What does it mean to read the Bible "with an open mind?"?

Question

The first time I read the bible, I still considered myself a Christian and was fully prepared to believe and understand everything I read. But even then, I found myself thinking "No way this could have happened," and "Wow... that's messed up," and "Why would God do this? it seems so... evil."

In a way, reading the bible that first time is one of the things that lead to me leaving Christianity and becoming an Agnostic.

So when Christians tell me to "read the bible again, but this time, keep your mind open" or whatever, what do they mean? Am I supposed to ignore it when my brain or my heart tells me something is wrong? Am I just supposed to believe everything I read blindly? What, exactly, do you mean by this? Really, I'm not trying to bash anyone, I really would like to know.

Answer 1

They mean "next time you read it, believe it like it's truth, or you'll go to hell
Become one of us......one of us......one of us.."

Answer 2

It skill to study it, and to no longer post defenses to maintain it from affecting the style you're thinking or feeling at that 2nd... "interpreting with an open heart" is nearly in basic terms asserting to truly pass away the alternative open that there may be fact to what you're interpreting, and to no longer deem it as impossible earlier you even initiate interpreting.

Answer 3

The Bible is not ment for those who are not of The Church. If you do not know what The Church is and do not know if you are a part of it or not... then the Bible will have little meaning to you. You can read it all you want. You will not find God's Will for you that way.

There is no inerrant text of the Bible in existance today. It is only by the leading of The Holy Spirit that those of The Church are able to find what God wants them to find for them in The Bible.

Many "think" or "concider" themseves to be "christian"... But those who are truly of The Church "Know" they are of The Church.

I accept honest email questions concerning the basics of The True Christian Faith. Or you may check out my pov at:

http://www.mikesoutreach.com

All honest seekers welcome

Answer 4

I was taught a style of Bible reading that I quite enjoy. I read a chapter then reflect on any truths I find there as they apply to my own life and experience. I don't try to decide if everything I read is historic or metaphor, I simply reflect on the truth behind the lesson presented as it applies to me. I stress AS IT APPLIES TO ME because it is so easy to get caught up in the circumstances of the stories in the bible and end up reflecting about the lesson taught to the character in the bible, or even more dangerous, read the bible and start looking around for who the story or lesson applies to. This last temptation is the one I believe most Christians fall for. They read the Bible, agree that the lesson offered is true, then decide which sinners around them most need the lesson. Is it the gays? The drunkards? The harlots? What they lose by doing this is the whole real purpose of the Bible. I do believe the Bible is a communication from God. (I know men wrote it! But, I believe it is inspired) I however believe the communication from God through the Bible is to each individual on a deeply personal level. In other words when YOU read the Bible it speaks to YOU. Probably few people grasp what I am saying, and even fewer would agree with me, but that's ok. I'm just saying that is the most useful way I have found to read the Bible for me. I view it as God's PERSONAL communication to me to apply to MY life PERIOD. It is really a wonderful way to read the bible because it allows me to set aside all of my prejudice towards religion (which is a LOT!). It allows me to sit aside anyone else's views of the Bible or society. I simply read and then meditate on "How does any truth I have just found apply to my life?" If I find my mind wondering from that simple question, I stop and refocus on it. This approach leaves no room for debate because it is ALL personal. It also means I have no right to PREACH my truth to another. I do however on occasion, IF ASKED, encourage another to seek their own personal truth the same way. YOU asked, so I encourage you to try it. Do it alone and do not discuss it with another. Make it your personal secret time of discovery. The Bible is full of great wisdom to those who seek it. Proverbs alone is a gold mine of recorded wisdom. Does everything I read apply to my life? NO. Do I agree with everything I read? NO. Do I find insight into my life and truth when I seek it and honestly apply it? YES! I hope my answer may help you. If you are earnestly seeking a way to read the Bible with an "open mind" this might work for you also. If not, I meant no harm. Thanks for the complement on my last answer to you. Rock on!

Answer 5

Christian Instructions for Bible Reading

1. Sit Down
2. Pray
3. Install blinders on head
4. Read

You seem way too smart to have been a Christian

Answer 6

It probably means go in thinking that everything you're going to read is the 100% truth and there is no way it could be wrong and let the words brainwash you into belief.

Answer 7

Its just a way to tay your wrong look at it again but more sensitivly put. Why don't you look at the 9/11 terorist attacks with an open mind?

Answer 8

that is a rather sinful way to read the divine word. The bible says that open minds are for fools.

Answer 9

Reading the bible with an open mind means that in order to appreciate to its fullest this masterpiece of literature one should drop his or her brain on the floor.

Answer 10

I'm just guessing, but maybe they mean don't question things you come across just read on and put it all together when you are finished with the whole book.
(I've never made it all the way through but would like to someday)

Answer 11

Yes.
They want you to turn off the thinking part of your brain. Thoughts and Ideas are the enemies of christianity after all...