Do you accept all what is written in the Holy Books (the OT and the NT) as a dogma, an axiom that does not require a proof, or in other words, do you accept what is written in these books literally? Or, alternatively, do you believe (or at least admit the possibility) that the Holy Books are essentially collections of metaphors and hyperboles that were meant to teach the readers certain lessons rather than to provide the exact account of historic events?
The latter choice makes a lot more sense to me personally, though I guess I cannot call myself a good Christian.
2007-01-05 16:31:24 · 13 answers · asked by rp121121 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To dustbust52:
I do believe in the evolution theory, because it is a scientific theory that was proved using scientific methods. Also, I do not see a contradiction between this theory and the teaching of Jesus described in the New Testament, as they simply belong to different realms. However, I just cannot accept the Old Testament literally. To me the Old Testament is rather a collection of stories that were meant to teach lessons, but not more than that.
2007-01-05 16:44:57 · update #1
Our Creator sent His Son into our three dimensional world to be His Word for us to guide the feet of seekers on a sure path to unity with Him. The most harmful event that happened in the Christian community was the promotion of the idea that a collection of mans writings is the word of God. Christ is the word of God. He spent His time on earth teaching us that the ways and values of our world are in opposition to the Kingdom of His Father.
You are a good Christian if you seek the wisdom that was taught
by Christ and have a sense of a personal relationship with Him. Please don't let small minded people who have been seduced into accepting the degraded doctrine about Christ instead of accepting Christ's own doctrine of his Fathers Kingdom. Hold on to our creators promise that if you totally seek Him, you will surely find Him. May God bless you in your quest.
2007-01-05 18:03:24 · answer #1 · answered by Del C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To your question I can say both, not just one nor the other. The Bible contains much historical content, and is traceable to documents and events chronicled by ancient historians. It is also proven in artifacts, witness accounts and chronologies.
In other instances metaphors are used, such as parables and examples like the Rich man who died and had refused Lazarus bread. We do not know if this is just a story or a real person.
We know that a woman washed the feet of Jesus with her hair, and it is thought that this same woman poured a jar of myrrh over his head, as he said: wherever the Gospel is preached this woman's act will be spoken of her. She has done a great kindness to me [in preparing me for burial].
(Paraphrased from memory.)
The teachers of the Church suggest that He was speaking of Mary Magdalen's repentance and her
faithfulness as the Lord's first contemplative sister. As Lazarus' sibling, she was present when the Lord raised her brother from the dead.
Obviously, it's important to know the difference between a parable and an actual event. There are only certain instances where biblical scholars have left some gray, as most testimony is corroborated in the concordance and in scholarly books on the subject. See reference below.
A very good book of Biblical Study would be a great companion to anyone who seeks some evidence of testimony. The Lord asks us to reason with Him, but to treasury the mystery of the spiritual discovery of the fruit laden in the Word of God.
2007-01-06 00:59:48 · answer #2 · answered by QueryJ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe in all that is written in the OT & NT coz if I believe in anything less, it is no point being a Christian.
You are right to say it is meant to teach readers certain
lessons but it was also a historic account of events that
happened at that time. We have to understand that these
collections as you say were written by different people who were not really educated but just in their own thoughts and words inspired by God to provide the information & education to people of their time to help that generation to know God .
Likewise, in the NT, collections of books were written to
inform people of the Good News and educate them in parables & also motivation especially for us newer generations that we may be prepared of what is ahead
of us eg: God's laws, what he expect of us, the trials,etc.
I believe there is a verse in the Bible which says not one word less & not one word more- that it is meant to be.
One last thought - if you do not believe in the OT, it also means that you do not believe in Adam & Eve's sin which
cause us to be alienated from God & the very reason why Christ has to come & die for us, so what is the basis for Christianity?
2007-01-06 01:02:01 · answer #3 · answered by shannondelaney 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I take everything in the bible literally and I can't even explain why except that in order to believe in one part I have to believe in all of it, after all John 1 says that In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. If Jesus is the Truth, and He is the Word , and God is not a liar, then we can't just take parts of the Bible that we like. We must believe it all, or not believe it at all.
2007-01-06 00:40:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes
You're right.
I agree with you exactly.
Metaphors ~ "parables" were to teach lessons
the lessons are real
Here's an extra one. People who believe in the Lordship of Jesus, instead of just seeing him as a philosopher with some lessons,
is like the difference between
eating a meal and getting nourished instead of just seeing a great picture of a healthy meal.
Having faith will help you overcome the trials and tribulations of the world, it can give you joy regardless of your circumstances, and even have some prayers answered. With faith and patience, you can see some amazing results.
Its more than just dogma or just lessons in metaphors.
Its your choice to believe or not.
Have a Good New Year
2007-01-06 00:35:11 · answer #5 · answered by million$gon 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes I accept the Bible literally. Do you accept evolution as a dogma, an axiom that does not require a proof, or in other words, do you accept it literally?
2007-01-06 00:36:42 · answer #6 · answered by dustbust52 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe it to be a combination of facts and metaphors. I once heard that an acronym for Bible is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The word Bible isn't found in the Bible.
2007-01-06 00:41:06 · answer #7 · answered by sevenchange_com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the Bible must be taken at face value. The Bible makes it clear within the context when something is not to be taken literally. Either God can say what He means or the entire Bible is not the inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God. The Bible records actual historical events. You can't pick and choose what is an historical event and what is not because the Bible itself doesn't give that option. Either the Bible says what it means and means what it says or the Bible is meaningless.
2007-01-06 00:37:53 · answer #8 · answered by utuseclocal483 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course,that's what makes us Christians right? By believing in the Bible.
Hmm...EVOLUTION...It takes so much more faith to believe that we came from monkeys rather than believe that we are created by someone who loves us and powerful! Good luck!
2007-01-06 00:34:03 · answer #9 · answered by FloralLover 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, it doesn't really matter in the end. If we are offered eternal life anyway, why not take it. Even if it fails. you got noting to lose but all to gain!
2007-01-06 00:37:57 · answer #10 · answered by Sasuke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