Unholy Dilemma - A search for logic in the Old Testament

Many theologians, Bible scholars, and others have written commentaries on the Old Testament—and almost without exception they have attempted to explain the intent and spiritual implications represented by the conflicting statements of the ancient writers without taking issue with the content itself. Unholy Dilemma – A search for logic in the Old Testament departs from the approach of presuming to divine what the ancient writers meant to say and merely examines what they actually did say.

Starting with Genesis and culminating in Malachi, Unholy Dilemma strives to examine statements and claims made by the various Old Testament writers, and then analyzes them in light of history, science, human physiology, archaeological discoveries, and plain common sense. The results are fascinating, compelling, and at times, perplexing.

Biblical myths and superstitions are revealed for what they actually are. Impossibilities supposedly based on natural science are exposed as fraudulent claims. Acts of genocide which are claimed are discussed and questioned. And where I found truth and moral instruction—that too, was highlighted. The only explanation we have of the nature of God is obtained solely via the writings of the Old and New Testament authors. Since no one has actually seen or talked with God, everything we believe is obtained from the writings of ancient and superstitious people who in turn got their information from other individuals. Unholy Dilemma does not begin with any particular agenda or inflexible viewpoint regarding the accuracy and truthfulness of the Old Testament scriptures. The information I discovered when I turned over a specific rock is all that I discuss. I add nothing and take nothing away!

The incongruity between the Gods of the Old and New Testaments are compared for analysis. The fact that both Gods are claimed to be one is also discussed. And the fact that the two are claimed to be the same entity, although their natures seem to be at complete variance, is also discussed.

Unholy Dilemma is an interesting and revealing analysis of Old Testament stories and individuals which makes no attempt at being religiously correct or adhering to established dogma. The Bible is a fascinating book. It is also a very accommodating book. It allows one to formulate any opinion one desires. If you wish to believe that God is good—that’s in the book. If you think God is evil —that’s in the book too. Think no one has ever seen God—that’s in the book. Think individuals have seen God face to face—it’s also in the book. Want to prove God is omnipresent—that’s in the book. Think God is surprised by events he stumbles upon by chance—that’s in the book as well. This book will open up a whole new way of reading the Bible, and may even help you decide what value the Old Testament writings have regarding your psychological and spiritual needs. Enjoy the read!  

Unholy Dilemma 2 continues the discussion of the Bible and this time turns the dialogue to the claims and stories contained within the New Covenant or Testament.   

The Bible is a book like any other book, i.e. a set number of handwritten or printed pages, sewn, stapled or glued together on one side and bound in a protective cover. The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word biblia, which means “book”. We may differ regarding the authorship or debate the inspirational input of the contents – but at the end of the day the Bible is still a book – no more and no less.  

Any book (and that includes the Holy Bible) which purports to contain ultimate and universal truths – and claims to be a moral and spiritual guide for all of mankind, must be able to endure the harsh light of examination – even criticism. If it cannot face up to close scrutiny of the claimed facts, events, and places that it offers as accurate, it must be viewed as suspect. A book, penned between the 6th century BCE and the 1st and 2nd century CE, and containing alterations and insertions made as late as possibly after the 5th century CE cannot claim immunity from analytical comment or scholarly criticism.

The goal of my articles, as well as my commentary books are penned to raise awareness and invoke thought: they aren’t for everyone. But, if one wants to read a “real world” discussion of the scriptures, this work will capture your interest. 

Unholy Dilemma 3–A Search for logic in the Qur’an is a book which deals with the claims, admonitions, scientific errors, conflations, and absurdities that are found in the Islamic Holy Writ. Various Surahs and Ayahs (chapter and verse) are quoted and then examined for clarity of thought and divine inspiration and revelation.

As a by-product of the book, the Old and New Testaments are compared to the Qur’an and where noted, the obvious plagiarism of these more ancient documents is noted. Anyone who is interested in what the Qur’an actually states and how its words guide one and one-half billion Muslims around the world should take the time to read this offering. Islam is as much a social order as a religion, and without understanding of the implications of this belief system one cannot possibly understand the intentions and goals of Islam.