1) Where do you see a 'suffering messiah' indicated in this passage? It says the serpent will strike at his heel, not that he would suffer as a result, or that the strike would even hit him. I think you're reading into this passage something that isn't there.
2) "Read right out of the bible"? No, we still have the passage in our scriptures. I'll remind you for the nth time that the targums are a translation of the Hebrew scripture into Aramaic, not a commentary on scripture. I don't see how your statement here is relevent.
3) I don't think the reason for this passage not being considered messianic has anything to do with the reasons you suggest. If anything, the most plausible explanation to me is that the passage is so vague. If you look at the other messianic passages I listed, it is very clear that they are talking about a messianic figure in a messianic time. I don't think Genesis 3:15 adds anything that the other passages don't already state. Vagueness and redundancy are enough to keep it off the list, IMHO.
Dave, I've been pointed to the error, and I missed this in the writing. The intent was metaphor at the time of the writing; but, in haste that is not the way it was constructed. So, I'll withdraw my objection to your critique of the style and readress your attention to the content as intended. Sorry for this. If I'd caught it I would have corrected it then; but, it is seen late, so I offer apology - I had no intention of deciet. But, again, I'm normally firing off replies between my duties when I have a spare moment. Most of them get assembled at a rate of a sentence or two every 10 minutes. Not an excuse, merely providing a little insight.
Now that I've eaten my words on my own use of words. Would you care for some Katsup to go with your unbiblical doctrine, or do you wish to further wallow in the contradictions it poses by way of further futile defense. Admitting you're clergy missed the boat is the first step. After that, large amounts of Coffee and cigarettes go with the sessions (CA) LOL.
And then to Titanites, who pointed out the same error or "backtracking"
When you can type everything you mean when under constant distraction, I'll take that from you. Till then, I'll just accept it as the usual cheap shot from you and move on.
Havoc, your apology is accepted, despite your very poor manners. Usually one shows contrition and doesn't try to heap scorn and abuse upon the ones whose forgiveness you are seeking. I leave this out there as another of example of your sickness.
SD