Quote:
Originally Posted by pdurrant
I'm puzzled why so many people want to read this passage other than as the plain meaning, that without the grace of God, a rich man (or any man) has as much chance of gaining heaven as a camel has of getting through the eye of a needle.
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The issue is whether, in context at the time, that meant "something downright impossible"--i.e. actual camel, needle used to make clothes, in which case, any rich man who wants to go to heaven must eliminate his wealth, or whether it means "something very difficult, which would be much easier if you got rid of the extra bulk"--either a very thick thread & a needle, OR a camel and a narrow passageway, in which case, the wealthy man needs to mind his possessions and make sure they do not overwhelm his morality.
Blithely accepting that it means real camel, real needle, means trusting the accuracy of the translators... in the KJV, that's the ones who put unicorns in seven verses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparrow
Pah, I reckon I could do it! 
Wiry strands are easier to thread than floppy ones; even if they are a bit on the thick side.
Has anyone here any practical experience how difficult it is? |
Camel hair literally? No. But I've had plenty of practice with threads too big for the needle involved. It doesn't matter that it's easier to thread wiry strands than floppy ones when both are larger than the eye.