Or, maybe you haven’t read the whole thing. There ARE parts of the Bible you don’t want to “ignore”, but certainly need to be read understanding the culture and context of their writing.
So yes, picked over.
I know the sentiment of this quote is about people liking all the feel good stuff and not all the do what’s right even when it’s hard stuff. I’m not dense.
These posts are my way to protest summing up the complexities of life in quotes. In this case, the complexities of the Bible. Because when I read about how to treat my slave or stone someone or sharing my husband with concubines, well those are like the raisins in trail mix. I am not eating those no matter what you say. I’m going to have a neat pile to the side and then throw them to the squirrels.
And then there’s the parts that are more obtuse and people like to decide what they mean. And force what is really just their spin on parts of the Bible down others’ throats. Like Revelation. I don’t think Revelation is about President Obama. So I’m not picking over Revelation when I read the Bible (though it is not my favorite), but I’m not signing on with your take on what the book is “really” about. In this case it would be like me buying a wonderful trail mix and someone throwing in a handful of walnuts just before I take a mouthful. I’m allergic to walnuts, so don’t be adding things to my trail mix.
The trail mix analogy isn’t a bad one though. Because trail mix is meant to be something you can eat quickly, travels well and provides nutrients for the hike. Gives you something that gets you further down the road and probably in better condition that if you just forged on without it. The mix I like has protein, salt and sugar. Good stuff for the journey.
There are verses in the Bible you can read quickly. Simple words, obvious meanings. Yet the sentiment provides much more nourishment than you’d first suppose.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mark 22: 37-40
Like I said, good stuff for the journey.