You shouldn't have trusted your Sunday school teacher. Study for yourself! Obviously, you didn't check the information at the link I cited in my original message. The apparent contradiction you mention about Judas is shown to not be a contradiction after all.
You proved the point I was making: study with the attitude that you're seeking to understand the Bible before you make bold statements about its veracity.
>Meanwhile, if you try to evaluate the Bible objectively by comparing it to what we know from history, archaeology, geology, etc., it is found often to be very, very wrong.
Back up your bold assertion with some facts! Come on - read a little archaeological history. Read about the Hittites. Before the 19th century, skeptics said that the Bible was wrong because the Bible mentioned Hittites, and yet they weren't found in archaelogical history. Years later, their existence was discovered and the critics ate crow. Google for it, or read "The Discovery of the Hittites" at this page.
I would like to see some credible evidence before I'll believe that contradictions exist in the Bible. I would agree that apparent contradictions exist, but I haven't seen a legitimate one yet in any accurate translation (ASV, NASB, or NKJV are a few accurate ones that come to mind; New World Translation is an example of an purposefully mistranslated text.)
Refutations to many apparent contradictions can be read here: Bible Difficulties
The original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible are preserved well. No translation is or can be perfect, and all translations are an additional step away from the autograph. Often, the English does not carry the full meaning of a verse. That is why it is good to examine several translations of the verse to try to get a better understanding.
It is easy to misuse or not interpret scripture accurately and come to the conclusion that it's all false. Jesus recognized that the best way to address Satan's lies and misuse of the truth was to respond with the truth of the scriptures. (Matthew 4)
In my experience, many folks pretend to know that the Bible is false, when in reality they never investigate it first. I hope that you will investigate it. The truths in the Bible have changed my life in many positive ways.
Take a look at Epitonic Radio for a wide variety of non-corporate music. They have a "build your own radio station" site that was put together by folks that like innovative music. It's helped me discover a number of new and interesting bands, and I say that as a vinyl and CD junkie with over 1000 albums in my personal collection.
It's one of those things I wish I had invented myself. Check out the variety of music they offer (no, I don't work for them... just a happy camper):
20th Century Composers
Abstract
Acoustic
Ambient
Avant-Pop
Breakbeat
Country
Downtempo
Dronology
Drum and Bass
Dub
Electro
Electronic
Emo
Experimental
Folk
Folk-Rock
Funk
Garage Rock
Goth
Hardcore
Hip Hop
House
Improv
Indie Rock
Instrumental
International
Jazz
Lo-Fi
Lounge
Math Rock
Metal
New Wave
No Wave
NoisePop
Pop-Punk
Post-Punk
Post-Rock
Power Pop
Psych
Punk
Rap
Rock
Shoegazer
Singer-Songwriter
Slo-Core
Space Rock
Techno
Trance
Slashdot Mirror
You shouldn't have trusted your Sunday school teacher. Study for yourself! Obviously, you didn't check the information at the link I cited in my original message. The apparent contradiction you mention about Judas is shown to not be a contradiction after all.
Matthew 27:3
You proved the point I was making: study with the attitude that you're seeking to understand the Bible before you make bold statements about its veracity.
>Meanwhile, if you try to evaluate the Bible objectively by comparing it to what we know from history, archaeology, geology, etc., it is found often to be very, very wrong.
Back up your bold assertion with some facts! Come on - read a little archaeological history. Read about the Hittites. Before the 19th century, skeptics said that the Bible was wrong because the Bible mentioned Hittites, and yet they weren't found in archaelogical history. Years later, their existence was discovered and the critics ate crow. Google for it, or read "The Discovery of the Hittites" at this page.
Archaeology and the Old Testament
I would like to see some credible evidence before I'll believe that contradictions exist in the Bible. I would agree that apparent contradictions exist, but I haven't seen a legitimate one yet in any accurate translation (ASV, NASB, or NKJV are a few accurate ones that come to mind; New World Translation is an example of an purposefully mistranslated text.)
Refutations to many apparent contradictions can be read here:
Bible Difficulties
The original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible are preserved well. No translation is or can be perfect, and all translations are an additional step away from the autograph. Often, the English does not carry the full meaning of a verse. That is why it is good to examine several translations of the verse to try to get a better understanding.
It is easy to misuse or not interpret scripture accurately and come to the conclusion that it's all false. Jesus recognized that the best way to address Satan's lies and misuse of the truth was to respond with the truth of the scriptures. (Matthew 4)
In my experience, many folks pretend to know that the Bible is false, when in reality they never investigate it first. I hope that you will investigate it. The truths in the Bible have changed my life in many positive ways.
Take a look at Epitonic Radio for a wide variety of non-corporate music. They have a "build your own radio station" site that was put together by folks that like innovative music. It's helped me discover a number of new and interesting bands, and I say that as a vinyl and CD junkie with over 1000 albums in my personal collection.
It's one of those things I wish I had invented myself. Check out the variety of music they offer (no, I don't work for them... just a happy camper):
20th Century ComposersAbstract
Acoustic
Ambient
Avant-Pop
Breakbeat
Country
Downtempo
Dronology
Drum and Bass
Dub
Electro
Electronic
Emo
Experimental
Folk
Folk-Rock
Funk
Garage Rock
Goth
Hardcore
Hip Hop
House
Improv
Indie Rock
Instrumental
International
Jazz
Lo-Fi
Lounge
Math Rock
Metal
New Wave
No Wave
NoisePop
Pop-Punk
Post-Punk
Post-Rock
Power Pop
Psych
Punk
Rap
Rock
Shoegazer
Singer-Songwriter
Slo-Core
Space Rock
Techno
Trance