A question for Mike the Lab Rat.

[battery chucka' one]

Do you know why the Bible refers to us (humans in general and Christians in particular) as sheep? Don't google it, just explain as to whether you know it or not and if you're familiar with the reasoning behind it. That is all.

[Mike the Lab Rat]

Do you know why the Bible refers to us (humans in general and Christians in particular) as sheep? Don't google it, just explain as to whether you know it or not and if you're familiar with the reasoning behind it. That is all.

'Cuz we're -how would mvscal say it? clueless fucktards- in need of being led to our best interests? "Our best interests," naturally being to live as God dictates.

It's an unfortunate metaphor. Back in the times in which it was coined, the concept of humans as well-meaning but ultimately idiotic herd animals needing a benevolent, wiser shepherd to lead us and protect us from wolves probably was interpreted in a very positive light. The idea of individual folks as dimwits needing a smarter, powerful shepherd was probably compelling back then. Heck, the only cultures that were crazy enough to allow folks to elect their own leaders were those crazy-ass pagans.

Flash forward to now. Democratic republics are the accepted norm and monarchies are passe. Sheep are pretty much recognized as incredibly dimwitted herd animals, and the appellation of groups of humans as "sheep" is universally considered an insult. The argument that 21st century humans need to renounce their independence, free thought, scientific progress and intellect and bow down to a "shepherd" doesn't seem compelling to a lot of folks (including me). Thumpers and non-thumper Christians seeking to spread God's word have got to find other metaphors and more compelling imagery than "people as sheep" if you want to bring folks to Jesus.

I realize that my arguments are frustrating to some folks, but you'll just have to face the fact that religion is one of those things on which we'll just have to "agree to disagree." There's no frigging way that you or Nacho or pop are going to argue me into an epiphany of becoming a thumper, nor do I honestly expect any of you to dramatically change your religious views based on what I type on a smackboard. Pop and I have had thing go-'round in one form or another for years and neither one of us has changed each other's mind - nor do I honestly think either of us sets out to do so.

I engage in these threads because, when I have the time and energy (and, at times, Scotch in my system), I throw in my two cents. No offense, but I don't really have the time to hash out every sub-argument that you and Nacho decide to spin off from a main thread, and creating a "call out" thread because you want my specific responses reminds me of a seven-year-old screaming "PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!" If I have the time and interest, I'll respond. If I don't I won't. Deal with it.

[BSmack]

Sheep are pretty much recognized as incredibly dimwitted herd animals, and the appellation of groups of humans as "sheep" is universally considered an insult.

Truth hurts.

Kinda puts that whole "The Lord is my shepard" line in Psalm 23 in a whole new light.

[RadioFan]

Thumpers and non-thumper Christians seeking to spread God's word have got to find other metaphors and more compelling imagery than "people as sheep" if you want to bring folks to Jesus.

No, they don't.

Sin,