Believers: Why should we listen to you?

Question

Anybody who has spent any time studying religious questions (or even in Yahoo answers) knows that the believers do not even agree amongst themselves on fundamental issues- even within the same religion - much less amongst the different religions.

Why should we believe your particular subsect has it right and risk the Almighty's wrath if you have it wrong?

What if St-Paul got it wrong and we should all be following Jewsih laws?
What if the Council of Nicea got it wrong and the heretics were right?
What if Martin Luther got it wrong and Catholicism is the true faith?

Until believers agree on anything, how can we take anything you say seriously?

TO: PI Gray. Thank you for your oh so constructive answer. I have read the bible..many times.

Answer 1

"But what if we pick the wrong god, and every week we're just making God madder and madder."
--Homer Simpson

Answer 2

Friend no one said you have to believe what we believe, as if we are forcing you to believe something. Now to answer you dual questions, First of off, there will be a people on this earth that will see eye to eye, Isaiah 52:8 Eph.4:11-17 They are called the Bride Rev. 19:14 Rev. 19:7 Rev. 21:9-11 Rev. 22:17. Now about Paul, He did not get it wrong, Do you think God will tell Paul that he is to take a message to the Gentiles & not knowing what to say. No. Now the Council of Nicea, Yes, they did get it wrong especially around 312-315 AD Now about Martin Luther, No he did not get it wrong, He was bringing people out of the dark ages & God sent him. Now Nicea & Catholics is the same thing

Answer 3

All that matters is that one whole-heartily believes what they believe. There is no proof out there that shows one religion is right while the others are wrong. People of each religion truly believe their teachings and that is all that matters. Who knows what is out there and what the truth is.. We are all small humans in this giant universe and whatever helps us make it through this life, then so be it. Having studied numerous religions throughout my life and being raised Catholic. I cannot stand here and say my religion is the only religion on Earth that is proven to be correct. I think that each religion and sect has their own proof for what they believe. The power of the mind is a mysterious thing and if one believes that Catholicism is the only religion good, if one believes that Buddhism will fulfill their life then great, the list continues.. I cannot tell someone what to believe and why all I can do is believe what I believe and educate myself with the beliefs of the world so that I can see what else is out there. It fascinates me what others believe and how they prove it to be real and it has lead me to understand that there is not right or wrong answer anywhere.

Answer 4

What if it's all right?
There three kinds of people, the non-believers undecided, and the believers.
Non-believes that has not read the bible is as ignorant as an engineer who didn’t study math while others rely on tangibility and logic.
The undecided have read the Bible and have conflict with logic, tangibility, and reality.
The believers realize that man is not capable of creating himself or the universe, and logically someone or something has created us, and life, as we know it.
New found, and die hard Christians are so exited about their belief, that they try to force others to understand, even other Christians of different faiths. Some people rely on what they are taught and do nothing more than repeat what they have learned without reviewing their own thought or opinions. I’m a believer by choice because I realize in order to make a logical decision you have to look at all the choices.
If the Bible was totally fiction, why do the Ten Commandments actually make sense, if you think about it, if everyone was to follow them, would there be war, hate, adultery, envy, greed, divorce, thieves, etc.
In some cases teaching a non-believer about Christ is like teaching a dog not to lick his nuts, you can beat them into submission, but you can’t make them change their thoughts; and teaching a Christian that there is no Christ is like teaching a child he had no father.

Answer 5

By the manuscripts. There are lots of different christian groups.
Some have a quarterly thats put out by a deecan (spelling?)
board. Thats what they give sermans by.
Alot of Christians don't actually read the Bible with understanding; they ask some pastor what he thinks a verse means, and then accepts that. Even when the manuscripts say something completely different. But how are they to know, unless they take the time to check it out for themselves.
The rapture theory is a good example. The manuscripts tell over and over and over how the end will come, and there is no rapture gonna happen - none. There will be no gathering back to Christ for any reason whatsoever, until AFTER Antichrist comes pretending to be Christ. But, you try to tell that to someone who believes in that nonsense. They even spend millions of dollars each year on books called "Left Behind", when the manuscripts all but cement the fact that when the two are working in the field, and the one is taken, the subject and object of that writing is the fact that Antichrist comes first, before the true Christ. So, the one taken is taken by Antichrist. We want to be the one left behind. So, its hard to answer your question, except to say that I cannot go along with people who teach what is not written in the original manuscripts - it makes no sense to do that - yes, I know that millions of people believe in it - I don't care, they are not right.
Not if what they are talking about is the Bible. I know what that book says, and thats what i go by.
If you want serious knowledge, don't listen to just anybody
Check out the truth for yourself; its out there for the reading.

Answer 6

I don't see what believers agreeing has to do with taking them seriously -- even if today they all agreed on one particular flavor of christianity, it would still have no evidence of any kind to back it up, and so is still not worthy of serious consideration.

How many people believe some outlandish thing has no bearing on how outlandish it is. That's the same kind of thinking christians post here all the time -- "there are 2 billion christians in the world so we must be right!" As you point out, those 2 billion christians don't agree on much of anything, but even if they did it would still be 2 billion people who are demonstrably wrong. There is no refuge in numbers from reason.

Peace.

Answer 7

Studying religious questions or even religion for that matter is NOT the same as seeking God.

Your argument is childish at best. When all atheist agree I'll still think they are lost.

I tell you what.... why don't you read the Bible for yourself, seek God and stop listening to what everyone else has to say. After you have researched it yourself, I'll consider your opinion. Until then you have nothing to stand on other than what you have heard.

{edit} Based on your question, I doubt that you have read the Bible many times. But whatever, I really don't care what you say you have done. You don't have to listen to anyone. Make up your own mind and deal with the consequences.

I find it amusing that you have chosen my answer to respond to among the many you have received. Must have struck a chord....hmmmmmm

You have read the Bible, you have all the information you need. Chose God, or don't. At this point it is truly between you and Him.

I have spent a little time reading over your previous questions and answer and have come to the conclusion that you are not looking for a constructive answer. You are simply a small, close minded man looking to belittle others to try to make yourself fell superior about your decision. But hey, that is only my opinion. Enjoy yourself.



I'll pray for you.

Answer 8

I am a firm believer, but if i will say how can i take this thing seriously what you are trying to say through this question... Should I? No because every body has a right to say anything..
So my answer is:
Just believe in your self then you could reach to the reality and could find the truth....

Answer 9

OOOOoooooH! You should believe my sect (KARAITE JUDAISM) or even the Ancient Israelite Sumaritans because we did not add anything to the scripture and everything we do believe comes directly form the most high (Torah). Every other denomination, sect, or religion adds to the word of The Just One.

There was no Jesus.

All the athers got it wrong, so Brother come on in, the water is goood!

Answer 10

Alot of "what if's." You believe or don't believe in whatever. Can't be proven anyway. What if this is hell and the afterlife is even worse?
Thought I saw God once but when I got closer I saw it was Elvis, close, but no cigar. By the way I bet that God is a smoker, probably $50.00 cigars. Just thought I would throw that in there.

Answer 11

Well, I (and lots of people I have seen) usually encourage people to read the bible, pray and ask God to reveal HIMSELF to them. That way, my mess won't get in the way of you figuring all of this out for yourself. I can only witness and share my beliefs with you. I was always taught to share my faith, but don't judge and don't harp because we believe that one person plants the seed and the LORD does the watering. The "watering" could be done by another believer, life's trials, or God Himself. If you make an effort to learn the truth by seeking Him on your own, there won't be any wrath. He is loving and kind. Bless you.