Let's say you are studying the teachings of a particular person, and the teachings seem wise and true. But then you find out that the person was a drunkard and womanizer, or an anti-Semite, or something like that.
Should you just disregard all of their teachings? Or try to find them from another source? Or just take the good and leave the bad?
2006-12-13 07:42:17 · 11 answers · asked by Heron By The Sea 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Good question. I think it depends. Obviously, if someone is teaching you mathematics and they turn out to be some crazy serial rapist, their personal life had no bearing on what they were teaching you.
2006-12-13 07:46:03 · answer #1 · answered by mutterhalls 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We know that no one is perfect. We all struggle with this thing or that thing. There are many things that people may have come across and they are right about things. But darkness has control of them.
The Bible is the ultimate book of truth and enlightenment. Within it lies every truth of every other false religion.
So, don't let this person be a GOD to you. Look to God for the ultimate truth. But if they say something that helps you be closer to God, don't judge them. Just pray about it and know that perhaps they refused to turn to him.
Remember that Jesus never sinned. He is the teacher you can always put your faith into.
Feel free to message me about anything.
2006-12-13 15:51:16 · answer #2 · answered by Ray 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well this reminds me of my Philosophy class in University. When a hypocrite or some other person of bad character tells you something you have to judge it according to what he is saying, and the reasons supporting it. If you just dismiss it because he was a bad person you have commuted the Genetic Fallacy (ignoring simply due to the origin) and not seeing what is being said.
2006-12-13 15:48:33 · answer #3 · answered by onewhosubmits 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take the good, leave the bad, but don't deny theevil the person has done anddefinitely don't hold the person up as an example or prophet.
Edit: it isalways best to find another source for the info, just to make sure its accurate.
2006-12-13 15:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the Mormons believe the teachings their founding Prophet Joseph Smith and he had questionable beginnings.
2006-12-13 15:59:08 · answer #5 · answered by Nancy O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should make up your own mind.
Seldom are the originators of monumental ideas aware of how great they are. Nor are such people without faults of their own.
Those people who falslely project an image of kindness but are truly venomous serpents in disguise- they should be cooked and served as food to their own pets. We might still find some truth in their words, though.
2006-12-13 15:50:10 · answer #6 · answered by B SIDE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only speak to this in regards to study of The True Christian Faith. It dose not matter what any man may write...or who or what the man is.... you must rightly divide the Word of God for your self... take what you are reading or being taught, to the Word of God... if The Word of God agrees then you may take what you have read and apply it to your situation... but the Word of God takes pesidence
2006-12-13 15:48:40 · answer #7 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If what the person says makes sence to you, folow it, BUT ignore what you think that is too unusual or abstract; delicate issues would probably be more safely explained by someone more ethical
2006-12-13 15:49:09 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Christians eliminated the teachings of anti-Semites they would not have much to read nor much of a theology.
2006-12-13 15:46:28 · answer #9 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
just find a better teacher IF its the TRinity
2006-12-13 15:46:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