Why do Christians prefer the Old Testament to the New?

Question

Vocal Christians often proclaim their belief in Christ and that they've been saved by Jesus. Yet, when push comes to shove they quote and follow the OLD Testament while ignoring the words of Jesus in the New Testament! When there is a seeming contradiction - they ignore Jesus! Case in point: Jesus said "love thy neighbor," "let he who has never sinned throw the first stone" and "turn the other cheek," yet thousands of American Christians are off to kill in Iraq led by their Christian President!! How is that NOT hypocrisy that by their own beliefs will damn them all the hell?

Answer 1

They really shouldn't, seeing as the near-entirety of the Old Testament (the Ten Commandments are a possible exception, as well as some others) was supposedly invalidated by the coming of Christ. Basically, the New Testament sets the rules for how Christians are supposed to act. The Old Testament is only there as a Christian "history lesson." ^_^ However, most Christians don't know this and continue to follow the Old Testament to the letter.

Answer 2

I don't think that most Christians prefer the New to the Old. The problem may be that they simply haven't read it or been taught it. I've read the entire bible every year since 1998, and it still amazes me how much I still don't know or understand. Yet everytime I do read it I learn and understand more than I did when I first read it. Ignorance of God's Word may be what is hurting most Christians today. Most haven't even read the New let alone the Old. I've heard several Christians tell me that they don't want to read the old, either because they don't feel it applies anymore or they are afraid of what is said. Jesus believed every word in the Old Testimont and he applied this in his life every day, he even mentions this. But even then when he spoke to the Pharasee's and priests of his time, he told them that they didn't understand what was written. They lacked the understanding of God's Word. They lacked the love of God and they didn't understand God's love. This maybe why Christians today are having a tough time living the life. But, I will say this, it takes time. Time to live it, that's why the Apostle Paul describes new Christians as babies. Just think about the behavior of a baby.They make lots of messes and mistakes. It takes time, and alot of mistakes before they are an adult, even as a young adult it still takes time, even with all the knowledge that is available to us, we still have alot to learn. I have yet to meet a perfect Christian, I'm not one that's for sure. But, I am working on making better choices everyday and learning to love in the way God wants me too. I'm not Christ and I haven't met anyone that is. But we who call ourselves Christians better be working on the changes that will help us be more Christ like. (We can only do this with the Holy Spirit's help). We shouldn't be the same way when we started, especially those who are in leadership positions. Just as Jesus spoke words of correction to the hypocrits that were the leaders in his time, so will Christ speak words of correction to the leaders in these days. Believe me Jesus still speaks and still corrects. It is because he loves us that he corrects. But he did warn us that this "walk" won't be easy, it's hard and the path is narrow. Hopefully when those who stumble along the way will find a loving friend to help them get back on their feet and continue the climb. For then it is in that loving hand that we will 'see' the one who loves us perfectly, our Lord Jesus. I hope this helps alittle, these are just some of my thoughts about this. SW

Answer 3

If you think about that, these concepts that Jesus spoke of are actually what the Mosaic Laws are based on. Nowhere in the OT does it say "hate your enemies." When Jesus spoke on the matter, He was referring to the traditions of the rabbis which tend to be rather... unbiblical.

The OT holds truths which Christians should uphold, the OT (the Law, as it is called) enables us to see sin for what it is. There is really no contradiction if you think about it; cursing your parents for example is still a sin.

Christians aren't necessarily barred from war, if the war is fought for a just reason. For example, to depose Saddam. Though now, we're still in this war because if we withdraw, all hell is going to break out in the Middle East. The world is watching us, North Korea is watching our progress. If we give up, we show that we aren't quite the superpower we used to be. We'd just leave ourselves open to terrorist attacks, and terrorists will continue to make demands not only of America but also of other nations. If you think about it, this war is necessary for peace. It's true that the war didn't start for a very just reason (false reports on WMDs), but we've got to clean the mess up. We can't just leave the mess there.

Oh, and the OT & NT are equally important. Christians don't prefer one over the other, they quote from the OT because there is truth to be found in it.

EDIT: Darin, actually, Christ didn't invalidate the Ten Commandments or any of the Law; He fulfilled them. We can, however, expect to see sin for what it is from the Law, as Romans 7:7 says, "Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'Do not covet.'"

But we must be careful when we impose such rules on ourselves, and rather seek what God wills, instead of what we want to see in the Word.

Answer 4

Ok, YOU HAVE IT WRONG, COMPLETELY!!! The Old Testament tells us about the prophesies of Christ, and the New Testament tells us about Christ Jesus, the one and true Savior. We do not prefer anything over the other, I think you're thinking about Jews. Jews believe that Christ hasn't come yet but he has. So they only believe in the Old Testament. That is the Truth right there!

Answer 5

I think it is the other way around...many Christians prefer the New, I do, but there is so much in the OT, I am studying it in school right now, and there is so much to it. I do follow Christ's Words and NO I am not in Iraq. I know Christ said we are no longer under the Law, we are under grace. Therefore we now have just two laws, love the Lord your God and love your neighbor.

Answer 6

Because they could get away with doing evil things by following the old testament. Such as an eye for an eye.

Answer 7

Those who lean unto there own understanding of scripture are leading others astray and blinded by their "pride!" But this has to occur for the Kingdom of God is coming to this earth and establish His way as the only way.

Pride is man's downfall. The End of the circle of man's self rule will be the beginning of Christ's Kingdom but that "pride" must be broken first!

Answer 8

a) hypocrisy isnt a one way ticket to hell, Christians are saved, therefore they cannot go to hell.

b) dont you think that by removing Saddam Hussein from power, and by trying to stop suicide bombers, that we are doing a service to the world? We are trying to rid the world of the evil in that area.

The Bible never says that you have to turn the other cheek and let evil run rampant over the world.

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Answer 9

Not true.

Yes, we ought to love our neighbors. I have met personally a lot of Iraqi people and they are thankful for the U.S.A. to come to help them.

I think this world is better and safer place for all of us now when Saddam Hussein is out of the picture. Hypocrisy is something we all encounter in our life. Even you. : )

Answer 10

revisions are rampant in new testaments. Though contents and details were almost the same but I would rather choose the old one than the new one.