What kind of response is "Try reading the Bible. It's all in there." to a question that I ask regarding God?

Question

I ask this because:

A) This response implies that I haven't read the Bible; or I have, I've just not done a very good job of it. So if I have read the Bible and I do have questions, am I not supposed to seek the guidance of others?

B) If I don't understand what I have read, does that just make me stupid? Is the Bible so simple, with all of its metaphors and parables, that anyone should clearly understand it?

C) Since I am a teacher, should I just tell a student "Try reading the book. The answer is in there." in response to a question regarding the readings/subject? (And if you have children, what would you do if I said just that?)

D) If all the answers regarding God are in the Bible, why is there such a person as a theologian? Aren't they rather unnecessary, if all of us can figure out the answers for ourselves?

Sorry if this appears to be ranting. I just find that such answers are not really answers at all, or if they are then they provide very little help.

Yes, that was the entire response.

Answer 1

Well, if you have a Bible handy. Acts 8:30,31 talks about an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the scriptures. Phillip asked him if he knew what he was reading and the man responded, “Really, how could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?” So, you're right. When somebody tells you to read your Bible, it's kind of a lame answer. To me it says they don't know where, but they're sure it's in there, when half the time it's not.
I think James 2:15 and 16 is definitely applicable as a principle in this situation:
 "If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, yet a certain one of you says to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it?"

Answer 2

If it helps, I have several degrees in theology and I can tell you that it is NOT all in the Bible and what is there can be very confusing and difficult to discern, with many possible renderings of some passages. Keep in mind that the Bible was written in antiquity and the sense of some of the words and phrases we have lost over time and may never know for sure what was originally meant.

Still, there is a good deal of very meaningful stuff in the Bible and the most important things, such as the two great commandments, are pretty clear.

Sorry this person said this to you...reading the Bible can be challenging and you are right to turn to discussion with others to try to gain understanding and insights.

Answer 3

Lousy response and avoid the J.W.'s unless it float's your boat, those folks fall in to a Christianized cult by the way-I'm certain God doesn't have a problem with birthday parties nor children's toys my humble opinion. Anyways it may have been the way you posed the question and the inability of the folks that answered to explain it. Theologians have a place understanding the writings and words are rather important considering the translations and how many of us speak Arimatic and have the education on ancient writings and what the Greek translation to Old English translation to modern English etc. It's complex and DOES take time to understand it is symbolic and multilayered. Literal translation misses the point in many passages so talking with theologians may actually be a good route to take. There are various bible companion books with varied denomination backgrounds. Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theology understandings of the parables though Catholic and Orthodox theologians concure often. My advice would be avoid fundalmentalist and Christianized cults do to the fact of very narrow views and complete literalism. Allegorical writings not best interepted this way.. In a forum like this one, and having groups of folks that have a mini war attacking bible passages and questioning faiths and vise versa folks writing about fire and brimstone; an innocent question trying to understand a religious writing may be attacked in error or attitude. Keep reading and asking questions eventually you will find someone that may help you understand different views of the metafors and parables.
Good luck and remember nothing is easy on any spiritual path, even Zen can be tedious and Satori is uncommon. Best advice ask a Christian monk with verifiable lineage for the deep questions, pray for guidence, meditate on the gospels and you may find what your looking for and more. NIV, King James, New American Bible for Catholics are good versions. Getting one set up for students can help as well.

Answer 4

To sum up all your questio in such few words are:
One has to believe in the creator with their mind,soul, and spirit. God lies within the heart and you have to believe their is some supreme being out here that made the skies and all the planets and the tress and grass and etc. The answer to God doesn't always fit in the bible...you have to do some major research and oh don't forget somethings are hidden and some things are not for research...Be careful in finding it. And remember to pray about the things that you have encountered in your brain for some are not positive.

Answer 5

It's the lazy person's response. They can't give an accurate answer because they probably don't know the bible well enough themselves to atleast give a chapter and verse reference.

The same "answer" of which they speak can be interpreted differently by as many people as there are to read the bible. And by the way, which of the several dozen versions is the correct "answer" to be found in?

I agree with you whole-heartedly. I dislike that answer also.

Answer 6

1) I think that some people might be implying "A": that is, they think that you haven't done your homework. So they are not going to answer a question for a lazy student (especially if they consider the answer to be obvious.). As a part-time teacher and former coach, I can relate to this attitude.

2) Either that, or they are too lazy to give you a reasoned answer (But if that is true, why bother to respond at all? Hum....).

3) Maybe they just haven't read your question, and they just want an easy two points.

BTW, thanks for the points!

Answer 7

read it a thousand times and you will find something new each time try a new international King James or Tyndale there both good living bible alright I've read NKJV LB each 1 time Tyndale I read 21 times .I found that most theo's don't have right Lev 23 G-D said Moses tell these people that these are my Holy days AND in exodus chapter 31 verse 12=15 G-D said this Sabbath day is a perpetual covenant and that's G-D speaking

Answer 8

They are just trying to get an easy 2 points. It is comendable that you are seeking answers to your questions. Jesus said to keep seeking for it as for hid treasure, and you will find the very knowledge of God. I agree, the Bible is hard to understand unless you have help. Don't give up!

The next one of Jehovah's Witnesses that comes to your door would be more than glad to answer any questions you might have about the Bible, FROM the Bible. Please take the opportunity to get answers you deserve.

Answer 9

Not a good response. The Bible has been changed quite a bit. Take it with a grain of salt.

Answer 10

Did you read the entire answer, or are you just fixed on that one small part of it?

I think you now have all these good people formulating an opinion without all the information.