The Bible is NOT the WORD OF GOD

[SnakeBoy]

The Bible is NOT the WORD OF GOD: a polemic against Christendom

April 9, 2013 By Eric English 112 Comments



The bible is not the WORD OF GOD. And if we believe it as such, then we have made the bible into an idol. The bible has become the Church’s idol. It is the Golden Calf of our day. The ancient Hebrews had taken the God of their forefathers and formed him into their image. They made him take on their identity because they could not grasp to what extent the WORD OF GOD was present with them. Yes, indeed it has been said for thousands of years that the ancient Hebrews were fools for doing so, but my dear friend so are we.

Just as the Hebrews, we have made the WORD OF GOD into our image – the bible. And by doing so have not elevated God, but relegated him to the lowliest place. Our misappropriation of authority has inevitably resulted in our inability to distinguish between what we THINK God requires of us, and what God ACTUALLY requires of us. This misappropriation has resulted in our use of superfluous language.

The bible is not the WORD OF GOD. However, our elevation of the bible to almost divine status has seemingly resulted in the Church believing it is to be the moral authority over the world – as though they speak for God. We have equated the language of the bible with the Words of God. This has seemingly resulted in the bible being used as a weapon of power to oppress others. Incredibly, the Church’s oppression has not been limited to the secular world, but has even been used as a weapon to oppress its own people.

But, Jesus never oppressed anyone.

When we assert that the bible is the WORD OF GOD we are diminishing what it means to possess the WORD OF GOD. The bible is a book. Just like any other book it contains words, propositions, stories, ideologies, and philosophies. But it contains something that is far greater than any other book that has ever been written. It contains testimonies. But not just any testimony. It contains testimonies about God – not just about any God, but the living God. It contains a testimonies about who God is, and who man is; and who man is in light of his discovery of God.

God has revealed himself in history. Scripture testifies to that revelation. Scripture is not revelation in and of itself. Rather, it is a testimony to the revelation that has occurred. The bible is what we learn from; it is what we abide by; and it is what strengthens our faith.

The Bible is not the WORD OF GOD. It has no special powers and it is not magic. Sacred scripture means nothing if it is not alive inside the individual. Embodied, fully embraced. This does not mean that we take apart or dissect the bible in such a way that we are able to extrapolate metaphysical truths about the world around us. That is not the intent of the bible. Rather, the intent of the bible is to provide context for who we are as human beings, who god is as God; and how God has acted throughout history. It is a testimony to our lord Jesus Christ.

The WORD OF GOD is a moment that a human being encounters. It is Jesus Christ in his full glory and revelation. The WORD OF GOD occurs through a compilation of acts that bring forth the WORD OF GOD within the individual – prayer, sacred scripture, fellowship, worship.

Encountering the WORD OF GOD changes us – it makes us whole. It gives us strength and power. Words on a page do not give us strength; they do not give us power. It is only when we embody those words on the page that we truly become like the WORD OF GOD. It is what Jesus did. He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. That means he embodied the law. He was sinless, he was perfect. He embodied the law in the truest, purest form of what is meant by “the law”. Likewise, we must embody scripture. It must become a part of us, our lives, and our identity; for the truth of God was not found in words or propositions or abstract ideas, but in the truthfulness that exists when we live out the WORD OF GOD on the world stage.

The bible is not the WORD OF GOD. The WORD OF GOD is Jesus Christ.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/emergentvillage/2013/04/the-bible-is-not-the-word-of-god-a-polemic-against-christendom/

Discuss.

[Thebesteva]

OP, do you lift?

[SnakeBoy]

OP, do you lift?

Weights? Yes.

[SnakeBoy]

More...


POSTSCRIPT: The Bible is NOT the Word of God (Part 2)

January 15, 2014 By Eric English

A brief note on the form of things:
Last April I wrote a post titled The Bible is NOT the WORD OF GOD: a polemic against Christendom. The article was meant to be a provocation towards rethinking the way we speak about the bible. The reaction it received was very interesting as it seemed to indicate a sharp divide between those who agreed and disagreed with the premise.

