Tunesmith, can it be that you are only capable of understanding things in absolutely literal terms? The Bible was written by a people who believed they lived in a relationship with God, and they were deeply inspired by that relationship. The Bible is their account of that relationship and it embodies that relationship and the message they heard through that relationship, warts and all. It is a most sacred writing that conveys the essence and reality of the relationship between a people and their God.

I don't believe God dictated the Bible to the writers. I do believe that the writers of the Bible and most ancient sacred writings (Koran, Baghdad Vita, Native American myths, Book of Mormon) were inspired by God. Since I come from the Christian tradition, it is the Bible that I hold most sacred; and for me, it is the Word of God. I also feel bound to respect and seek wisdom in the sacred writings of all religious traditions.

-Joe-