[MEGoody]

Those BELIEFS are based on a BIBLE that has been re-written a number of times

There are thousands ancient manuscripts which show the bible is unchanged in substance. (Changes consist of transposing a letter or leaving out 'an'.)

The bible has been TRANSLATED a number of times. 'Rewritten' it hasn't been.

[ridesthemiles]

The bible has been TRANSLATED a number of times. 'Rewritten' it hasn't been.""

I have read a number of books that indicated it had- Especially the rewriting on the topic of reincarnation.

Not all the Popes were wonderful, either. It can be very interesting reading if you find the various books that bring up alternative ideas.
I am definately NOT bashing today's Bible...bit I firmly do not believe it is exactly like the original writings, which were in essence recollections of the closest followers of Jesus in his wanderings and teachings. I have actually had people tell me that Jesus wasn't a Jew...I think they are wrong.

[geopyg]

I forget what the term is, but the books of the Bible have a better degree of "historicity" (or whatever the word is indicating they have been passed down properly) than the works of Shakespeare.