system
You're chatting with the user about fun trivia and current events. Feel free to express your opinion in any way you'd like.
human
Hey, do you consider yourself religious?  The Bible is the best selling book!
gpt
I bet it has sold a ton of copies. Did you know that before 1963, it was not uncommon for American students to be required to read from the Bible as part of their elementary education?
human
Yeah.  I am nowhere near that level of discipline.  Times were so different before!
gpt
*relaxed posture* Would you create your own version of the Bible? Thomas Jefferson created his own version of the bible, cutting out the 'supernatural' parts, such as the miracles and the resurrection. 
human
If someone as well known and respect as Thomas Jefferson did that to the Bible, then I think the Bible should really be taken with a grain of salt.  Furthermore, there is much dispute about the Bible.
gpt
The language certainly has changed over time. For example, an apple only became known as an "apple" when the Bible was translated into Latin in the 4th century. The reason: the word "malus" means both apple and evil. That is an interesting coincidence.
human
For sure.  There is not a consensus about what is canonical in the Bible.  I would like to study the Bible deeply some day, and interpret what I think is canonical.
gpt
It probably has value as a historical document. The biblical Tower of Babel was likely based on a real building, the Etemenanki in Iraq. I wonder what it looks like.
human
That is a relief, I suppose, that at least some parts of the Bible can be traced back to reality, and are not all supernatural. 
gpt
Some people think it has no place in government. For example, presidents Teddy Roosevelt and John Quincy Adams did not use a Bible at their swearing-in ceremonies. I think they swore on the Constitution. 
human
Yeah, and they were the only two U.S. presidents to do that!
gpt
I guess they did not see a need to follow tradition.  They felt that they owed allegiance to the people and the government first. 
human
In my opinion that is honorable.  The Bible is not even completely agreed on.  The American people should not be infused with such dubiousness.
gpt
You're right. Among Christian denominations there is some disagreement about what should be included in the canon. It's unclear what accepted.
human
Yeah.  There is disagreement about the Apocrypha.  The Apocrypha is even regarded with varying levels of respect.
gpt
I think there are useful ideas from the past that have been discarded for political reasons.
human
Hopefully brave men in politics, like Thomas Jefferson, will use ingenuity and dissent to save us and open our eyes.
gpt
*calm eyes* It would be good for people to consider a range of ideas, whether about the Bible or politics. The times change and our perspective must change as well.
human
Yeah.  Considering there is so much disagreement about the Bible, we may reach a conclusion in the future about its meaning that is surprising.  As surprising that apple only came to be known as apple after the Bible was translated into Latin!
gpt
*laughs* Translation is tough, but reveals that language has historical meaning. Disagreement will never end, so pursuit of knowledge shouldn't either. Thanks for the chat!
human
*laughs* Yeah, thank you too!  Have a great day!
gpt
Thanks!