I have sunk to a new low.  This morning after I did the Suduko, crossword and cryptogram, I read "Dear Abby."  It is a good thing I did, or I would never have known the new low that she has sunk to.  The topic was on what Christian people believe, and she said--and I quote:  "There is no way to change the thinking of someone who takes the Bible...literally."  She went on to tell a 13 year old Christian girl to wait, that when she was older she wouldn't have to do what her mother had taught her to do, and could do what she wanted to do.

Jeanne Phillips, whose mother Pauline started the column, is a Jew.  I would think she would at least take the Old Testament seriously--since Jews wrote it as they were inspired by God.  She surely shouldn't be giving advice on morals to a Christian child.

The problem with people like Abby who use the word "literally," is that they don't understand that it isn't just "words" in the Bible, it is the message.  There are thousands of translations of "words," but there is only one message.  Even in English, there are many translations of words.  We will never be able to translate Hebrew or Greek or Arabic into English perfectly.  But.  But.  There is no mistaking the message of the Bible.  It rings with authenticity.  It requires goodness from the people on earth.  It calls for a higher standard.  The message is what is literal and is very easy to understand.

If you want to argue with what God has to say,  you must do it with Him.  His message is clear on all of the subjects that Abby (Jeanne Phillips) disagrees with.  Those of us who take the Bible as historical truth,  try to live by that truth--the message of the Bible.  We leave judgements to God.

The great message of the Bible is to love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.  It does not teach us to agree with with our neighbor's views.  We are required to agree with God.  Which we do.  At least, I do.  I hope you do, too.