Bible
not valid source for logical reasoning
Sterling Harris
The
Oct. 18 edition of the Daily Forty-Niner
had a column titled “Artificial
insemination is against God’s will,” by
Ashley Thomas. Thomas, who holds the
Bible in high regard, judged the personal
decisions of couples who are unable to
have children naturally.
Thomas’ argument lacks merit on two counts. Consulting the Bible regarding
issues brought about by technological advancement is tantamount to asking an
infant to solve a problem in advanced calculus. This is understandable considering
the fact the authors of the Bible knew nothing of modern science and never
anticipated the world in which we live.
More importantly, a world view based on a literal interpretation of the Bible
is delusional in this day and age. It has been centuries since the flat earth
hypothesis was debunked, yet the authors of the Bible wrote of the “four
corners of the earth” in Acts 10:11 and Revelation 7:1. It has been two
millennia since Jesus told his followers in Mark 13:30 “this generation
will certainly not pass away until [they witness] the Son of Man coming in
clouds with great power and glory.”
Revelation, the final book of the Bible, is full of prophecies that have not
yet come to fruition, according to Christian theory.
For example, it was believed that a vengeful Christ would return to Earth to
destroy the oppressive Roman Empire. Because such bold proclamations were punishable
by death in the first century, Rome was called ancient Babylon in the Bible.
Such an analogy would have been understood by a Christian living on the shores
of the Mediterranean 1,900 years ago, but the same cannot be said for those
who construct ridiculous interpretations of current events based on the Bible.
In short, the Bible is not a reliable source of information. It was authored
by ignorant and superstitious people, people apt to accept any supernatural
explanation for purely natural phenomena. The miraculous claims of the Bible
contradict centuries of careful scientific observation and lack evidentiary
support. It is appalling that so many educated Americans are willing to suspend
incredulity and accept as fact stories of miracles, divine intervention and
resurrection.
What is most disturbing is that Christians are eager to spread their doctrine
of ignorance and intolerance. It is not enough for the Christian to believe,
he or she must impose beliefs on other people as well.
Thomas has a right to believe whatever she wishes, but she has no right to
condemn others based upon her own personal faith.
Many of the advancements that have been made in our understanding of the world
have come at the expense of beliefs on the Bible. The light of reason has brought
European civilization out of centuries of darkness imposed upon it by Christianity.
Who among us would care to return to the times when people were burned at the
stake or when mental illness was thought to be demonic possession?
Sterling Harris is a sophomore electrical engineering major and applied mathematics
major.
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