no rasta, they were not to you in particular just some things that came to mind while reading this thread and the disputes/discussions which have evolved regarding the value of these books. the questions weren't really meant to be answered neccessarily, i posed them more as rhetorical inquiries, just something to consider. my reason for posting these questions was because of how some take these books as literal history, or as unadulterated accounts. i share yr answer to this in regards to "challenging ones to think about what they are taking as literal/historical truths in the bible" as well as other religious/spiritual texts. it would seem that as people migrated and relayed stories and teachings they would modify the characters to suit those who were listening or their own ends/agendas, which could have been either for deceptive or educational reasons. yes we know of many of the deceptions and mistranslations which have been used for many many years to oppress and control which are found in the bible. but at the same time, if the word of "god" was EVER there, could it be completely suppressed as to render the text invalid,unneccessary,or without value? even if the text only served to illustrate the means of deception cast upon InI people since those days, then that too must be valid,no? ironically, i find that i argue for one side at one time and the other another time depending on the reasoning, though i do sight more reason for burning the bible as that has been the main tool for oppression and subjegation since time. i am also not so well versed in the book of coming forth by day that i can have an opinion regarding that text as a means of control in it's day. the bible seems to have a much longer and bloodier history.

bless