Christians: How much of the old testament can be ignored?

Question

Hunter S.: my avatar is a mudskipper. it breathes oxygen from water or air and can walk on its pectoral fins in an out of tidal pools. But, mostly it pisses off Creationists

Answer 1

more and more as times passes... soon the only thing left will be... dont steal.


by the way... if you dont mind me asking.. what is your avatar?


/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/
are all of you Christians? i mean catholics follow the NEW testament... which does indeed cut things out or changes things in the OLD testament.

Answer 2

Ignored? None of it. However, Julia's answer was spot on. We (Christians) use the Old Testament for reference regarding history, the prophecies, the Psalms, and the Proverbs. The laws, however, do not have to be followed to the letter if they're superseded by the New Testament.
We don't discriminate against anyone. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that homosexuals or anyone else are to be discriminated against. However, it does say that certain behaviors are unacceptable. Meaning, a person may be a homosexual, but cannot engage in homosexuality itself without sinning. A person may be a thief or a liar, but it doesn't mean they have to steal or lie.
I hope this makes sense. There have been some excellent answers so far. I hope you don't disregard them for the ones that aren't as good.

Answer 3

Its OLD. People now and people when the testament was written do not live the same lifestyle. I must say I don't understand what does it mean: to write a book inspired with God...

I've been Baptized as a baby so I guess it means I'm Christian. I tried to read both testaments, i really did... but I don't have stomach for it. If God is with me and within me, why to search in books for it?
I haven't red others religions books, but I guess its tinny difference between all of them. Peace.

Answer 4

None of it.

When we accept Christ the Holy Spirit leads us. That we may not be led astray by false spirits we must test the Holy Spirit with the scripture, much the way Christ did in the desert.

We are not justified by the law, we are justified by Grace. There are many spirits who lead us to commit heinous sins in God's name. God is not two faced not duplicitous. If you do not understand something or something appears contradictory the Holy Spirit can give you understanding.

Other spirits will tell you to ignore scripture and accept the ways, teachings and traditions of men lifting them into place with or above God.

PS: "Loved by God" has it right, 2nd Timothy 3:16

Answer 5

Part of the problem with 'old testament' is the fact that there are two of them, one scriptural and one unscriptural. The unscriptural one is 'Genesis-Malachi' (violating 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The scriptural one the 'law of Moses'.
Question; Which one do you want the answer for?

Answer 6

It is all the Word of God, and we can profit by it. Its principles are timeless, even though not all of it applies to our age. For instance, the dietary laws that God gave to Israel, are not applicable or binding on Christians today. But that does not mean that we cannot take advantage of the sound instruction that is there. Same with the tithing laws for Israel in Old Testement. They do not apply to Christians. WE are to give from the "heart" and not from compulusion. Same with the keeping of the Sabboth. (It is the only one of the "10 Commandments" that is not explicetly reaffirmed in the New Testament). Hope that helps....theBerean

Answer 7

We can learn so much about the people of the Old Test and their lives/faith. I have my favorites...Book of Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs, and all the ones named: i.e. Ruth, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc.

I guess we can "ignore'" the law - if we are believers - because we are saved from the law by Jesus' life, death and love for us.
(If that's the point you are getting at). But it's good to know how far short we fall from following the law just by reading about it...so glad God had a plan to save us from being judged by it from the beginning of time. He's so Good.

Answer 8

None of it should be ignored.
They are there, and say what they say for a reason.

Christians do not live their lives according to the OT.
God set up a better way in the NT.
Think of the word "testament" as "covenant".
Then you'll have a better perspective.

Answer 9

I hope we all know Genesis is a fable Moses & the flight from Eygpt & the 10 commandments is OK sorry can't go in to the whole old testament - lack of space

Answer 10

Only the law, it was fulfilled by Jesus. God made the mudskipper by the way.

Answer 11

All of it, if you want.
In fact, the whole Bible can be ignored. Christianity was founded upon Apostolic tradition, which always determined the context of Biblical interpretation. The modern reliance on Scripture as a rule book for Church management is a product of the 20th century. Even as the Reformers yelled 'Sola Scriptura,' they quietly turned around and added, "in accordance with the traditions handed down by the Fathers."