How can one be a true Christian and yet be so arrogant to think that they alone have the monopoly on God?

Question

Is arrogance not a sin? Are not other's understanding of the Bible and New Testament equally valid even if it differs from ones own view? Who can set the standard for correct understanding since all understanding and the meanings we give to scripture is ultimately based on our own experience and belief?

For example. Many people believe that Jesus said "I am the only way." My understanding and interpretation of what I have read in scripture confirm to me that he never said that. In fact he said just the opposite. There are verses I could quote that would confirm this but that is not the point I am making here. My experience has been that there are certain christain groups that cannot accept the possibility my understanding could be the correct one or at least as valid as their own.

Answer 1

Yes. Now some of what the bible says is not open to interpretation such as the ten commandants. However, a lot of the bible is open to interpretation that is evident if you speak to two different people on the same passage. I have a lady at work that I talk about the bible with and our opines on some thing could not be more different.
But to answer all questions.

Yes, arrogance is a sin.
Your interpretation of the bible may be completely different from mine and we are both correct as long as we both follow the main guiding principals.
To your third question the answer is only GOD can and as long as your strive to continue to learn about the bible, expand your knowledge of God, and continue to walk the path of good then I will see you in heaven!

Answer 2

I am a Christian and I do believe in the one true GOD, however to answer your question,

Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.


now bare in mind that this is after Rev 21:8 but for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death.
The bible it self says others will survive, but who besides Christan and Jews I couldn't tell you. And right now I would pay good coin for a full version of the bible not the one Constantine and the council butchered!

Answer 3

The Real True Christians that i know are people whose real goal in life is to: Love, Give,Emphatize and Understand. Not Judge or be arrogant. Yes arrogance IS a sin & so are the So-Called christians because they believe that the bible is the Book to End all / Be All. Yes BUT ONLY TO A CERTAIN POINT; always remember that every human being born in this life has a certain sets of tradition and beliefs,much as different races,color, gender & creeds of people. The Native Americans don't believe in Jesus Christ...would they go to hell? i personally cannot answer this and I call myself a christian! Only the Lord could answer this because He CREATED them! Hold out your hand palm straight like your'e making a salute,look at your fingers...Are they all even!? My point exactly!...each person has a different level of spiritual development and learning. Depending on what stations they are in this life.Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Shintoism, Judaism etc.etc.etc...Doesn't really matter doesn't it!? just love your neighbor like you love yourself And Love the Lord God..Heart ,Soul, Mind..................Peace & Love :D

Answer 4

I believe that Christians get bad reps for offenses such as this. I think that all people should realize that one cannot put God in a box. He will ultimately make His decisions on whatever He feels. As for scripture, I believe that the truth will become evident to those who read. And, if there is a disagreement, you shouldn't try to force someone to see it your way. Just recognize that there is a difference of opinion and move on. It's no use wasting time if the other doesn't agree. It'll save time and an argument.

Answer 5

A true Christian can recognize the truth that Christ was speaking.
He may have spoke in parables when in public, but when he was alone with his apostles he spoke the plain truth. From this truth the Catholic Church was founded. This truth was not kept as a monopoly but shared with all those who would hear the truth. As for personal experience being the interpretor of the Gospel we need to follow a particular process when reading Scripture.
The First Step
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in reading the passage that you are trying to understand.
The Second Step
Try to understand what Christ is saying
The Third Step
Put what he said into practice.

For Instance I will give you one of the most misinterpreted passages in the Gospel
John 6:47-51
"Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but they died this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is the my flesh for the life of the world."

Now in this passage Jesus was speaking of the Holy Eucharist.
If he wasn't than why were the listeners distraught about eating his flesh.
He goes on to say " My flesh is true bread and My blood is true drink."
And He didn't recant it. After the crowd of followers dwindled from this announcement. He asked his apostles if they were going to leave as well.

This is a straight forward statement.
We do not claim a monopoly on God, but we his servants must share in the sacred responsibilities of protecting all things that are Holy.
However there are those who let arrogance be their guide and speak harshly to others. Do not judge the rest of us harshly for them. We will try to truly shine his light for all to see.

Answer 6

Spend a few minutes browsing the posts in this forum, and you'll find that people of ALL faiths, not just Christians, firmly believe that their prayers alone reach God's ears. Do the Jews believe the Christians are right? And the Muslims the Jews? Does anyone think the Scientologists are right? It's all lunacy. Faith is believing with your heart something which cannot be seen or proven. Unfortunately, it seems that in many people, their strong faith and beliefs breed contempt and hatred, rather than the love and grace that it should.

Answer 7

The truth is that when I became a Christian 3 years ago I realized that Jesus was so real and I recognized what my sin looked before a Holy God. Christians may sound arrogant but we understand that we are truly nothing when we compare our sinful life to a God that is pure in Holiness that it's beyond our comprehension that this same God would forgive us all our sins if we would believe in Jesus. I don't claim to know everything about God but God has revealed Himself to me when I had nothing. This is why I love Jesus Christ.

Answer 8

No one can put God in a box and say this is what a person should believe! Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6
Jesus also said "if you love me, keep my commandments." John14:15 We can call ourselves Christians, but if we do not follow Jesus we are a hypocrite. Becoming a Christian means our allegiance is to Jesus and his kingdom. Being in his kingdom puts a responsibility on me to seek to serve Jesus. The reason people are offended by Jesus being the only way is because the "god of his world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not." 2 Corinthians 4:4

Answer 9

Far from arrogance, it takes humility to recognize your need for a Savior. In order to be saved/become a Christian, you have to accept that you are a sinner, that Christ died as a substitute for sins, and that you believe He died as a substitute for your sins, too. Very humbling, indeed.

There are many different interpretations of scripture, because many just study from the English. The Bible was originally written in the Hebrew and Greek. To accurately study and teach God's Word, it must be done from the original languages. If all pastors did that, I don't believe there would be so much confusion and different interpretations today.

Answer 10

Agreed. Even as a Christian myself, I'm aware there is too much arrogance within the faith. It's not at all how God wants us to act, and it pushes people further away from us. = \

That said, it's still hard not to come off in a "I am better than you" way. Not just for Christians, but for anyone who believes they know the truth. I'm not saying this is okay in any way, but sadly it's human nature to a big extent to judge others and compare them to ourselves. 'True' Christians should be accepting of everyone and treat them equal. If they wish to share their beliefs, it's a much nicer way of doing so than to come off as "i'm right and you're wrong".