In general, I make it a point to avoid apologetic type argumentation when it comes to what I write. This method of discourse is rarely fruitful, and usually involves two people talking past each other. However, I also understand the importance of the “idea” as manifested within the individual. This can only properly occur when the individual is able to apprehend the idea.

Anytime one writes on a theological/philosophical topic and chooses an alternative form of discourse there can exist a dissonance between the writing and the reader. One might even wonder why such a method is employed if dissonance is what you are trying to avoid. In general, poetic expression grants enough creative license within the discourse of choice to create a depth that more “sophisticated/academic” approaches cannot. Therefore, as a result it is sometimes better to use this sort of method in order to provoke (for example) a certain emotion as part of the overall premise.

What follows is not an apology for detractors, but a postscript in order to clarify the idea.
Is the bible the Word of God?

We have all heard it in a sermon, read it in a theological book, or perhaps said it ourselves: “the Bible is the Word of God.” Sometimes I wonder how often Christians step back and think about what they say and challenge themselves to question why they say it.

What are we saying when we make this statement? Two things really. First, God’s word is limited to the text itself and nothing else. (Side Note: I should say that the phrase itself doesn’t imply this, but rather how the phrase is used implies it.) Second, it places the writer’s intentions secondary to “God’s intentions” (I have also heard it said “God’s intentions trumps the authors intentions”) – though it’s not entirely clear how one has the ability to know “God’s intentions”.

It is also not clear when the idiom became part of the vernacular in its present form. However, in general it seems that the mistake is an anachronistic reading of the bible and history (go figure).

History:

Did the early church fathers believe in “scripture” as being the Word of God? No. First, there was nothing remotely similar to what we use today. There existed various canons throughout a widespread region until the council of Nicea in 325 began to organize one canon for the church.

The purpose of the canon was to collect authoritative sacred texts that were useful for instruction as the sole rule of faith and life. It is here that you might wonder what is meant by the word “authoritative”. This is not to be confused with “God inspired”, but rather, an appeal to the actual author’s authority and whether or not they would be privy to the information they were writing about (first-hand information). In the case of the New Testament – were the authors a witness to the life of Christ.

On self-authentication:

What makes the bible the Word of God? Is it because the bible says it is the Word of God? To believe that one can establish the authority of a text simply because the text “says its authoritative” is absurd on the face. This principle is often referred to as the “self-authentication” principle (a term used regarding legal documentation). When one says the Bible is self-authenticating they are making assumptions about its form (inerrancy) and function (inspiration), which ultimately results in circular reasoning (trying to prove a premise by using the assumption of the premise as proof).

However, let’s assume that there exists some world where these sorts of assumptions are acceptable. The follow up question is: does scripture claim to be the Word of God?

The use of “scripture”.

Scripture simply means “religious text(s)”. A passage (verse) often quoted to me is 2 Timothy 3:16


…All Scripture is God breathed useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…

When Paul refers to his own writings he describes them as letters, not scripture. Why? Because he doesn’t think he is writing “scripture”. Instead, he believes he is writing letters to fellow Christians in order to encourage/rebuke/instruct them relative to their particular situation.

When the term “scripture” is used, it is often in conjunction with the sacred documents, which now make up the Old Testament.

The use of “Word”
There are two Greek words that are used for the word “Word”. The first is Rhema. This is used most often to denote what we commonly understand to be typical forms of communication, such as: language, speech, conversations, etc.

The second term that is used is “Logos”. This word is a bit more complicated as it has a long philosophical history to it. Therefore, to play it safe, we will define it conservatively. In order to view this term properly we need to see how it functions. The best example is the familiar John 1:1:


In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

In stoicism (this is where it seems that John is borrowing the term) the term Logos is used in conjunction with what Stoics called “Divine Reason”. This was the idea that “…the only true divine philosophy is when it co-exists with action.” The function most commonly associated with this use of the term Logos is “revelation”. Therefore, a proper reading of John 1:14 “…the Word became flesh…” forces us to understand the divine Logos this way: Jesus came to “reveal” God through the “action” of the incarnation (and later his life, death, resurrection, etc.)

The use of “Word of God”

How then are we to understand passages like Hebrews 4:12?


