Is quoting scripture an excuse for an inability to critically think?

Question

Christians quote the bible to such an extent that I question their ability to think for themselves. I challenge all perspectives to present something that's critically well thought out.

Answer 1

For the most part, yes. There are certain denominations that I'm aware of that "train" their Bible scholars to memorize scriptural passages in a particular sequence as their method of rebuttal in the event that certain, specific confrontations occur.

Something that is akin to "if" and "then" type of programming. "If" such and such is mentioned, "then" use the following verse... and on and on, ad infinitum. Naturally they are all primed to regurgitate certain verses and then tested [POP QUIZ!] to find out if they know their stuff before moving on to the next lessons...

So, yes.

Peace be with you!

Answer 2

First off let me say this: I believe this is the Religion&Spirituality section am I wrong?No.not this time I believe.
Second, it takes thinking ability to find the scriptures that deal with the subject being discussed, I do also quote scriptures, and I know that it takes a lot of thinking to put them together in the right sequence so that they make sense, if you were to just randomly quote scriptures without any regard for the subject being discussed then I would agree with you, but as for your accusation does it actually have any substance? Or can it possibly be applied to yourself? I will leave you to think about that, I don't mean any disrespect to you or offence, I am just answering your question, and wondering if you in fact put thought int it.But of course you do not need to answer yourself publicly
and guess what I didn't even quote 1 Scripture, wonder why?Because the subject did not include anything relating to them.If you were answering a question on the mechanics of some car would you not make your points valid by quoting from the manual?

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong for a Christian to quote the Bible. Considering that a Christian's beliefs are based on the Bible, it makes sense.

Saying a Christian has an inability to critically think because they quote the Bible is wrong. I would bet you quote books with information on other topics.

Also, a Christian doesn't just quote the Bible. You have to have critically thought about what it says before you understand it.

Answer 4

That may be true of some people, but I know that when I quote scripture, it is to give the premise for my line of thinking. That is quite the opposite of failing to critically think. As a Christian, my premise that leads to a conclusion about morality or ethics or belief system will be different than that of someone of another faith. Even when discussing agreed upon tenets of faith, different conclusions can be arrived at by people of good will, depending on what scriptures they base their argument on.

Answer 5

The key word is "scripture". Scriptures are hand written items men wrote. Show me anything written by a God or Jesus. Sorry not one word. We are to rely on what some ancient men wrote that they say was told to them in a vision or a dream in regards to a god. Jesus' words were written forty years after his death by total recollection. Try to write what someone said to you forty hours ago and quote them word for word. These ancients claim god directed or empowered them to write these scriptures. Nice try but I prefer to wait for god to speak to me directly in the day time when I am fully awake and not under the influence of cheap church wine or anything else. Wasn't Moses an alcoholic? Would you rely on what he told you? Yes I have seen Christians that are confronted and they roll their eyes back into their heads to I guess visualize or recall the scriptures that I guess they think are inscribed on the upper inside of their skulls. It is sickening to see such brainwashing and manipulation that works on these victims. There are many critical thinking intelligent people that are very productive and rely on science and are still believers in their scriptures. This is beyond me how anyone that is a skilled thinker can still consider the scriptures as fact without questioning it. The reason they accept these scriptures is because they have a need to keep things in a tidy package so they won't have to wonder anymore. It is easier to have answers written out for us than to discover our truths on our own. Freewill is not rejecting our senses that questions scriptures. The scriptures speak of deceptions that are to come so why should we be so quick to trust a scripture that warns of deception? Science is not flawless. There are many similarities to scientific mentalities and religious ones in their arrogance and dogmatisms. Both science and religion are motivated by money as anything else is. Faith means like a loan. Give me money and I will pay you back with heaven. Meanwhile the preachers and scientists are getting rich while you are left with the faith in their words. Sort of like collecting on a loan they didn't loan you. Your loan papers from religion are called "Faith". You pay and get nothing but talk. This was the way the ancient jews did business. Something for nothing. I am not anti-semitic just stating facts. They are deceitful men with ulterior motives and it is not because they are jewish it is because they are men and all men of all faiths practice these deceptions to collect money and enslave the ones that have lost hope. Strengths claimed to be attributed to any god are really our own virtues given to us by nature not a god.

Answer 6

It's really no different than anyone else quoting a source to back up their opinion.

Perhaps Biblical quotes would be best put into the "Source" section when answering?Just like any other reference...

Answer 7

Christains cannot think like men in their worldly ways. Christians are expected to renew their minds so that their minds do not conform to this world and to put on the mind of Christ (Rom 12:2). Any thought in our minds that exalts itself against the knowledge of God must be cast down and bring into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:4-6). Christians are therefore not expected to think their own thoughts but think like God and many scriptures convey the way God thinks and acts.

Answer 8

Usually

Answer 9

I personally do not need scripture to answer a question
but why would I answer a question concerning my faith without using the Bible, the source of it.
Would any one scientifically minded not use scientific theory's to prove their point.

Answer 10

So basically what you are saying is that we can't quote anything, because if we do, we are not thinking. So if I quote Shakespeare right now it means I'm a dumbass and I can't think for myself. Think about that.