Legal Commentary

My Bible Studies continue...

By Ernest Svenson

As I mentioned last week, I've resolved to read the Bible.  I'm still in the midst of Genesis: quite a fantastic story.  Old Testament God wasn't much into explaining things, which is probably why Eve was so easy beguiled into eating the apple.  If only he'd explained why the tree of knowledge was so terrible we'd probably still be happily cavorting in the nude. 

Of course, as any prolific creator knows, it's hard to foresee the weird evolution of one's work.  When God was starting out he foolishly expected man to abide his dictates without question (kind of like expecting Gilligan not to botch the rescue mission).  From time to time, drastic measures were employed.  Yet somehow man never seemed to get the message.  And so God was forced to start from scratch, which was what the 40 days of flooding was all about (Microsoft, are you listening?)

It's easy to criticize Old Testament God for being rash and overly judgmental, but in fact he was supremely patient with the chosen people.  For example, when Abraham got one of his slave girls pregnant, God didn't strike him down or even say anything.  Of course, Abraham got a major whammy when his wife Sarah took her son Isaac out to play and ran into Abraham's concubine, who was out strolling with the illegitimate son.  Needless to say Abraham got an earful from Sarah and became despondent.  But God took him aside and told him he'd clean up the mess, relocating the concubine and her son to a new place --and even offering to give them a great blessing. So God, at times, came across almost like a good drinking buddy.

I realize that my interpretations of the Bible are not in line with official dogma, but they have enriched my appreciation of religion.  Reading the Bible has been helpful in understanding the evolution of man's relationship with God.  Perhaps, I could benefit from a Bible study group, like the one advertised in a sign on St. Charles Avenue.  Close examination of the sign, which is pictured on the left (click on it for a larger view), reveals an interesting message.

As much as I'd like to find out about the Parks & Parkway's interpretation of the Bible, I don't really want to study religion in a group setting.  One on one study with Reverend Charles is much more appealing.  I had no idea that the Apostle Luke wasn't from New Jersey.  Did you?

Full post as published by Ernie the Attorney on January 14, 2008 (boomark / email).