For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Word of God as mentioned here and in other passages throughout the New Testament vary in meaning depending on their context. However, most of them are in reference to the way in which God revealed himself to the Jews. God revealed himself in writing (the commandments); in word (visions and dreams) in person (Angels of the Lord, fire, and other strange figures).

The point, what God said and did then is still useful for us today. This has nothing to do with “the bible”.
Finally, the other occasions that we see the Word of God used in the NT is in conjunction with actionable discourse. Take for example, 2 Corinthians 2:17


Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

In this case Paul is neither referring to the Bible nor is he referring to the various ways God revealed himself through the OT. Instead, he is using “Word of God” to mean “preaching the good News”.
Now to help us avoid another anachronistic reading of the text let’s keep in mind that Paul is NOT walking around with his red letter edition of the Bible preaching from the book of Mark. Instead, he is preaching from the oral tradition shared with him, as well as (perhaps) some unique divine message received from God.

Does the Word of God exist, and if so what is it?
As stated above, the Word of God is accomplished through the revelatory discourse God has with people. This would include ANY way in which God chooses to reveal himself. Although this COULD include the bible, it is certainly not exclusive to it.

Let us consider John 3:2:


…during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

God speaks and acts through his people. In order for the “Word” to “come”, it must manifest; it must embody; it must reveal. The Word of God is dynamic, active, and sharper than any double edged sword not because we can quote propositional truths to an “ignorant” world; but because we embody the truth of hope for a “hurting” world. Imagine a world where people understood the “Word of God” as the result of an “encounter” they had with the living God; instead of some academic exercise in exegesis.
Finally let me leave you with a quote from my original article regarding the Word of God:


“The WORD OF GOD is a moment that a human being encounters. It is Jesus Christ in his full glory and revelation. The WORD OF GOD occurs through a compilation of acts that bring forth the WORD OF GOD within the individual – prayer, reading and meditating on sacred scripture, fellowship, and worship.”


http://www.patheos.com/blogs/emergentvillage/2014/01/postscript-the-bible-is-not-the-word-of-god-part-2/

[Blake]

Tldr, but I concur with title.

[Leetonidas]

I just sharted

[TinTin]

Real talk. Would the bible be more interesting with snaps of jugs like these?

http://i42.tinypic.com/28r3alj.jpg

Leetonidas is a man of god imo

[Leetonidas]

Real talk. Would the bible be more interesting with snaps of jugs like these?

http://i42.tinypic.com/28r3alj.jpg

Leetonidas is a man of god imo

I'd fap to that imo

[xmas1997]

I concur with title.

Probably the only thing you and I have ever agreed on.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Didn't read.

Also, DGAF.

[xmas1997]

I did read it and it sounds astute to me.
Very reasonable hypothesis IMHO.

[I. Hustle]

:rolleyes

[ashbeeigh]

I was going to respond but decided against it.

[SnakeBoy]

I was going to respond but decided against it.

Why?

[DJR210]

I'd fap to that imo

In your opinion would she have perfectly proportioned, light colored nipples, or huge, stretched out salami nipples with the bumps around the perimeter of the areola?

[Leetonidas]

one of each tbh

[td4mvp2k]

:td

[.G.]

And Dog said, "let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness"
:lol

[.G.]

In your opinion would she have perfectly proportioned, light colored nipples, or huge, stretched out salami nipples with the bumps around the perimeter of the areola?

Braille nipples

[boutons_deux]

Christians leaders promoted the revolutionary trouble-maker/OWS Jesus of Nazareth to godhood, added in miracles, resurrection from death, as marketing materials to promote their sect and their Guy to the ignorant, unread, uneducated masses over all the other competing sects in the first century.

And of course, the inevitable Manichean "if you aren't a with us/Christian, you're against us/not going to heaven". and we'll kill you if you're not a Christian. GREAT marketing.

[ashbeeigh]

Why?

because these threads never end up well. But now that you asked. I was going to saaaayyyy.

I go to church pretty regularly. But tend to agree with the article. The Bible is the best selling religious fiction in the world. We don't know what the authors meant in their writings and it's open to interpretation and translation. I see the authors sitting around in whatever afterlife there is looking down at the world saying "Wow, that was not what I meant, at all." It's like those crazy fandoms that live for the next episode of a show. Christianity could be seen as a fandom that went crazy. Is that hypocritical? Maybe? I don't know.

