Matt: On Christianity and the Bible

"I do not believe the Bible is an unedited, unadulterated how-to-live manual by the creator of the universe."

But very many people do. And for those who don't believe that, can we agree that the biblical lessons on how to conduct your life and how to treat others are inspired?

If we can't agree even on that, then I am left wondering what Christianity means to you. Is it just a collection of mutually agreed-to mores amongst people describing themselves as Christian? Do you see my question?

There are certainly Christians who would argue that you aren't a Christian.

"But it is my position that literalism is contrary to the teachings of Jesus and does not represent the impact of Christianity on the country. But am I right?"

I disagree. Not with the theology of literalism, but with your assertion that literalism is not driving the cultural impact of Christianity in the U.S. It isn't the whole impact, but I think we know that the current administration is making some decisions based on literalism. Second-order effects are things like stem-cell research bans.

Additionally, since 1982 (within 2 percentage points and updated in May 2006), 45% of Americans answer that "God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so" (Gallup: http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=21814)

10,000 years indicates a literalist view of the Bible. When 45% of the country believes this, you have to believe that a literalist view of Biblical Christianity is a major force driving culture and ethics of a country, do you not?

"Is advocating a thinking reading of scripture copping out?"

No, but it is the minority view.

I would propose that we can continue the discussion with the stipulation that the Bible is one of *the* major forces behind culture and ethics in the United States. I would put the Constitution/Declaration of Independence/Revolution Philosophy up there with equal impact.

Even as we move forward though, I'm going to reserve the right to bring in the fundamentalist view, as I think it is relevant, especially given the 45% quoted above.