First, RA3 was exactly right on the money in describing Christianity. Being good is arbitrary. I'm sure the guys sawing off nick berg's head felt they were doing 'good' according to their religious beliefs. "Good" isn't up for us to decide...

The Bible does give some rules, parameters, laws, etc that are either commandments or guidlines for how we should live our lives. To the casual observer, and even to some long time Christians, understanding the difference between what is "law" and what is a "guidline" and what is purely Old Testement tradition\law fullfilled by Christ can be hard to grasp. For example, the OT talks about 'laws' regarding what is and what isn't accpetable to eat. After Christ, those laws have been fullfilled by him and we as Christians have been freed under a new 'coventant'.

The Bible is what God intended us to use. Flawed men wrote it, but with divine intervention (God inspired). Translations become a little tricky, but that's why Christians should seek to truely study the Bible and look at various translations, including those that are as close to the original texts as they can. Various other resources are available that help explain historical and cultural contexts. While even a young child can be 'saved' and be a Christian, it is not simply a religion for the stupid or ignorant. It is truely a fascinating journey as you study, pray, and research and watch your faith mature. You never have all the answers, but the more you dig, the more you shape and grasp the nature of God and His will for your life.

I agree. Asking questions must come before you can hope to understand.