Is it me, or do modern Christian's treat the Bible like a buffet?

Question

I believe this, but I don't believe that. I practice this but not that. Shouldn't it be kind of an all or nothing situation?

Answer 1

If you believe god wrote the Bible, then it makes sense to accept all of it. If on the other hand, you think it was written by fallible men, whether inspired or not, then it makes sense to separate out that which seems genuine from that which seems not.

Of course, you're right in the sense that if it was written by fallible men, it makes more sense to reject the fantastic parts unless they can e independently confirmed with evidence at least as strong as they are fantastic.

Answer 2

Some Christians do that, but not all. Some of them APPEAR to do that to the outsider looking in because they don't have the full understanding of the scriptures that they are gaging it's followers by.

I have a better question: Why do modern unbelievers concern themselves with why/how believers follow a lifestyle that the unbelievers say they want nothing to do with? Why don't mormons question buddhist? Why don't lds question muslims? It's interesting that 99% of the time, it's the unbelievers questioning the believers (Christian's).

Why is that, Dear?

CLUE: The answer is written in that same Bible!

Answer 3

Some do. Most agree on the main points of Christianity such as salvation through Christ etc, but there are many views on minor issues such as the role of women in church, how one should dress, how one should be baptized, style of music and worship and such. I think it is because most people these days have the ability to read and study the Bible and come to their own conclusions.

Real Christians look for a church that agrees with their interpretations of the Bible rather than one that caters to their given lifestyle.

The Bible has many teachings that I do not like such as loving ones enemy, respecting ones elders and submitting to my husband. However, as a Christian I am not free to obey the parts that I like and ignore the parts that I do not.

Answer 4

In the Lutheran church, we have a saying (I believe it came from Martin Luther?) that the Bible is like the Christ Child's manger--in that, the Bible contains the message and word of God just as the manger cradeled the baby Jesus, but the Bible (just like the manger) is not in and of itself, God; in other words it is not infallible, as God is. There is a verse, in I believe Romans? Acts? (don't remember off the top of my head), which proves the point--one of the disciples is noting that he baptized a household, but then says something to the effect of "but I don't remember their names"--in other words, if God were literally dictating every word, then don't you think He'd remember everyone's names?

The Bible contains the holy message of God in that it points the way to Jesus and lets us know the core principles of life; the Holy Spirit is what helps us to interpret what is truly God speaking, and what has been influenced by man. If, in our humanity, we misinterpret the Bible for whatever reason, it may be considered a sin, but a forgivable sin--That's why humility and an open mind should always accompany a good Bible study.

So no, I don't believe that it has to be "all or nothing"

Hope that helps!

Answer 5

There may be some Christians who treat the Bible like a buffet as you say, but it is most certainly not what the Bible teaches them to do. Some people like to take the Bible, and find the parts that best suits their life, and live by them, and ignore the rest. But God's Word is not just a pick and choose what you like, and live that way. If we are going to choose to be a Christian, then we must also choose to be obedient unto all of the Word of God; not just what makes us feel good; or what best suits our lifestyle. If we are going to live a life which is truly pleasing unto God, then we must choose to make every attempt to be obedient unto all of his Word. If we are going to choose to be disobedient unto the parts of the Word of God that we do not like, then we might as well forget about it altogether; for we will never be pleasing in the eyes of God. But I must agree with you. There are many people who treat the Bible like a buffet; they pick out the parts that suit their lifestyle, and try and forget the rest. I will never be convinced that people of this sort, are walking in right relationship with God.

Answer 6

Not everyone who says they are a Christian is truly a Christian. Being a Christian doesn't mean you are perfect. Christ gave two commandments and it's hard for true Christians to always follow those. True Christians must know how to rightly divide the Word. They must read the Bible with understanding. People must stop using God as a "SugarDaddy", only calling on Him when they (think) they need Him. Not knowing they need Him ALL the time.

Answer 7

For some may require milk , for they are babes , and others herbs,and for the mature they eat the meat.What you say is truth but don't forget how you started out.My first Sunday school class they all talked about Job as I wondered who this man was.I am a jail minister now and have read the Bible enough to know who Job is.The one thing I have learned from reading it though is this.The more I read it the more I realize I still know very little about the Big God that we all serve.

Answer 8

yes they do treat it like a buffet table, it suprises me that many church will let a girl walk into church wearing a mini skirt so she can try to get as much attention from men as she can, and pastor dont do or say anothing on this......but its is a horrible sin if a young man masturbates but in fact he is doing this becuase he want to be with a loving wife, and common sense tell us that all this happens at puberty Read 1 cor 7:9

Answer 9

Christianity was never meant by God to be a religion of convenience. Whenever we manipulate the truth, we destroy it....and we make our own pet 'religions' instead of having a genuine relationship with the author of the book. We cannot pick and choose. All God asks of his creation is genuine love and heartfelt obedience. Considering all He gave us in return, is this too much to ask?

Answer 10

I agree. 1 Corinthians says that "all Scripture is inspired of God." All true Christians believe and accept that.