why do some people think that just by reading the Bible they are enlightened?

Question

how about their understanding of the REAL meaning of what's written there? have they ever thought of doubting their capacity to understand it? and if they did, have they ever studied further to strengthen their beliefs that their understanding is correct?

i would appreciate it if you don't quote me the Bible, since i have heard all of it. i am asking if you ever thought of studying the Bible to get a concrete evidence that your understanding of the Bible didn't fail you.

studying the Bible along with all the historical facts.

Answer 1

Enlightened??? They're dumb as a tree stump.

Answer 2

But the Bible is not ABOUT history, or even "facts". It's not about how but about why. And reading a passage again can give you a different perspective than you had the previous time because it's designed for meditation. The problems develop when people insist that it's all literally true and not subject to "interpretation". (Some parts DEMAND "interpretation".)

People who go to the Bible seeking and finding absolute certainty aren't really looking into it. The meaning is consistent but it is not gleaned from any particular passage. It must be absorbed over time, and it will change as the reader develops understanding and experience.

There are some who will argue that the same thing can be done with the Quran or a copy of Shakespeare's plays. That is possible. The point is to use it as a starting point for contemplating the big questions. The problem is, too many people see it as the answer sheet for a salvation trivia contest.

Answer 3

I have read much of the bible and know many persons who have read the bible and the Qur'an the whole way through. I, too, have learned hebrew to understand the original context of the bible (I warn you, it's a very different world). It has not made us stronger believers - on the contrary, it has led us to deconvert to non-theistic religions such as Agnosticism, Atheism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Druidism, and Wiccan.
They say it for many reasons. Partly because they are told to say it (I'm only saying that because I know that's what you want to hear), but largely because like if you believe something, you'll tell others to see/examine/read it as well, and they might find the same enlightenment. There are many places this is true - for example, if you were to actually bother reading up on Cannibis sativa - or Hemp, you will indeed be enlightened to the point that you will not agree with either side of the argument (one side being potheads, the other being anti-druggists).

Answer 4

It is because the Bible is believed to be the inspired Word of God. As one passage states, "In the beginning was the word. and the word was with God. and the word was God." This implies that the inspired word of God and God himself are inseparable. They are one.

Now when people read the Bible on a consistent basis, that person undergoes a mental transformation. In order words, they take on the nature and attributes of God and his way of doing things. Thus, they may have a tendency to feel -- as you put it -- "enlightened."

I can goes into extreme detail about this, but I hope this offers you an answer.

Answer 5

I have studied further and I am enlightened. I am a born-again, saved, sanctified, Holy-Ghost filled Christian and I know I am correct. I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal God's Word to me. If there is something I don't understand, I ask God for revelation. May God Bless

Answer 6

The Word of God is extremely enlightning. Of course you need to really read the Bible in order to experience that type of enlightenment.
I Cr 13;8a
11-12-6

Answer 7

Lectio Divina is Latin for “spiritual reading” and represents an early monastic technique of prayer which continues in practice though less widely, intended to achieve communion with God as well as providing special spiritual insights and peace from that experience. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray from God's Word.

History
Lectio Divina was first expressed in the year 220 AD. It was found that to read the Bible profitably it is necessary to do so with attention, consistency and prayer. The systematization of “spiritual reading” into four steps dates back to the 12th century. Around 1150, Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, wrote a book entitled “The Monk’s Ladder” (Scala Claustralium) wherein he set out the theory of the four rungs: reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated, “This is the ladder by which the monks ascend from earth to heaven.”

Method
Lectio is typically practiced daily for one continuous hour. A selection from the Holy Scriptures is chosen ahead of time, often as a daily progression through a particular book of the Bible.

Time
Selecting a time for lectio divina is important. Typical methods are to pray for one hour in the morning, or to divide it into two half-hour periods, one in the morning and one in the evening. The key is to pre-select the time that will be devoted to the prayer, and to keep it. Using the same time every day leads to a daily habit of prayer that becomes highly effective.

Place
The place for prayer is to be free from distractions. This means it should be isolated from other people, telephones, visual distractions, etc. Some find a religious icon to be helpful. The same place should be used for lectio if possible, especially as one first begins to practice it. Familiarity with a location reduces the possibility of distraction away from the prayer. Some practitioners conduct other devotions, such as praying before the Catholic Eucharist, as a preparation for Lectio Divina.

Preparation
Prior to reading, it is important to engage in a transitional activity that takes one from the normal state of mind to a more contemplative and prayerful state. A few moments of deep, regular breathing and a short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time helps to set the tone and improve the effectiveness of the lectio.

Once the stage is set it is time to begin the prayer. There are four phases of the prayer, which do not necessarily progress in an ordered fashion. One may move between different phases of the prayer very freely as the Spirit guides.

The Four Moments
Lectio
Read the passage several times.

Meditatio
Reflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one's own life. Gravitate to any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular import. This should not be confused with exegesis, but is a very personal reading of the Scripture and application to one's own life.

Oratio
Respond to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but more of the beginning of a conversation with God.

Contemplatio
Listen to God. This is a freeing oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us. Opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak.

Answer 8

So, you are saying thathey have to get their beliefs from some backwoods, uneducated preacher? I can understand the book quite well without some fool telling me what I believe is wrong because its not what HE believes.

Answer 9

Seek and yea shall find ...