[RD2191]

Christians leaders promoted the revolutionary trouble-maker/OWS Jesus of Nazareth to godhood, added in miracles, resurrection from death, as marketing materials to promote their sect and their Guy to the ignorant, unread, uneducated masses over all the other competing sects in the first century.

And of course, the inevitable Manichean "if you aren't a with us/Christian, you're against us/not going to heaven". and we'll kill you if you're not a Christian. GREAT marketing.

Lol, idiot.

[mrsmaalox]

because these threads never end up well. But now that you asked. I was going to saaaayyyy.

I go to church pretty regularly. But tend to agree with the article. The Bible is the best selling religious fiction in the world. We don't know what the authors meant in their writings and it's open to interpretation and translation. I see the authors sitting around in whatever afterlife there is looking down at the world saying "Wow, that was not what I meant, at all." It's like those crazy fandoms that live for the next episode of a show. Christianity could be seen as a fandom that went crazy. Is that hypocritical? Maybe? I don't know.

Not at all unlike the crafters of this country's Constitution.

[ashbeeigh]

Not at all unlike the crafters of this country's Constitution.


True true.

[xmas1997]

Not at all unlike the crafters of this country's Constitution.

I agree completely.
This is odd, I am agreeing with you quite a lot lately.
Is it because your true intelligence is coming out lately, or because you stopped trolling?
No offense intended.

[TDMVPDPOY]

every year there is always a new edition with makeup stories or a change of words in the books...

[xmas1997]

They should have never left out those missing gospels IMHO.

[Blake]

Is it because your true intelligence is coming out lately, or because you stopped trolling?
No offense intended.

but you'll go ahead and offend any way.

[xmas1997]

but you'll go ahead and offend any way.

Depends on if you have thin skin or not. The written word lacks much in translation, but then that is an area you have very little conception of.
Sorry to insult your lack of intelligence.
I should be more sympathetic to the mentally challenged like you.
:lol

[Th'Pusher]

Snakeboy is really progressing as a troll. E for effort...but no one really gave a fuck.

[SnakeBoy]

Snakeboy is really progressing as a troll. E for effort...but no one really gave a fuck.

Wasn't trolling. Just an article for anyone interested.

Actually, I was hoping to hear an opposing point of view. I've never know anyone who is a literalist so I'm curious how their brains work.

[xmas1997]

Wasn't trolling. Just an article for anyone interested.

Actually, I was hoping to hear an opposing point of view. I've never know anyone who is a literalist so I'm curious how their brains work.


Beats me, I go out of my way to avoid literalists and scripture quoters.
Talk about boring and narrow mindedness.

[Blake]

Wasn't trolling. Just an article for anyone interested.

Actually, I was hoping to hear an opposing point of view. I've never know anyone who is a literalist so I'm curious how their brains work.

Which parts of the Bible should people literally believe? Just the parts where Jesus did magic tricks?

[Blake]

Beats me, I go out of my way to avoid literalists and scripture quoters.
Talk about boring and narrow mindedness.

explain your version of God

[SnakeBoy]

Which parts of the Bible should people literally believe? Just the parts where Jesus did magic tricks?

Man, your reading comprehension is really really bad. Then again, your a Texas Tech guy so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

[xmas1997]

explain your version of God

What for?
And why set myself up for you to attempt to belittle me?
If you take me for a fool then you are only fooling yourself.
God is What God is, I Am That I Am.

[xmas1997]

Man, your reading comprehension is really really bad. Then again, your a Texas Tech guy so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

Yuppers, he is the absolute worst, and then has the unmitigated gall to criticize other peoples' reading comprehension.
Go figure, just more troll activity. These are troll infested waters. Swim at your own risk. After all, this is the "troll forum".
:lol

[Blake]

Man, your reading comprehension is really really bad. Then again, your a Texas Tech guy so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

boy, your posts are so vague that nobody but you comprehends you.

Great thread. :tu

[Blake]

What for?
And why set myself up for you to attempt to belittle me?
If you take me for a fool then you are only fooling yourself.
God is What God is, I Am That I Am.

