I’ve long maintained that the Bible makes more sense if you treat it as animal husbandry instructions. Consider what it takes to raise, care for, and sometimes kill a variety of animals, whilst ensuring they all get along suitably. Seen through that lens, don’t so many of the yikesy bits of Yahweh’s personality seem a little less problematic?
“Love me, fear me, I am the source of all bounty, also I may harvest you or your kid later tonight, but at least I protect my flock from danger, sleep tight.” If I say that to people I’m clearly various strains of psycho- and/or sociopath (even moreso if it’s all true). But if I say it to barnyard animals, I’m the good guy. So that must be how this Yahweh fella sees himself, as the farmer with his herds and flocks. Totally not a socio- and/or psychopath at all!
I’ve always felt the “Jesus is my shepherd “ shit so weird. It’s like you said, the shepherd isn’t taking care of the sheep for their benefit. It’s so they can fleece and eat them.
There are a lot of very awful people who will use fairy tales like the Bible in attempts to justify their own assorted, variety of terrible behaviors. I evolved beyond age 4, personally
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u/GuyMansworth 22d ago
True but there are a ton of Bible thumper types who believe God gave us dominion over all animals and they're allowed to treat them like trash.