If every Christian read the ENTIRE bible, would more or fewer lose their faith?

Answer 1

More would lose their faith, much more.

I strongly encourage all christians to read the entire bible cover to cover at least once - that's how I converted some of my friends to atheism actually. In my experience it's the most effective way to lose faith. Once you read it through and see for yourself the innumerable contradictions, falsities, absurdities, cruelties, etc. it will really open your mind.

Of course studying history will make you lose faith, and studying both the bible and history will most certainly make you doubt your faith. That's why over a hundred years ago the pope was sick of most bible scholars losing their faith or not fully believing in it, so he picked some hardcore, fundamentalists/pious believers to become bible scholars - only they too lost their faith (naturally). So the next pope (Pope Pious X) declared them heretics... and that's the story of the modernism heresy.

Answer 2

Your mother is growing spiritually, she didn't lose her faith the faith she had failed her which means there was something superficial about that she never questioned before now. What looks like a set back is actually a step forward. She feels her mortality and doesn't have time for BS but may not yet know the way forward. It may be a deeper understanding of her Catholicism or it might be a different walk with G-d. Your mother probably just need to be challenged on spiritual issues not necessarily Catholic issues but a conversation that leads her to contemplate whatever it was she thought was missing.

Answer 3

Hi 6000,

Interesting question. As one who reads the bible regularly, and have read the entire bible multiple times, I would have to say that if every christian would read the bible with an effort to understand the word of God, not just the words of men as the various iterations of the bible convey, if the really studied and pondered the word of God, most would lose their "religion" as the teachings of men with regard to the word of God are often contradictory.

But would they lose their faith? No I do not believe that they would. In fact while the may lose their particular "religious" organization as they become enlightened they would have greater cause to seek for truth. The pursuit of truth will eventually lead all to God.

Answer 4

I think if every Christian read the OT from the perspective it was written - Jewish, they would seriously question the prophecies that had been 'fulfilled'. I had troubles after that - understanding what it was really saying and then trying to reconcile that with what I had been taught. If they stoped making conclusions and then going through the bible to support them, then yes it would be a turning point.

But - if a Christian just sat down and read the bible from their point of view, then no. I don't think that it would cause them to question their faith. You have to remember that they have been taught that the OT already supports their faith.

I can tell you from my background that the Catholics read the OT and the entire bible - and have no problems.

Answer 5

I read the entire Bible many times. Every protestant church encourages this, and prints out pamphlets to help you read the entire Bible in just a year (with suggested daily Bible readings). Our church has over 3k attendees, including members of Congress and Generals from the Pentagon. Another "Bible" church down the road does something similar, and has over 6k attendees.

Sorry, what was your point again?

Answer 6

If they read AND UNDERSTOOD, their faith would be enforced. To read the bible is not enough. To understand is a start. MOST Christians base their faith on the New Testament. I wonder what you think would cause a loss of faith.

Answer 7

It would probably depend upon the quality of their faith in the first place.

Those without a real faith may their faith even more weakened by the things they do not understand, because they do not look deeper to find the understanding the need to increase their faith.

Those with real faith will look for the deeper meaning of the things they read and faith will grow.

Answer 8

I know a lot of Christians that have read the entire thing, I think it seems to encourage them, because they believe they are supposed to beleive it no matter what.
SInce it was written by men and inspired by God. I still believe there are probably some mistakes in it. SO I choose to read it but not nessesarily to beleive all of it. I choose to just use my common sense to figure out what I think is true and not true.

Answer 9

I would say that if more people read the Bible, there would be more Christians. Have you read the hole Bible?

"For the word of God is living and active" Hebrews 4:12

God Bless you.

Answer 10

Probably more. Most Christians believe only what the church tells them to believe. Most also believe that they must not question what they are taught or they will be punished. The bible is just a book that has been authored by many people AFTER Christ died. The book wasn't written as so many believe at the time of Christ. The bible gives stories and parables, it isn't true to life.