Flat or Globe Earth?

Originally posted by whereu ↑

The Bible has 1,200-plus pages made up of often repetitive and often contradictory narratives.
If there were no Bible, would there be no records. I doubt it. Perhaps there would be clearer records?
The lack of a Bible doesn't mean everything has to be passed on by word of mouth.
In any case, for a while, narratives were passed on by word of mouth for decades before being recorded in the Bible.

You keep on harping on being led astray, what is clearly written being pushed aside. First, it is not clearly written. Basic topics like the requirements for eternal life are anything but consistent. The narratives recorded in the four Gospels are not consistent with each other.

We can be led astray from our interpretations of what is written in the Bible. Examples are the shape of the Earth, the worldwide flood that covered the highest mountains, Adam and Eve being the first humans with no earthly ancestors, and the origins of sin. These interpretations can't all be correct.

Interpretations of the Bible have led to divisions in Christianity, resulting in numerous denominations and sects and a sense of entitlement and superiority in the Christian world. For more examples, I encourage you to read Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe. I encourage all Australians to read this book to get a sense of the entitlement and superiority in the Christian world.

And then the senseless doctrine.
For example, the doctrine that a person is beyond seeking and being granted forgiveness after death. That is true if there is no life after death. If there is life after death, a person who dies with the only knowledge of God being gleaned from someone who sexually abused him or her in life, would God forsake that person, regardless of what he or she did after death?
This is the third time I've posted on this issue with no response from you, so I'm not holding my breath for one.
There are other issues with this doctrine, which I'll cover if you want me to.

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Thanks for your detailed reply, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts again—even if we strongly disagree on a few points. I'm happy to respond and clarify.

Firstly, I’m pretty sure I already did respond to your metaphor point before—possibly more than once—but I don’t mind doing so again if needed. I just ask that you extend me the same courtesy of actually engaging with what I’ve already written rather than assuming I’ve avoided it.

Now to your points.

You said the Bible is full of contradictions and inconsistencies—especially among the Gospels. I disagree, but I understand why someone might think that on the surface. Different Gospel accounts are written from different perspectives to different audiences. Just like any courtroom with multiple eyewitnesses, some details stand out to one person more than another—but that doesn’t make them contradictory, just complementary. If all four Gospels said exactly the same thing in the same words, we’d probably accuse them of collusion. Instead, what we get is a full, layered picture of the life, ministry, and resurrection of Yeshua.

You also said that “without the Bible, there would still be Christianity.” I agree in a very narrow sense—yes, if Yeshua’s disciples had never written anything down, the faith might still have been passed on orally. But oral transmission has limits. Over time, messages get altered. That’s why YHWH moved men by His Spirit to preserve these teachings in writing. Scripture keeps the message intact, so we’re not relying on "he said, she said" to determine what is sin, how to repent, and how to walk rightly before God.

As for your comments about the Earth’s shape, Adam and Eve, the Flood, and other Genesis matters—you’re right: interpretations vary. But that’s not a Bible problem; that’s a human interpretation problem. We must approach Scripture with humility, context, and a willingness to let it interpret itself, not just force it through scientific or secular worldviews.

You said, “We can be led astray from our interpretations of what is written.” And I 100% agree. But that doesn’t mean Scripture itself is flawed—it means we must seek truth sincerely, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and asking YHWH for discernment. That’s why I often say we need to remove the filters of tradition and man-made doctrine and return to what is clearly written.
Regarding your example about the person who only heard about God through abuse—this is a deep and painful subject. I’ll just say this: YHWH is just, merciful, and knows the heart. He is not looking to destroy people who never had a real chance. But Scripture is clear: once this life ends, judgment follows (Hebrews 9:27 NIV – “ Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”. There is no indication of a second chance after death. That’s not harsh—it’s why Yeshua came to give us hope now.

Finally, about your repeated statement that I “harp on” about being led astray—maybe so. But the reason I repeat it is because it matters. If Yeshua warned about deception and false teachers more than almost anything else, maybe we ought to take that seriously. Especially in a time when so many want to rewrite Scripture to fit modern culture, or reinterpret eternal truth to make people feel comfortable in sin.

I'm happy to hear the rest of what you want to share about the doctrine you mentioned. I may not agree, but I’m always open to dialogue—as long as it stays respectful.
Shalom.