Why do so many people that believe in God get so scared when asked to go into detail about what they actually believe?

And you just quoted Old Testament. Do you literally believe it or not?

[mouse]

nobody but you comprehends you.
Great thread. :tu

Your welcome.

http://dbprng00ikc2j.cloudfront.net/work/image/575184/d14s2l/20120429005558-pics__302_.jpg

[xmas1997]

Your welcome.

http://dbprng00ikc2j.cloudfront.net/work/image/575184/d14s2l/20120429005558-pics__302_.jpg

As usual Blake sets himself up, he is his own worst enemy.

[mouse]

http://dbprng00ikc2j.cloudfront.net/work/image/590802/d14s2l/20120616033936-jesus-bubble.jpg

[SnakeBoy]

boy, your posts are so vague that nobody but you comprehends you.


:lol Really, this was too vague for you to comprehend?


Actually, I was hoping to hear an opposing point of view. I've never know anyone who is a literalist so I'm curious how their brains work.

[Blake]

Really, you've never known anyone that doesn't believe in the Bible?

Or do you have your own non-literal definition of "literalist" ?

[SnakeBoy]

Really, you've never known anyone that doesn't believe in the Bible?

Or do you have your own non-literal definition of "literalist" ?

That reminds me...I haven't seen Rush Hour in like a decade. Think I'll watch it again.

[Blake]

That reminds me...I haven't seen Rush Hour in like a decade. Think I'll watch it again.

run away and don't look back, tbh.

[SnakeBoy]

run away and don't look back, tbh.

Try reading the op and you might have a clue. It's a lot of words so be careful and don't hurt yourself.

[Blake]

Try reading the op and you might have a clue. It's a lot of words so be careful and don't hurt yourself.

If Jesus' words are in the Bible and Jesus is God, then the Bible must be the word of God.

The OP is trying to justify his cherry picking of what's literally true in the Bible and what's not. Clearly he has issues with the crazy Old Testament as he should.

The problem for him, you and other Christians is that you can't separate yourself from the crazy Old Testament because the New Testament won't allow you too.

[Blake]

Try reading the op and you might have a clue. It's a lot of words so be careful and don't hurt yourself.

If Jesus' words are in the Bible and Jesus is God, then the Bible must be the word of God.

The OP is trying to justify his cherry picking of what's literally true in the Bible and what's not. Clearly he has issues with the crazy Old Testament as he should.

The problem for him, you and other Christians is that you can't separate yourself from the crazy Old Testament because the New Testament won't allow you too.

[xmas1997]

Why do so many people that believe in God get so scared when asked to go into detail about what they actually believe?

And you just quoted Old Testament. Do you literally believe it or not?




What for?
And why set myself up for you to attempt to belittle me?
If you take me for a fool then you are only fooling yourself.
God is What God is, I Am That I Am.

[Sybok]

You get 80 years or less to enforce your will on others then you die. It's then up to someone else to keep enforcing your will. Inevitably they will add their own spin to it because they have a wish list as well. So it goes for a millennium. Next thing you know, there's no semblance of the original wish list. That's why discovery and science are more important than wish lists.

[xmas1997]

You get 80 years or less to enforce your will on others then you die. It's then up to someone else to keep enforcing your will. Inevitably they will add their own spin to it because they have a wish list as well. So it goes for a millennium. Next thing you know, there's no semblance of the original wish list. That's why discovery and science are more important than wish lists.

I agree with this.
And I applaud your assessment.

[Blake]

At least you're admitting you're a coward.

[xmas1997]

At least you're admitting you're a coward.

:lmao

And you have the gall to knock MY reading comprehension?
Did you go to the GTG?
No, too afraid to go.
And you call me a coward.
Haven't you heard yet? Trolls don't count, and their opinions even less so.
:lol

[Blake]

Because avoiding a GTG and avoiding posting your thoughts on God are exactly the same.

