How do otherwise sensible Christians justify the old testament....?

Question

......with all it's bizzare, violent, and contradictory passages?
Do they actually pick and choose, because there are nuggets of unparalleled, timeless wisdom in there.

Answer 1

People justify the old testament because they haven't read it. And if they have, they haven't read it critically. (This is true about the new testament as well). Faith is the culprit. When someone is indocrinated with faith, when it's pounded into them as children, that "fear of God" indoctrination allows them to stop thinking critically - it actually demands that they stop thinking critically. They believe - period - without having to digest the material. It may be sad, but these are good people. Your neighbors and mine.

Answer 2

You are right, some passages DO seem very violent. And some don't make any sense at all. But if you read the Bible, you will find that there are no real contradictions.

Don't forget, we can't always understand God's ways. After Jesus, things are different.

I read something awesome from THE HIDING PLACE by Corrie Ten Boom. Think back when you were a small child. Your dad tells you to lift a very heavy suitcase, and you can't do it. Would that be being a good parent? No.
Also, your Heavenly Father won't ask you to carry some things until you are stronger (in faith.) Until then, you'll just have to trust Him.

Answer 3

The sensible Christians, Jews who lived around Jerusalem, Ethiopia and Asia Minor--all taught and learned from the Old Testament. The Romans crucified them, fed them to the lions,
and 300 years after the carnage ceased, their seed brought many pagan teachings to the West:
1. Simon Bar Jonah, nicknamed "Cephas" translated stone or rock--they call Peter.
2. Miriam from Magdala--they call Mary Magdalene.
3. James, was head of the Jerusalem church until after Titus razed the city in 70 C.E. They then moved the headquaters to Antioch and Titus took over. Even though the Book of Acts says so, some pagan-influenced churches teach that Simon was the first Pope even though no Christian was allowed alive in Rome for hundreds of years.

Since the Old Testament is the Law that Jeshua came to vet, without the understanding of the Hebrew customs, the Hebrew feasts or the Levitical foundation of the Law--millions of people whose churches are on foundations other than Zion, will be among the "very elect" that jeshua said "will be fooled."
You need to read the latest Torah Code "The Golden Fleece Found!" wghich shows you the prophetic meanings of sequential letters of Hebrew texts in the Torah or "Old Testament." Not only does the author Basil Hill translate them, but he shows that all the different "flocks" and their different teachings are according prophecy. I guess many are trembling since he reproduces the temple of solomon to show all religius expressions what truths God had put there for years and we were unable to discern because:
1. We burnt the Library of Alexandria.
2. Pagans tried to eliminate God's chosen people and then try to take their inheritance by introducing "strange teachings."
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ tg/detail/-/1412043190
Boaz.

Answer 4

Which 'old testament' is being referred to? The man-made old testament of Genesis-Malachi, or the scriptural old testament; i.e. the law of Moses. The Jews were told to have two or more witnesses (about three times Deut. 10-20), and the Christians were given the same command (Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor. 13:1). When this concept is applied, one finds the 'old testament' is the law of Moses; 'two or more witnesses' include Joshua, David, Solomon, Nehemiah, Daniel, Malachi, Jesus, God the Father, and the apostle Paul. (The law is referred to as the old testament (KJV) in 2 Cor. 3:13-14).

Answer 5

Are you asking about the old testament laws? I am sure you are because if you do not take the time to study the context. There are two types of laws in the OT. The most "bizzare" would be the cerimonial (spelling?) laws. These where meant to be kept by the Jews. Mostly they where for logical reasons in their culture. Unless you want to study those in depth don't try to understand. Some where for logical reasons. (eg. do not eat pork... its not healthy; do not touch unclean things... its not healthy.) The laws that we are required to keep today would be the moral laws. (eg. only have one wife.) Once again this is logical for a healthy -emotionally and physically- society.

Answer 6

The Old Testament is actually quite democratic. It gives voice to different, and even rival traditions that emerged in old Israel thorughout the centuries. A common thread is kept though: God is more into justice, mercy and joy that into sacrifices and rigid law. God's voice comes from the underside of history: the destitute, the widow, the poor, the foreigner, the enslaved, the woman, the abandoned child. Bush doesn't read this way, though.

Answer 7

Funny thing about the old testament is that is was written so darn long ago that it takes a bit of research to understand everything going on. okay... it takes a whole ton of research, understanding and wisdom. and once you have it in conjunction with the new testament, at least some of those confusing prophecies start making sense. it's not something to be understood overnight, though, that's for certain!

Answer 8

Old testament was Gods original deal with humanity.
He basicly said it was alright for people to be angry/get revenge/etc.etc.etc, if you followed every single law of Moses( you had to be perfect in order to be allowed to do these things.) But people sinned/broke the laws and werent perfect so they werent entitiled to these actions.
So God made a new deal with humanity, you are no longer allowed to do these things, however if you mess up you get a chance to be forgiven( you are no longer expected to be perfect, however you also arent entitled to the same lifestyle as before).
Also Jesus loves us,and was sinless, meaning he wouldnt lie to us.
Jesus often quoted the old testament, and followed the teachings as truth.
So if Jesus wouldnt lie to you he wouldnt follow a lie( if old testament was false it would be a lie) , also he wouldnt allow his disciples or apostles to follow it.
So if you believe Jesus loves you and he is sinless, you have to beleive his words / teaching/ and quotes, he regarded the old testament as truth so why would you not believe him.
God Bless:)+=

Answer 9

The law vs. the love of Christ. A guy once chastised me about a tattoo I have on my arm. He said it was a sin in some verse in Deuteronomy. I was curious and looked it up and noticed a verse or two after that one it said you should not shave the hair on your face. He didn't have a comment. The false god worhship is also one I like. Check and see if they are wearing a pair of Nike shoes. (The goddess of victory). It does have merit though. The book of Psalms is something I consider good reading and advice.

Answer 10

The old testament were all about works. You had to obey everything the Bible commands you. The laws of the old testament were to make Israel a righteous society. There are laws that apply only to the nation of Israel.