beard who plays favorites with a tribe from a little place in the Mediterranean. That doesn't mean God isn't Yahweh - only that the ancient Israelites, like modern humans all over the world, aren't capable of understanding what God is or what God means. Being mortal,physical beings, this is no surprise. After all, there is this thing called algebra that is a real thing, that I can use to answer questions about things. My dog has no idea that algebra exists, let alone what it can do or why. this is because my dog is a physical being that evolved under a certain set of evolutionary pressures. Likewise, I am a physical being that evolved under other evolutionary pressures. That means I am equipped to hunt, fish, dig for roots and vegetables, and solve problems that allow me to survive in a wide variety of conditions that occur on this earth. It does not mean that I am equipped to understand God. My mortal brain may simply not be wired for it.

Bible gets a reality check

S J Hubert, Oklahoma City, OK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:03:54 GMT

When a big bunch of people (believers in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible) disappear (in the rapture), and there is so much chaos you non-believers won't understand what is going on, you should hunt up a Bible to see what has just happened and what's going to happen next.

Bible gets a reality check

Joe — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:09:41 GMT

Pass history is only reported by people who are in charge or governing at that time, with a bias oppinion!!!

Bible gets a reality check

Brad, Elma,WA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:10:22 GMT

All this arguing. Where is the Flying Spaghetti Monster when you need him.

Bible gets a reality check

shaun,ks — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:13:23 GMT

"and the blind shale lead the blind" If you are christian you should not have blind faith god does not ask that. If you belive in science then haveing blind faith in that is just as bad. If you have read the bible then you should know that the big bang theary in in the bible so why the argument if you were to explain the big bang to a 3 year old how would you go about it. god said let there be light and seporated the light from the dark, sound like the big bang to me. Just food for the brain. There will always be someone out there who will twist anything to there own ends thats were you have to have faith in god and the Living word its not the word on a page its the intent the faith the soul if you will of the book that god is about. One other example is pig the unclean if you do not cook pork it can kill you or at least make you very ill we know that today so how did they know that then. If god created all did he not create science to. don't be blind god is known by many names and we are all the sons and doughters of god.

Bible gets a reality check

PJH, Birmingham, AL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:24:34 GMT

To be honest it is all a matter of faith and maybe that's how GOD wants it to be. So is it really relevant whether the stories are true or not when it is really a matter of your personal faith. To be even more honest I think that all people should stop looking to the sky and start looking to one another and what we could each do to solve the world's problems

Bible gets a reality check

Adam, Dayton, OH — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:27:47 GMT

[...] There is a book that was written a while ago that also told us not to judge... Oh yeah, it's the Bible! As a follower of Jesus' teachings, it drives me nuts when other Believers attack people for not completely agreeing with them. The Bible was not written as a science textbook, and as such there are little to no explanations as to how things occurred, only that God made them happen. In their zeal to protect God and the Bible from scrutiny by people trying to figure the world out, Christians are losing the basis of the book. It's all about love. God is love, Jesus came and loved the "sinners" while calling the religious elite to task for their focus on religion and not on the people they are supposed to love and care for. The church in America is quickly becoming just like the pharisees. We are so focused on being right and looking "holy" to each other that we are demonizing everyone else. We need to stop using the Bible as a weapon against others and start treating others as Jesus did, in love.

Bible gets a reality check

Lloyd Wilkins Springerville AZ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:29:11 GMT

God lives,he is the author of science and truth. The Bible is a true history of people,and a giude line to help us become better. Men destroy the pure and simple truths not God.

Bible gets a reality check

Mick Smit, Little Rock, AR — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:32:04 GMT

Of course anybody with any historical sense knew the bible to be fantasy and myth, but it's good that this is broadcast to the general public, especially the American public that is so hopelessly uninformed and misinformed. If more people realize that there is no god, Jesus is a myth and christianity is a man-made lie, society has a chance of progression. It's about time that humankind got rid of the crutch of religion and it's corrupted morals. The ability to make good moral decisions can come only from ourselves, and without the crippling effects of primitive superstitions.

Bible gets a reality check

Art C. , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:49:51 GMT

Isn't it time that we all awoke to the realization that even our best information is still incomplete and too often distorted by what we take on faith as being true, even when the evidence is incomplete or contridicting. We can't know everything about anything, so why do we presume to have the only true and fair explanation for any piece of evidence offer up for us to consider. Better that we question everything than to depend upon a lie. Unfortunately, all that we claim to know is flawed due to each interpretors particular slant on their preferred meaning of some part or as a whole. The truth is but an illusion, an ideal that we need to seek above all else, even when knowing that it is literally beyond our individual or shared understandings.

Bible gets a reality check

K. Nielsen, Salinas, CA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:53:00 GMT

Science is self-correcting, so of course some theories will be proved wrong, and some will be proved right. That's how we as a species learn. If the whole world believed the same and that we already have all the information we need, we'd be stagnant. Science and philosophy need each other. Don't try to force your beliefs (in God or science) upon anyone, just try to see the issue from both sides. Continue to expand your mind just as the universe continues to expand.

Bible gets a reality check

Mike, Augusta GA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:02:33 GMT

Everyone has a right to "opinion", yet no one has a right to deny anyone else's right to the same. Believe what you will, but don't condem others for not believing as you do. Recall Christianity was born "after" Christ. So what were the "faithful" called before Christ?
The Old Testiment tells of murder, betrayal, incest, polygamy, greed, jealousy and has lots of contradictions.
The New Testiment was to be a new covanent. Meaning the old part was void. Right?
Now, the bible was "constructed". 1st with the help of Constantine, as there were "many versions written" of what happened, by many different people.
Then King James had a hand in reconstructing his version, which is out still today.(I'm not geting into the "Good News for modern man" issues.)
Recall also that this is only one of the many religions in this world - not the only one. So let's try not to "condem" others for their different views or beliefs. Tolerance should be observed by all.