[xmas1997]

I avoided nothing.
Gave you all the tools you need to answer your own question, bought you books, sent you to school, and you don't study.
Your fault, not mine.
Blame your cowardice on yourself, take some responsibility for your own actions and in this case inactivity and laziness.
:lol

[Blake]

I avoided nothing.
Gave you all the tools you need to answer your own question, bought you books, sent you to school, and you don't study.
Your fault, not mine.
Blame your cowardice on yourself, take some responsibility for your own actions and in this case inactivity and laziness.
:lol

I was asking for your own personal opinion. Can't google that.

[xmas1997]

I was asking for your own personal opinion. Can't google that.

Why on earth would I want to give a consummate troll like you my personal opinion?
I would have to be a total idiot to do something ignorant like that, which I am not.
Besides which, if you have bothered to read any of my posts, which you apparently rarely do, then you would already have some distorted ignorant trollish idea of my opinion, which you will undoubtedly make up to suit your distorted fancy so you can post an idiotic reply to it.
:lol

[Blake]

Why on earth would I want to give a consummate troll like you my personal opinion?
I would have to be a total idiot to do something ignorant like that, which I am not.
Besides which, if you have bothered to read any of my posts, which you apparently rarely do, then you would already have some distorted ignorant trollish idea of my opinion, which you will undoubtedly make up to suit your distorted fancy so you can post an idiotic reply to it.
:lol

like I said before, at least you're admitting you're simply a coward.

It saves us both from posting any further about the subject.

[xmas1997]

like I said before, at least you're admitting you're simply a coward.

It saves us both from posting any further about the subject.

Again your understanding is seriously lacking. Not surprising.
There is a huge difference in being cowardly, which describes you after avoiding the GTG, and being intelligent, which describes what I am doing by not falling for your feeble baiting tactics.
Grow up, son!
:lol

[Blake]

Grow up, son!
:lol

Hey, it takes stones to state your beliefs out loud and then stand by them.

I'm not saying it's bad to be afraid of being persecuted for your beliefs, I'm saying I'm glad I know not to waste any more time discussing this with you.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Blake got schooled in this thread, tbh.

[xmas1997]

Hey, it takes stones to state your beliefs out loud and then stand by them.

I'm not saying it's bad to be afraid of being persecuted for your beliefs, I'm saying I'm glad I know not to waste any more time discussing this with you.

You know where I stand.
You are welcome to try to distort them however you want.
It still won't change the truth of the matter no matter how much you want it to.
:lol

[Blake]

Blake got schooled in this thread, tbh.

no, but let's hear your explanation of how you think that happened

[Blake]

You know where I stand.


No I don't, that's why I'm asking, chicken.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

no, but let's hear your explanation of how you think that happened

No need for an explanation. This thread is self-evident of you being owned.

[xmas1997]

No I don't, that's why I'm asking, chicken.


Wow, that's a sure fire way to get me to respond. :lol
You should have learned a new tact by now. Since you are still trolling, you should be able to distort your own answer for me.
That's your schtick, distorting the truth, for better or worse.
As you well know there was once upon a time I was willing to have a civil discussion with you comparing and arguing opinions, but those days are long gone.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

He literally doesn't know how NOT to troll :lol

[xmas1997]

He literally doesn't know how NOT to troll :lol

This is the God's truth, and probably accounts for the reason his wife played around on him because he is that way in real life too.
Pretty sad actually.
But since he is a troll, pretty funny and appropriate too.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

I'm a Christian/believer/whatever's the PC term we're going by these days.

But Blake is a troll :lol

[Blake]

Wow, that's a sure fire way to get me to respond. :lol
You should have learned a new tact by now. Since you are still trolling, you should be able to distort your own answer for me.
That's your schtick, distorting the truth, for better or worse.
As you well know there was once upon a time I was willing to have a civil discussion with you comparing and arguing opinions, but those days are long gone.
:lol

Ok bye.

[Blake]

I'm a Christian/believer/whatever's the PC term we're going by these days.

But Blake is a troll :lol

So how did I get schooled, Christian?

[LoneStarState'sPride]

So how did I get schooled, Christian?

Are you literate?

Go back and read this thread, then, and you'll find out how, troll

[xmas1997]

I'm a Christian/believer/whatever's the PC term we're going by these days.

