<<One of the common claims which many Muslims make is that the Holy Bible is "hand made", implying that it has been corrupted and changed bu man.>>
Yes, many (All) Muslims, and most Christian scholars.
<<The Bible is widely available in its original texts, both Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, for any and all who want to research it.>>
If you mean "The Bible" as in the text of "The Word of God," show me where I can find the original texts that were authored by God. When you show me this text I will accept it as authentic, if I can see undisputable evidence that the text as it exists in this "original form" is made up of God's statements to us and that it is a complete book of God's message to us. I want to have undisputable evidence that the author (God) gave this text to a specific person (messenger)or persons to be delivered to us and that it has been protected from translations which add to, take away, or include inventions on its meaning.
I've seen your book, and I've talked to your priests and scholars. The King James Version does not meet my criteria, nor do the references you gave as original text.
Because, there is an adherence to using a go-between in your community, I also don't know if you and I could ever see eye to eye on this because you would have to give up the go-betweens to ever have the clear sightedness to see beyond your worldly alliances. This is a fundamental conflict that is not likely to be resolved here.
I think you know what I mean by go-between, but I will explain myself any way. For us no one is allowed to communicate for us with God. Our judge is God alone. Any believers, including messengers have been permitted only to give us clear warning and messengers have been strengthened to live as examples of the way to God. That's it, no pope, priest, minister, scholar, brother or friend can bless me, or forgive me (except obviously for a personal behavioral offence) during or at the end of this life, or contribute to that act. The job is taken. It's God's job. God is all powerful and needs no partner. I fear my God and his judgement. I fear nothing else and no one else and I worship nothing else.
From a Muslim perspective I have to love Jesus, and consider the life of Jesus to be the way to salvation. The conclusion to be drawn from the Christian perspective of salvation, is that I have nothing to fear (I'm saved). For Muslims it is different. The purpose in life for a Muslim is to struggle, persevere in our trials and tribulations, seek Gods guidance, strength, forgiveness and mercy. The purpose as I understand it for Christians is 1)you should convince everyone else they are already saved, and 2)do what ever you want. Now when I read the KJV I saw a great deal more than that, but it all seems to go to mush when the Christianity Label needs to back it up. If there are more standards that are universally Christian please correct me. I've tried to identify even one or two in the past but when put to the test by the Universal Christian stance, they don't hold up. Even the Golden Rule becomes foggy for me here. Does it mean like in Islam "Love for your Brother, what you love for yourself," which is Gods religion. Or, does it mean tolerate everything, never judge peoples behavior. As long as the Hustler magazine publisher declares John 3:16, let him out of prison early so he can get back to work. I think it is used both ways and the Church(s) don't have a clear position that is obvious and universal. I would pick the first one and reject the second one but I don't speak for Christianity. |
