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Summary of Question:	Christians/Bible/Confused
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Friday, 7/09/2004 11:21 AM MDT

Sat Sri Akal,

I in no way hate any other religion or anything. I believe all religions are good, and so I am very not only tolerant but accepting to others. But I recently came across this website that published some SHOCKING things about the Bible. I know this is a Sikhi website but I didnt know where else to go and thought it would be wise to shed some light on this subject with the sangat. The following is from the website, NOT ME, i am not sure to believe it or not.

``Kill those who are not Christian or Jewish:

You must kill those who worship another god. Exodus 22:20

Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10

Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16

Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7

Kill anyone who refuses to listen to a priest. Deuteronomy 17:12-13

Kill any false prophets. Deuteronomy 18:20

Any city that doesn’t “receive” the followers of Jesus will be destroyed in a manner even more savage than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Mark 6:11

Jude reminds us that God destroys those who don’t believe in him. Jude 5



Ignorance is bliss. Christians should not practice free inquiry nor socialize with non Christians:

Don’t associate with non-Christians. Don’t receive them into your house or even exchange greeting with them. 2 John 10

Shun those who disagree with your religious views. Romans 16:17

Paul, knowing that their faith would crumble if subjected to free and critical inquiry, tells his followers to avoid philosophy. Colossians 2:8



Judge other religions for not following Christ:

Whoever denies “that Jesus is the Christ” is a liar and an anti-Christ. 1 John 2:22

Christians are “of God;” everyone else is wicked. 1 John 5:19

The non-Christian is “a deceiver and an anti-Christ” 2 John 7

Anyone who doesn’t share Paul’s beliefs has “an evil heart.” Hebrews 3:12

False Jews are members of “the synagogue of Satan.” Revelations 2:9, 3:9



Here are my two personal favorites:

Everyone will have to worship Jesus -- whether they want to or not. Philippians 2:10

A Christian can not be accused of any wrongdoing. Romans 8:33

Bible Quote for July 24



God Approves of Slavery



When the Lord has pity on Jacob and again chooses Israel and settles them on their own soil, the aliens will join them and be counted with the house of Jacob. The house of Israel will take them and bring them along to its place, and possess them as male and female slaves on the Lord's soil, making captives of its captors and ruling over its oppressors. (Isaiah 14:1-2 NAB)

Kill Priests of Other Religions



Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD's people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. And all the people of the land went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. Jehoiada the priest stationed guards at the Temple of the LORD. Then the commanders, the Carite mercenaries, the guards, and all the people of the land escorted the king from the Temple of the LORD. They went through the gate of the guards and into the palace, and the king took his seat on the royal throne. (2 Kings 11:17-19 NLT)

Kill People of Other Religions



Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. We will not obey the king's words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left." When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein, according to the king's command. When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him on the altar. (1 Maccabees 2:21-24 NRS)


``

WHAT IS TO MAKE OF THIS? I AM SO CONFUSED ON WHAT TO DO. I DONT WANT TO HEAR, "IGNORE IT" BECAUSE IT IS QUOTED IN THE BIBLE, IT IS WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE. sorry if i offended anyone but i felt it was very important to post.

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reply
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Sat Siri Akaal.
Why are you spending so much time worrying about Christianity if you are Sikh? What do you think you can 'do' to stop this? Be real.

These quotes are indeed from the Bible. The Bible is not a single revelation as is the Koran, or a series of revelations as is Siri Guru Granth Sahib. It is a compilation of stories and revelations and lessons compiled by many authors in ancient languages that are rarely spoken, and then translated and re-translated into modern verse. In other words, we have little that represents the 'original' bible. So for me, as a Sikh, much in the Bible is suspect; there are also some profound truths in it (Proverbs, Beatitudes, Song of Solomon, to name a few). Some of it was also written to advance an agenda of the ruling class of the time. It was not written all at once. The old testament was developed over about a 500 year period, and the new testament over about 200 year period. Old - before Christ's birth 2000+ years ago, new - after Christ's birth. Christianity in the world today is hardly monolithic, since the number of Christian faiths or sects must be at least 50; the Catholics, for example, don't bother much with the Old Testament at all.

Many Christians do not take all these phrases to heart. There are those that do. They could be considered the fanatic wing of Christianity. I'd be lying to say that Sikhs don't have a fanatic wing. If you must study the Bible, focus on the beauty and Truth that it does contain. And cultivate your own garden. Grow Sikhi within yourself by reading and studying Siri Guru and chanting the Naam. Stop worrying about Christianity. It's much bigger than you. Change the world by changing and growing yourself, and honoring your own divinity and Soul. Guru ang sang,
-DKK