But Blake is a troll :lol

He already knows I am a Christian too, but put very little stock in any sort of "literal" translation of the bible, especially since they left a bunch of books out of it to serve their own ends.
But as you say, Blake is just a troll, and an awful one at that, more like a quasi or wannabe troll.
:lol

Chump, who some on here accuse of being one too, IMHO, really isn't one anymore, or at least not like he used to be in the troll heyday when trolling was an art form.
These new age trolls could use some education because they are dreadfully pathetic and crass with absolutely no sophistication whatsoever.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Trolling meant something back in the day, dammit :lol

My participation around here has decreased as the trolling has become shittier, tbh.

[xmas1997]

Trolling meant something back in the day, dammit :lol

My participation around here has decreased as the trolling has become shittier, tbh.


Yeah, I fully appreciate that as well.
Either you allow them to walk all over you, or you bash back.
I don't belong to any particular "team" or "gang" as the trolls like to accuse me of, but for sure I am not on the trolls side.
And lately I have been constantly laughing as I bash them into one melt down after another.
At first it wasn't easy because I don't derive pleasure in hurting someones' feelings, but I am now convinced that most of these trolls have no consciences whatsoever and are basically antisocial misfits at best.
Thus it doesn't bother me anymore to bash away at them.
And they have no wit, or wits, anyway, so what the hell, fair game.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Yeah, I've changed my posting style a ton since I first started posting here, too :lol

It is what it is down here. I just tend to read more than I post nowadays.

[Blake]

Are you literate?

Go back and read this thread, then, and you'll find out how, troll

it's your claim but you don't want to back it up?

If anyone is trolling here, it's you.

[Blake]

Yeah, I've changed my posting style a ton since I first started posting here, too :lol

It is what it is down here. I just tend to read more than I post nowadays.

So you stopped in just to troll.

That's nice.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

it's your claim but you don't want to back it up?

If anyone is trolling here, it's you.

Ah, the ol' "I'm not trolling, YOU are," routine :rolleyes

Straight out of the troll handbook, tbh.

My backup are your bullshit posts in this thread, clown. Not going to chew that cabbage twice for you.

But have fun convincing folks to try going down the rabbit hole that is "debate" with you :lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

So you stopped in just to troll.

That's nice.

Stopped in to laugh at your dumb ass, yes.

[Blake]

Ah, the ol' "I'm not trolling, YOU are," routine :rolleyes

Straight out of the troll handbook, tbh.

My backup are your bullshit posts in this thread, clown. Not going to chew that cabbage twice for you.

But have fun convincing folks to try going down the rabbit hole that is "debate" with you :lol

No, it's the ol' you only stopped in to say "lol Blake"

that's the definition of troll. you've been around long enough top know this.

[xmas1997]

Stopped in to laugh at your dumb ass, yes.

He couldn't resist.
:lol

But you set him a new asshole tbh. He will never admit it even though it is the truth.
Good for you.
A little troll bashing never hurt anyone. And since trolls like Blake have no consciences to speak of, then it is a great day to be a troll basher, they abound down here and come to you like flies on stink.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

No, it's the ol' you only stopped in to say "lol Blake"

that's the definition of troll. you've been around long enough top know this.

No, "Blake" is the definition of troll. You'd know this if you bothered to look in the mirror :lol

But by all means, please continue trying to flip the script. You're right--I have been around long enough.

To be amused by your antics, that is.

[xmas1997]

No, "Blake" is the definition of troll. You'd know this if you bothered to look in the mirror :lol

But by all means, please continue trying to flip the script. You're right--I have been around long enough.

To be amused by your antics, that is.

More like feeble and failed antics.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

More like feeble and failed antics.
:lol

Well, I didn't see the need to be mean.... :lol

[Blake]

No, "Blake" is the definition of troll. You'd know this if you bothered to look in the mirror :lol

But by all means, please continue trying to flip the script. You're right--I have been around long enough.

To be amused by your antics, that is.

Ok, thanks for stopping by, troll.

Lol mirror sick burn

[xmas1997]

Well, I didn't see the need to be mean.... :lol

:lmao

These trolls have no conception of the word "mean". In fact they have very little conception of anything at all tbh, they are so ignorant and inane.
All they know is trying to find what yanks your chain, but I don't need to tell you that, you are already fully aware of this.
You've undoubtedly read most of the trolling going on down here.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Ok, thanks for stopping by, troll.

