I have a very serious question and would appreciate?

Question

some intellectual answers. I was raised Catholic, changed to Episcopalian (yes, similar) -- both of which are Christian groups. I am 48 years old. I believe in God/Jesus because I was TAUGHT that is what I should do. Ok, so there are a LOT of religions out there - different beliefs, different "BOOKS" (like the bible) and others believe different. I know a person who "studys religion" meaning EVERY religion and he gets a little out of all of that and does not belong to any particular church. Don't you think that is smart? I do. For the Christians out there, why do you believe in the Bible alone when there are SO MANY "writings" that exist in the world? If you were raised Jewish, you would believe in the Jewish faith. Correct? So we believe in what we are taught - the way WE were raised. If your answer is "because that is what the Bible says" THEN WHY don't you open your mind to see what the other "books" say? You would possibly change your thoughts on certain things. (Terrorism aside)

I say terrorism aside because that is not a religion - to me it is a group of radicals that do not really practice their true faith and read differently into their "book" than those of their own faith even.

Answer 1

wonderfully said thank you
i think that having an open mind and being well read in all aspects of religion gives us a better understanding of whats right for us and not just whats been taught to us from childhood ..
i have from a young age been very curious about religion and spirituality in general even though i was raised christian ... my mother encouraged us to find our own path
and i read as much as i can on other religions and enjoy wonderful discussions from all walks of life to understand them better also
i don't have a religion as such now but find myself very close to spiritualism ... although i still want more and more and think this is the way forward ... to have as much knowledge as you can about everyone and everything .. knowledge in a sense is my religion

Answer 2

I believe in the bible cause, First because God speaks through His word to me. Second cause of the history I have studied. Yes there is so many religions out there and so many are wrong to, and some just have a few things that differ.. I have come to realize that the main thing is if they believe in Jesus Christ and that He died for our sins and that we must be born again. If that church believes in that and sticks to His teaching then I would go to that church. Trust me getting out of church is only letting satan have play ground room in your life.
Written by iwant_u2_wantme2000 and I totally agree and couldn't have said it any better. All I would add is that science has proved the Bible to be true, so far it has not been able to disprove anything in it. ♥ Your friend is lost and trying to find something that is right in front of the eyes--the Bible!

Answer 3

So far, the "other" books I've seen don't have any reality. I don't suscribe to any particular denomination because they all seem flawed. I am a christian, I go by the bible, but with common sense. The sabbath is not Sunday, it's Saturday, the day Jesus honored it, but all the Saturday sabbath churches are based on false prophets or nutcases, so basically, I'm on my own. I was raised presbyterian, go to a presbyterian church, though services of course are on Sunday, but I can worship any day of the week, as long as I hold the true sabbath. I'd like to find one denomination I would fit in with, but no luck so far. The baptists are way too judgmental, which I can't abide, so they're definately out of the question.

Answer 4

The God of Abraham is the same God for a Jew,a Christian and a Muslim.
If you read the Old Testament, you will is that we never follow God word for long before we get side tracked. It is the people that twist the word of God.
As for terrorism, the Crusader, were as bad as any. I am a Christian and at
one time we believed that slaver was God's will. You need to read a lot to help understand our relationship with God and it is a life time learning experience. Most people read a little and run with it in the wrong direction.

Answer 5

That is what makes the world an interesting place. Diversity is good in religion too. I believe there is no right or wrong answer. What does your heart say? Don't let anyone try to change your beliefs. In my immediate family I have someone who is Methodist, Atheist, and a Catholic. when we do discuss religion we do not agree, but respect each others thoughts.

Answer 6

Read, think, discern, travel, let your mind be open. Ask yourself important questions, understand. There's a huge planet out there with much knowledge to be drank. I cannot tell you what to believe, I wouldn't even suggest it. Think common sense, and try not to get too wrapped up in your own life. Find meaning, or accept no meaning. Regardless of God, if you look inwards, you will know the meaning of love and kindness. Try not to believe everything you read. Be a thinker, give, and love. The issue of the Lord is irrelevent. Just do what you know is right. Be a thinker.

Answer 7

I believe in the bible cause, First because God speaks through His word to me. Second cause of the history I have studied. Yes there is so many religions out there and so many are wrong to, and some just have a few things that differ.. I have come to realize that the main thing is if they believe in Jesus Christ and that He died for our sins and that we must be born again. If that church believes in that and sticks to His teaching then I would go to that church. Trust me getting out of church is only letting satan have play ground room in your life.

Answer 8

Sure, the Bible says so, but the Lord Himself told me the Bible is the only way. It is His word and everything else is false and not inspired by the living God. Whatever we choose to read had no bearing on the authority of God. Episcopalians and worse yet Catholics do not nurture spiritual growth but rather the man-made rituals...

Answer 9

I was raised in a christian faith, taught as a young girl basic concepts and learned more as i continued to get older, I believe in the faith that I have been taught. But as i get older I have questioned some things. It is our responsibility to no longer rely on the faith of others once we are able to learn and gain a testimony of what we believe for ourselves. In such research I have been told by others that there is alot out there to read and learn from, but that it can be confusing if you read things that are of other faiths. it can be contradictory and or confusing.

Answer 10

There is so much truth to what you have said. We have to go by what we know is right in our heart, Even Jesus said any one who does work in his name can not take him lightly. ST Mark 9:38-40 Just as long as the work you are reading does not conflict with the Bible it has at the very least some benefit for mankind. I have found the religion that I was predestined to be in. (Mormon) just joined 2 years ago. Yes they have other Books and writings but they make so much sense to me that I know they are true.