Your thoughts are appreciated!
I contend, however, that experience can only get you so far. And at times, it may be easier to travel the road of skepticism, for it is a downhill incline. I know, because at times, I have been guilty myself. I have also found, through experience, that confusion can be a result of doubt. If faith waxes weak, then oft times, our mind becomes capable of distorting our perspective.
Case in point, consider the Old Testament example in your post regarding the cultural differences. Can we truly sit back and judge righteously from our generation those things that took place hundreds of years ago in another part of the world? Until you have witnessed (
Deuteronomy 12:30-31) in the same manner as the Israelites, you may find yourself in an awkward place condemning other cultures for their reactions or interventions. And I will point out, that even today, certain societies don't evenly match the same experiences, or push for the same ideals as observed in our nation. I concede that sin is sin, but I do not believe that a seamless, perfect humanity should have existed in the Bible to make it more believable. My friend, the opposite is what
makes it believable! The mistakes and shortcomings of individuals and entire nations is embarrassingly honest at times. In its most truest sense, we can find ourselves in the passages of scripture, which transcends time to relate and combine with our humanity.
If I could mention the experience of one of my favorite writers. C.S. Lewis writes of the Bible, and the Gospels in particular:
"I have been reading poems, romances, vision literature, legends, and myths all my life. I know what they are like. I know none of them are like this. Of this [gospel] text there are only two possible views. Either this is reportage...or else, some unknown [ancient] writer...without known predecessors or successors, suddenly anticipated the whole technique of modern novelistic narrative..."
In times when my own experience fails me, I find myself crawling back to the words of Jesus. They always comfort me when nothing else can. (
Luke 24:38-39)