Lol mirror sick burn

Not really a sick burn, but it touched a nerve with you, apparently.

You're free to bow out now, Blake.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

All they know is trying to find what yanks your chain, but I don't need to tell you that, you are already fully aware of this.
You've undoubtedly read most of the trolling going on down here.

Yeah, I read it sometimes when I need a laugh. Sophomoric, yet mildly amusing on slow nights.

Gotta extract some enjoyment from wherever you can, right?

[xmas1997]

Yeah, I read it sometimes when I need a laugh. Sophomoric, yet mildly amusing on slow nights.

Gotta extract some enjoyment from wherever you can, right?

How right you are.
It's amusing how Blake keeps trying and failing to get an valid word in here.
He should have stopped because it takes some intelligence, something he seriously lacks.
But you can't blame him for trying.
It is just such a herculean effort for the mentally challenged.
:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

I'm just waiting for his typical "last word"-caliber post proclaiming victory/superior intellect/something else typically trollsy for his swan song in this thread. Probably shouldn't have posted since you've obviously been handling your business, but I'm bored tonight since wifey had to work :lol

[xmas1997]

I'm just waiting for his typical "last word"-caliber post proclaiming victory/superior intellect/something else typically trollsy for his swan song in this thread. Probably shouldn't have posted since you've obviously been handling your business, but I'm bored tonight since wifey had to work :lol

Just doing a little "troll control".
Nothing better to do while watching the Spurs game.
I'm actually a little sorry this thread got sidetracked by the trolls, but that is what they like to do.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Yeah, I've been assuming this game against GSW would be a loss for awhile now, so I'm only half paying attention (yes, I know we're still winning :lol ). Troll control is shitty work, but somebody's gotta do it.

[xmas1997]

Yeah, I've been assuming this game against GSW would be a loss for awhile now, so I'm only half paying attention (yes, I know we're still winning :lol ). Troll control is shitty work, but somebody's gotta do it.

To be quite honest, for the most part troll control gets pretty boring after a while.
You quickly realize they are not very smart, and thus you have to stupid/dumb it down for them.
To constantly show them how idiotic and foolish they are, when they don't even have a "clue", is tiring.
But they usually lose their cool pretty quickly and go sulk somewhere else, thus becoming someone else' problem.
It is what it is.
Conditioned ignorance is their calling card.
:lol
Most likely when the game ends some will be back making further fools of themselves.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Conditioned ignorance

Perfect descriptor, tbh, I must say :toast

[Blake]

You're free to bow out now, Blake.

whenever you're ready to discuss the OP or reply to my posts, great.

But you're also free to keep high fiving xmas on your imaginary victory.

[xmas1997]

whenever you're ready to discuss the OP or reply to my posts, great.

But you're also free to keep high fiving xmas on your imaginary victory.

Too bad you have no conception of the meaning of "victory" or you would have given up long ago.
Then you wouldn't have to waste so much time coming up with replies to the bashing you're getting.
You are a glutton for punishment.
:lol

[Blake]

Too bad you have no conception of the meaning of "victory" or you would have given up long ago.
Then you wouldn't have to waste so much time coming up with replies to the bashing you're getting.
You are a glutton for punishment.
:lol

you're clearly not intelligent enough to realize the majority of posters in this forum are bashing you.

You're also not intelligent enough to realize your bashing skills are God awful.

[xmas1997]

you're clearly not intelligent enough to realize the majority of posters in this forum are bashing you.

You're also not intelligent enough too realize your bashing skills are God awful.

They are good enough for the unintelligent inane juvenile trolls that plague this site.
And cause your constant melt downs.
So feel free to express your butt hurt however you please.
The same goes for the other idiotic trolls that fail to masquerade as decent posters, the majority you speak of.
They and you are the only ones TRYING and FAILING miserably to bash me and the other troll bashers on here.
Conditioned ignorance on display again.
:lol

[Blake]

Gibberish

[xmas1997]

Gibberish

You mean your troll gibberish?
Rather, conditioned ignorance.
You really should go suffer your butt hurt in silence somewhere else.
:lol