You are simply intellectually dishonest if you choose to ignore the many references in the Old Testament to pagan, polytheistic practices among the Hebrews. It appears pretty obvious to me that there was a pattern of discord between elements in early Hebraic society which were polytheistic and some which were monotheistic. And the monotheism of the early Israelites was of a tribal, not a world-wide nature. The sacred groves, the offering of children to Moloch, the installation of pagan idols in the Holy of Holies, the Golden Calf, the continual preaching of the Prophets against the polytheism of the Israelites, the many and detailed descriptions of odd practices, like not boiling a kid in its mother’s milk - ALL point to the fact that there something not quite right with presumed pure and unanimous monotheism among the early Hebrews.
And what does the “Reverend” Jessie Jackson have to do with this? An assumption on your part that I’m black? Well I’m not. I’m a lilly-white Caucasian.
I suggest you do a little more reading in the Old Testament and conduct a little more study on ancient history of the Biblical period and the Ancient Near East before you presume to criticize me on these subjects.
Well, it's clear that you are the one who is intellectually dishonest. The poster explained clearly, and DID NOT ignore, the polytheistic practices of disobedient Hebrews. As he stated, the authorities consistently preached monotheism. You seem to be hitting your head against a wall on that. You should be intellectually honest about that truth.
And what does the “Reverend” Jessie Jackson have to do with this? An assumption on your part that I’m black?
Again, you're being intellectually dishonest. It has nothing to do with skin color. The example could have been Jessie Jackson, Jim Bakker, Jim Jones, or many others. Those who dissent from true christianity like the above do not prove that christianity is not in practice and being preached; similarly the ancient Hebrews who peeled off to worship false religions did not negate the monotheism practiced by Moses, Abraham and all God's true followers of the time.
~grin~ Man, I do not care. Join the club.
Besides, dont tell me what you [Vainly] THINK, tell me what you KNOW.
"You are simply intellectually dishonest if you choose to ignore the many references in the Old Testament to pagan, polytheistic practices among the Hebrews."
Ignoring them and giving them the significance that you do are two very different things. Reset and try again.
"It appears pretty obvious to me that there was a pattern of discord between elements in early Hebraic society which were polytheistic and some which were monotheistic."
Good for you. Of course there is a pattern of disobedience. It is a pattern that flows through all of mankind and is definitely not confined to early Hebrews.
Regardless, what you is of little import. Today there are millions of Americans who claim different faiths and yet they intentionally choose to transgress them. None of that is a reflection on the validity of those faiths. Instead their actions are reflections on them. You're making more out of disobedience than you are allowed to...drawing conclusions...
[that because some chose to associate themselves with local religious customs & dogmas of polytheism (none of which you can accurately date), that this somehow implies that polytheism predates the acknowledgement and worship of one true God]
....that is not supportable by simply [and shallowly] citing examples of Hebrew rebellion against God's commands.
The references you cling to reflect disobedience to the truth....not a reflection of it.
As an aside, I find it laughable that you would choose to site versus from a book [the Bible] and then incompetently attempt to use them to actually discredit the book. LOL!
Anyway...
"And the monotheism of the early Israelites...ALL point to the fact that there something not quite right with presumed pure and unanimous monotheism among the early Hebrews."
I have never claimed any such thing. I have simply defended the Judaic and Christian theos and the fact that the Worship of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob predates Zoroastrinism. Quite skillfully I might add.
Now if you would like to try and muddy the waters by branching out into other false faiths...feel free. I'll slap you around for that too.
"And what does the “Reverend” Jessie Jackson have to do with this? An assumption on your part that I’m black? Well I’m not. I’m a lilly-white Caucasian."
???
What?! LOL!! I have no ideas what you're talking about. But like everything else you've posted...it apparently comes from a personal perspective as opposed to first comprehending reality.
"I suggest you..."
Haha...I have little time or interest in your lame adolescent, self-serving suggestions.
Just say "Thank you sir, may I have another?"
~grin~