Certain parts are meant to be taken for what they are and certain parts are meant to be taken as symbolic. For the most part, it's pretty easy to tell the difference.
Would it have been better to say talking donkeys? You believe someone was the son of God. That's far more amazing and shocking than a "dragon." Is this a belief self-esteem issue?
Among whom? Last I checked, there are over a dozen major denominations of Christianity with wildly different interpretations. Your point of view on how to interpret the Bible is just one of many through time.
Why is it so hard to believe that God could manifest himself in a human form as his "son." The trinity is 3 distinct beings that are also one in the same. If they are all a part of an all-powerful God, why is that so hard to believe?
It was, prior to your arrival, an issue of Unimane's hypocrisy in presenting Christians as holding themselves in higher regard than others while simultaneously mocking their religion. You have successfully rerouted the thread onto your favorite topic: is the Bible stupid?
I'm not sure you're breaking any new ground here, IP. People can argue details, but at the end of the day, Christianity revolves around God's son dying for everyone's sins.
Which is the problem with religion. There are people leaving this earth everyday without hearing what God's love did for them. The churches in America are arguing over dragons, baptistries and music.
To me, though biased, it looked like more was assumed because of the poster's name than was actually said. It's no secret I don't respect for any organized religion. I don't harbor any disrespect towards individuals of faith even though I think they're not applying reason in their belief system like they do to the rest of their existence.
I'm relaying to you what I was taught growing up as a Catholic (or at least what I can remember of it). Since Catholicism is by far the largest branch of Christianity (numbers wise), I'd say it's a pretty common view on how to interpret the Bible.
I'd rather they do that than go to isolated populations and destroy ancient traditions and beliefs to replace them with another. It's like a small town getting a Wal Mart.
You have pretty well mocked both organized and individualized religion tonight. Don't think a clarification on the lack of respect was really necessary.