Suggested Bible stories for the next Barna survey
I wonder what the result would be if the Bible stories were selected at random. What would happen, for example, if the following six stories were selected?
God kills every Egyptian firstborn baby. Exodus 12:29-30
God sends fiery serpents to bite and kill his people (for complaining). Numbers 21:5-6
Moses commands his soldiers to kill every boy, woman, and female child (except for the virgins). Numbers 31:14-18
God orders the Israelites to kill every Amalekite man, woman, and child. 1 Samuel 15:2-3
David buys a wife with 200 Philistine foreskins. 1 Samuel 18:25-27
God kills husband and wife for not giving all their money to Peter. Acts 5:1-10
Would people believe in the literal truth of these stories? Would they still "believe that their personal trust" in the biblical God was "warranted" by them?
Barna should do a survey to find out. (I'll bet the believers would drop from two thirds to two p

Logically I would agree with you laceym, but realistically, those believers will do some serious mental acrobats in order to maintain their belief. I still think over half will not only believe those stories as literal, but will twist the context or usage of those stories in their minds so that they provide comfort to them.

Sorry for the cynicism, but the intellectual dishonesty of believers never fails.

Wow. Surprising, and encouraging.

Methinks I'll pop this, despite the obvious negative sentiment that accompanies the clip...

Irony anyone?

very, Oortcloud, very.

and i agree, most people would just f*ck around with the story till it makes sense (in their world). besides that, i think the ones laceym chose were pretty funny.