Do people who read the Bible disagree about life? Isn't that why there are different denominations?

Question

And isn't it true 500 million Christians don't own a Bible.

Answer 1

Of course people are going to adhere to differing perspectives. Yes, that's why there are different denominations.

I'm sure many more then 500 million "Christians" don't personally own a Bible.

Answer 2

I think that there are so many Christian denominations is because of people's ego's. Hairs are split over basic doctrine and theology or even over a simple verse and someone gets the idea that they want to be the person in charge instead of being humble or submitting to the truth. It's true that there have been many bad decisions made by the leadership of the Church as a whole, but the correct response should be changing it from within and not starting a new branch of Christianity which convolutes the truth and meaning of our faith. I don't believe this is what God had intended, but it is the work of humankind and our selfish motives.

By the way, not sure where you get your statistics about 500 million Christians not owning a Bible. The Bible is the best selling book of all time.

Answer 3

No if they read their Bible then the issue of life is agreeable. The issue isn't life, it is other doctrines that are taught in the Bible that caused different denominations. Some began not on Biblical principles but because someone just didn't want to accept the Bible teachings.

I don't have any idea how many Christians don't own a Bible, but I'd venture to say that that number you have posted are for those who are not true Christians but only use that lable to avoid discussing Bible topics with other Christians.

Answer 4

Yes, people will always interpret the bible differently. But, that's not the only reason for different denomonations. Many church's belive the exact same thing, but people are different... for example, I am Penticostal. That means, I like to focus on the spiritual side of Christianity, but belive the bible is very essential. I like to dance during worship. I have trouble going to Baptist churches. (not including southern baptist) They just stand there and sing sadly a few songs then they sit and listen to an old man preach boringly for a long time. I belive the same things as the Baptist church's, yet I prefer a more upbeat service.

As for the 500 million Christians not owning a bible.... there are a lot of people who call themselves Christians, because the term has become so broad....also, there are alot of people in the world from poor countries who are unable to own a bible.

Answer 5

Hi Jim,

I'm not sure it's "life" we are disagreeing about... but maybe how we should live it.

One single line of the bible can be interpreted in so many ways, to base a religion on those differences is catalyst of change. Relating scripture thousands of years old to todays society, must incorporate change, and adaptation. To be open to change, is imperative to survival (that sounds familiar - who said that?)

Originally it was Judaism (twelve different tribes), then Christ came, there was another fracture in church, then it just goes from there. Two different disciples had two different views on marriage... therefore two different books of the bible teach two different teachings. And on and on and on.

pssst: its sometimes referred to as 'evolution of the church'.

The best strength of structure, is to 'agree to disagree'. Have a healthy debate, but don't expect to change any minds. Let it steep, not boil over.

And likely there are 500 million Christians who don't own a bible there are millions of illiterate North Americans who can quote it. Reading it isn't a rule, its here as a guide, or how to book, but you can certainly be a christian without one.

Good luck to you Jim,

Answer 6

I know that many people who read the bible are not happy with the way other people are living and they criticize other religions and beliefs a lot too.I used to work with a woman who was always reading the bible at work and she even bought me a bible becuase she wanted me to read it.She was always unhappy and gettin mad at other people because she thought everyone was crazy.I think that christians should be more open minded,they always think they have the answers to everything when really no one does.Many people become christians because they feel secure beliving in something and trying to consider other religions beliefs brings them out of that security.If christians still have bibles they probably sit in their night table drawer.

Answer 7

I don't think being a "bible reader" = that you disagree about life. Everyone has their own opinion. There are different denominations because of different interpretations of the bible.

Answer 8

I can't answer for 500 million 'cause when I die, I'll only have to give an account for myself...and yes, I own a bible.

Answer 9

1 Corinthians 1:11-13
My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

Our King would not be amused. One of the things that Jesus prayed for before he died was for Unity. Wish that were the case. If we all doing a math problem with the same book, we should all get the same answer if it's done correctly. IF you getting a different answer then recheck your formula. Avoid shortcuts!

Answer 10

Hey you are on to something there Jimmy! If you read statistics, some Christians and Muslim are being numbered by association. Mass statistics are gathered in strange ways.