Well, I don't believe all of the guide lines of my religion...people think it's because I hang around my cousins ~who are atheist~ that I'm like this. I know I'm not supposed to question the bible, but I can't think of anyone I know that doesn't, is that really a bad thing?
2007-01-23 13:40:29 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Is it OK? Only you can answer that. Does it 'feel' OK? If yes then there's your answer. Religion is about a group of people getting together to make each other feel good about their faith, spirituality on the other hand is more where you are going. That's where you seek what rings true for you.
As to questioning the Bible, Jesus himself said you should doubt, because without doubt you will not seek truth and therefore never know truth. How can you be sure the Bible is accurate if you never challenge it?
2007-01-23 13:45:31 · answer #1 · answered by Taliesin Pen Beirdd 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe that any spiritual book ...such as the bible... is there for you to take what you can out of it and benifit your life. The ten commandments..really... are just our common sense. They are just written so they are reminders.
I was raised Christian. I believe that if you live laugh and love the best you can then there should be no problem in your life. I believe in a power greater then myself. But I do not follow any religion in a die hard fashion. I believe that all religions can benifit life. There is nothing wrong with the way you think. I question it all the time. But then something profound will happen and it reminds me that I am not alone and that I can get through anything.
2007-01-23 13:49:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a belief based on an idea or concept. If a religion or group that you follow has conflicting views they have a personal point of view. What the Bible teaches is essentially from God (the majorities view) What a religion believes may not always come from the Bible or be interpreted the way it was written. Read the Bible and draw up your own conclusion based on what you learn not what people have told you.
2007-01-23 13:47:50 · answer #3 · answered by courtqua 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most people don't always agree with everything a certain religion teaches. That's because we are all individuals. And that is why there are so many different religions.
It's not really bad to question the Bible. Asking questions is hardly ever a bad thing to do. Ask God a lot and go with your gut.
2007-01-23 14:02:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what? People may force you to believe something but that doesn't mean you have have too. You have the free will to believe anything you want and no one should be stopping you. Plus if you ever want to find the one true religion you have to question things. Who says you can't question the bible? I know God didn't say it. Questioning things teach you things. Plus, what do they got to lose? Oh and theres nothing wrong with Atheists! if anything its good to be around them. Remember, as long as an argument is in control its a good one. One way you learn things is by arguing with others. Put it this way, I was playing my video game system when i found a shortcut to the exit then i tell my friend i found the best possible way out. But then he argues out and says because i took a shortcut i lose my extra bonus points (Making this up along the way) so then he proves his argument right and he wins. Arguing isn't running around a room storming at one another. Remember, Question your beliefs and think as critically as possible.
2007-01-23 13:49:46 · answer #5 · answered by Ugly Duckling 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hope many people read this. I am a Jehovah's Witness. And I'll be the 1st religious person to tell you to question what you believe & not just believe blindly. You sound very smart. I'm sure you don't want to just accept what you're told. That's what we do as Witnesses. We just want people to think about what they're being told & see if it really makes sense. Sometimes it's very easy to see if a church is in it just for the money. Other times, pple. will NOT open their eyes. I have always said that there can be good people in all religions BUT...there is not good in all religions. Many have pagan roots or simply do not teach according to the Bible. Hanging around atheists can be harmful for one. "Bad Associations spoil useful habits." So hanging around them could spoil any future you could have with Jehovah. Hopefully you wouldn't let that happen but people DO rub off on you whether you realize it or not. It's not bad to question things you are told. That is why we study with people free of charge. We're not in it for the money & are willing to answer any questions. Please email me about anything or contact us in your area, or visit our site.
2007-01-23 14:00:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what Christian denomination you belong to (you mentioned the Bible so I assume your religion is Christian). Some denominations do not hold with total Biblical belief, but some do. If you do not believe in all the official beliefs of your denomination, then it is dishonest to say that you belong to that denomination. You should not claim to have the religion if you don't agree with it. But don't worry, there are some Christian denominations that don't have firmly defined doctrines or mandate total Biblical belief. You should research these and find which one you fit in to, chances are you will find a good fit.
Now, you may say to yourself, "A lot of other people in my denomination also question parts of the Bible, so that means my denomination is ok with it," but just because a lot of people do it doesn't mean it is the official position of the denomination. Like any other formal organization, the official policies are what define it. If you don't fit the official definition of that religion then it is not fair to claim to be a part of it. That is one reason I like to avoid religious organizations with official positions on doctrine.
Keep thinking for yourself.
2007-01-23 13:55:20 · answer #7 · answered by unnua 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I myself question some religion stuff. And i think it's important to do at bit of that. Your views wouldn't change much too by who you hang out with if you didn't have questioning in your nature (That's a good thing by the way). I don't think that your cousins being atheist is in any way changing your thinking, but that questioning part of you. I wouldn't stop hanging out with them, because they are probably good people.
As most of the people here agree, your not doing anything wrong
2007-01-23 13:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by If I run 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, you should know this response is coming from a Christian who beleives in God.
Ok, having said that...
The Bible was written, we think, over a four hundred year period of time in several countries and in several languages. The books were compiled over centuries and translated by hand by litereally thousands of people.
Here's the funny part...
If you flip to the last page of almost any Christian bible, he last paragraph says "and these are the words of the Lord and may they not be changed or whosoever changes them shall be damned" or something to that effect.
Now, go to Barnes & Noble and ask them how many different versions of the bible they sell.
Yes, the bible is the greatest selling book of all time and is available in practically every language.
Are all of them the precise, exact intention of God's words?
Hmmm.
2007-01-23 13:47:21 · answer #9 · answered by tabulator32 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, because everyone has questions or has their own opinion about their faith. Just don't overdo it. I'm not quite sure how to explain that one, but I think you understand to an extent.
Really, just do, think, or go whatever you think is the right way or path. Just have faith in what you believe in and follow some of (or the majority or most important) rules, and you should be fine.
2007-01-23 13:45:57 · answer #10 · answered by George 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