We can certainly debate theology and history, but there is no need to resort to insults just because we have different beliefs. Having a respectful dialogue is always more productive.
To answer your first point, the Bible acknowledging that humans worshipped other entities does not validate those entities as equals to God. The biblical text consistently presents Yahweh as the uncreated Creator of the entire universe (like in Isaiah 44:6). The “other gods” mentioned in scripture are either described as man made idols of wood and stone, or lesser, created spiritual beings. Because the God of the Bible is the sole Creator of the universe, He retains ultimate sovereignty over all souls, regardless of what false gods humanity invents.
Second, your claim about the word “hell” and modern translations is factually incorrect. The original texts use specific Greek and Hebrew terms like Gehenna, Hades, and Sheol. While they each have specific ancient and literary contexts, translating them into the English concept of “hell” accurately conveys the themes of final judgment and separation from God that are clearly present in the original languages.
Finally, calling the NRSV “partisan” or “worthless” is the exact opposite of reality in the academic world. The NRSV is actually the gold standard for secular, academic, and critical biblical scholarship. It was translated by a massive, diverse committee of scholars from various traditions, including Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox experts. They were brought together specifically to eliminate sectarian bias. It is widely considered one of the most rigorous and least partisan translations in existence.
We can certainly debate theology and history, but there is no need to resort to insults just because we have different beliefs. Having a respectful dialogue is always more productive.
To answer your first point, the Bible acknowledging that humans worshipped other entities does not validate those entities as equals to God. The biblical text consistently presents Yahweh as the uncreated Creator of the entire universe (like in Isaiah 44:6). The “other gods” mentioned in scripture are either described as man made idols of wood and stone, or lesser, created spiritual beings. Because the God of the Bible is the sole Creator of the universe, He retains ultimate sovereignty over all souls, regardless of what false gods humanity invents.
Second, your claim about the word “hell” and modern translations is factually incorrect. The original texts use specific Greek and Hebrew terms like Gehenna, Hades, and Sheol. While they each have specific ancient and literary contexts, translating them into the English concept of “hell” accurately conveys the themes of final judgment and separation from God that are clearly present in the original languages.
Finally, calling the NRSV “partisan” or “worthless” is the exact opposite of reality in the academic world. The NRSV is actually the gold standard for secular, academic, and critical biblical scholarship. It was translated by a massive, diverse committee of scholars from various traditions, including Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox experts. They were brought together specifically to eliminate sectarian bias. It is widely considered one of the most rigorous and least partisan translations in existence.