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https://opensea.io/collection/books-39
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7858
@7858.eth
The Bible Foundational text of Christianity. A lot of my favorite writers were quite fond of this book either for its substance or its poetry, or both. So I went into it not just with an open mind, but actively seeking the magic that so many serious people have found in it for so many centuries. I did not find much of anything remarkable. What I discovered instead is that Christianity as it’s commonly known is substantially extra-textual and the Judeo-Christian literary heritage is a product of layering by subsequent authors. The Bible itself, as a literary work, does not offer much. It has its moments. The Song of Solomon stood out to me, for example. But if you throw that much at the wall something is bound to stick. It seemed to me that most of the Old Testament consisted of measurements in cubits for the construction of various sacred objects. The New Testament at least emphasizes love and mercy, but in a simplistic way. No really touching moments. Not inspiring, not beautiful, not recommended.
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Jacob
@jrf
lol genesis and parts of exodus are very good imo also, excellent commentaries
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7858
@7858.eth
Hard disagree, respectfully The actual texts of Genesis and Exodus are flat, thin, and fantastical Paradise Lost, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, East of Eden, and countless other literary expansions on the stories have embroidered them in our minds. On their own, they do not hold up as literature
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Jacob
@jrf
i respect your opinion but you seem to be admitting that the literary themes and devices originated somewhere.... also can't tell if you're jk bc the irony is too good lol
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7858
@7858.eth
I freely admit that the Bible is the origin of a staggering amount of literary value But it’s much more “mustard seed” than “cup [that] runneth over” My thesis is that it’s (in literary terms) an insignificant and bland common ancestor to a rich spectrum of cultural lineages. I think many people tend to vastly overestimate the Bible’s worth in itself as a text. Almost all of the value has been generated by subsequent adherents. I was guilty of this myself until I actually read the thing. Not sure what seems insincere or ironic. I assure you that I am in earnest 😊
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Jacob
@jrf
i understand completely i studied it in original hebrew for ~10+ years but it didn't really click w me until i got to college and studied the origins of allegory (+ maimonides), harold bloom's theories of literary interpretation and the talmud w a brilliant professor in law school
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