I have always found it absolutely amazing how far the Christian apologist will go to justify wicked acts performed by their god. Even to go as far as to change the definition and whole meaning of a word used in the bible. They do this not realising that they throw whole bible verses completely out of context. They apply this deceitful practice being of the belief that their new definition and new meaning has given them an escape from what are usually unescapable theological dilemma.
In my own personal experience in the time I have been here, I have witnessed words such a "touch" redefined as "light". I have seen the word "curse" redefined as "murder"! And I have even had that old weary chestnut throw at me that - "to understand the bible one has to know and have studied ancient Hebrew or Greek languages".
These are not very well thought out responses or excuses for these biblical dilemmas. In fact when these deceitful practices are applied by the apologist they do not seem to have realised that (1) in the case of individual words the context goes flying out of the window (2) in the case of ancient languages they simply render ALL bibles written in English pointless, void and redundant. This is what happens when Christian apologist rush to the defend the indefensible wicked deeds performed by god..
This deceitful practice has happened on this very forum on a number of occasions, with the most recent being here in this exchange between two members;
Melcharaz wrote: when you say fear. do you mean actually be afraid of? or to honor him?DavidAZ wrote: I believe the biblical reference to the word "fear" is more of an honor or reverence. It is the same idea as your feelings to your father (assuming your father was a good man) when you were a kid. You loved your dad and enjoyed being around your dad, but cross dad and, whoowee!, get ready for some correction. You know dad had the power to make your life miserable but you also know that your dad loved you so you stayed on his good side, knowing that insolence could land you some painful lessons. https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/9125-is-the-god-of-the-bible-good-or-wicked?page=1&post_number=26
Apart from that being such a obvious leading question submitted by Melcharaz the response you will see is nothing short of pathetic not to mention childlike and which just happens to be defining "fear" and not "honour or reverence". This is what results in rushing to excuse the inexcusable and to defend the indefensible.
Also, one should take note David AZ doesn't give a reason or a source for his "biblical reference" or definition of what he only "thinks" the bible means by the word "fear".
So lets look at this word "fear" and put DavidAZ's definition to the test and see if he maybe correct simply by taking just a few other verses from the bible that contain the word "fear".
I will put my fear in their hearts.
Well that doesn't seem to be anything to do with "honor or reverence". So lets try DavidAZ's definition:
" I will put reverence and honor in their hearts".
Slavish fear is the effect or consequence of guilt; it is the painful apprehension of merited punishment.
Again I fail to notice how this equates with either of the words "honor or reverence". So lets try DavidAZ's definition:
Slavish "honor or reverence" is the effect or consequence of guilt; it is the painful apprehension of merited punishment.
There are many references in the Bible showing that when and if the bible uses both "reverence OR honour " that they only come about through fear.
Example:
"This do, and live: for I fear God"..
" Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire".
here is the BIBLICAL definition of the word;
FEAR,
A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
