Why don't some christians understand why atheists ask questions about the bible?

Question

When atheists ask questions about the bible, we are trying to encourage an exploration of the ideas put forth in the bible.

It must be understood that the bible is a text we consider to be fiction and it puzzles us that so many people treat it as sacred dispite it's obvious contradictions.

This site is supposed to be here so that everyone can ask questions on any aspect of religion and spirituality.

is it not important in the quest for knowledge and understanding, to be able to QUESTION as well as ask questions?

Answer 1

It's very important to hold religious ideas up for scrutiny. There seems to be some unspoken rule that this is a no no.

I too am puzzled as to why some believers insist that the Bible is the ultimate word on spiritual reality, but we are not supposed to point out seemingly obvious contradictions, absurdities and questionable moral viewpoints within the text.

Answer 2

Thank you for your thoughtful question. I do understand why you ask questions. The problem is that most of the atheists on this site do not ask questions, they attack and ridicule. That is not a good way to start a dialogue. I always try to answer questions that have at least a small amount of seriousness and civility.

I also understand that atheists believe the bible is fiction. I used to be an atheist and it was VERY important to me that the bible should not be treated seriously. I was afraid of finding out I was wrong - which I did. I was listening too much to public opinion without understanding or trying to learn things on my own. I was trusting in those who were not trustworthy.

The FACT is that the bible is not fiction. Scholars agree that it is historically correct and it has NEVER been contradicted by any archeological discovery. It is not like other religious texts. Like it or not, it is also chok FULL of fulfilled prophecy. The bible alone among religious texts can claim these things. Disprove these things and THEN you'll have something! ; )

Answer 3

We should question all things like this. Some seem to find just what they want - "God is going to save me from..........." - and then ignore anything that would disturb that. When someone becomes that comfortable in their beliefs and never challenges them to make sure they are strong, you get what we have here. People who quote verses their pastor gave them... or what they heard on the 700 Club (I think this one should be banned). What really surprises me is that the Jews wrote the largest portion of the Bible (Luke was a Greek - taking for granted it was actually Luke that wrote that one). If you ask a Jew about the stories in the Old Test, most will say "The Torah is the Law/Instruction which JEWS (ONLY JEWS) are supposed to live by - the rest is commentary." Gentiles were not under that law to begin with... So I'm not sure how the culture it came from says it's just stories (Noah's flood, etc) and then a people not from that culture says it's Absolute Truth, Literal, etc...

But then I've noticed there's a lot of Pagans that do this with our own writings out there (nothing like the Bible.... but there's plenty out there). And some are doing it to the point that they claim all of these Pagan Gods/Goddess are Absolute Truth, trying to combat Christianity. And it's to the point they don't challenge their own beliefs either... they just want the fight. lol Seems very few of us Theists actually challenge our beliefs in an honest way.

Answer 4

It is a moot point, if person has quest for knowledge and understanding when he has a close mind for the knowledge he is seeking. The Bible must be read with a open heart. I believe if you asked questions about anything trying dispute it contents or its believers why do we have to understand you, when you do not understand us. Why ask questions about something you do not believe in. You believe the Bible Text is fiction, why ask questions when answers are not accepted but always challenged. Believe you have a right to be a atheist, and I have a right to be Christian.

Answer 5

Christians should be able and willing to respond to your questions about the Bible. But, what often happens is that the Bible is slammed by athiests as being rediculous or obvious fiction, when it's the most cherished book in history. There are hundreds of millions who do not find it filled with obvious contradiction. So, if you can be respectful, we can respectfully dialogue with you.

For example, a couple of days ago, you wrote a question about "Why does God have to take a day to rest?" in regards to creation. Instead of just writing your question, you attached a derrogatory remark, calling the prayers of Christians, "
gobbledy-goo."

Let's make a deal: We'll be more open to your questions, and you be more respectful in the way that you word them. Sound good?

Answer 6

there's a marked distinction between the ten commandments and something of the old testomony rules. the ten commandments have been written by way of the finger of God and located in the ark of the covenant. they are God's everlasting and unchanging rules. something of the guidelines have been given verbally to Moses and have been written down by way of the hand of guy. They have been stored outdoors of the ark of the covenant. They have been rules given for our good on an identical time as living in this worldwide yet are actually not of an identical magnitude. nutritional rules working example, must be stored in case you elect to stay a happy and healthy existence. in case you spot, just about all the regulations comprise animals that are the two backside feeders or scavengers and are general to hold illness. I seldom consume unclean meats inspite of the undeniable fact that it particularly is an argument of expertise of right and incorrect. Others of those rules in contact the guidelines of sacrifice which upon the loss of life of Christ on the bypass are not to any extent further suited. it is an rather short attempt at explaining an rather complicated undertaking yet i'm hoping it helped a minimum of slightly.

Answer 7

Steve - by that logic a "true" creationist wouldn't ask questions about evolution, right?

Edit: Steve I don't know what kids learn in bologia classes, is that an Italian thing?

Seriously, though, you didn't actually address my point. You don't believe in evolution yet you are more than willing to talk about it. All I'm saying is that atheists don't believe in God, which doesn't mean they aren't interested in what other people do believe, or in people in general. Often there is an agenda, yes, but in always taking the defensive position - if not the offensive - how can you expect people to take you seriously? You can't control what anyone else writes or thinks, but you do control how you choose to interpret things and react to them.

I think all Brother Moo is asking for is not to be slammed when he asks perfectly reasonable questions.

Answer 8

I'm not sure why some Christians lack that understanding - perhaps because not all who profess to be Christians have studied God's Word for themselves. We are, after all, only human.

1 Peter 3:15, 16 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

So if you are conversing with a person who says they are Christian and they aren't answering your questions seriously, then ask them about 1 Peter 3:15. :)

When I see questions (serious ones, not repulsive, offensive, inappropriate ones) then I answer as best I am able.

Blessings, Gypsy Queen

Answer 9

Why do Atheists ask questions about something they categorically state is false? How many Atheists question those who are into the occult, witchcraft, or Satanism? Atheists question Christians, because like all humans they know deep down inside God exists, and I believe they are trying to justify or convince themselves, they've made the right decision, rather than convince Christians we are foolish for believing in God. Their questioning is proof they are not 100% sure. Hopefully their questions will lead to repentance and a change of heart.

Answer 10

Many Christians are frustrated and honestly offended by the type of insulting questions that many atheist ask, however your question is very polite and honest.

As you state, it is important to quest for knowledge and understanding, especially so with the Holy Bible. If the Bible therefore, as you state is fiction, then it should be easy for everyone to understand, however, the Bible is not fiction, rather written by human hands, inspired by God.

It's also interesting to note that if I asked you to write a portion of a health cook book with other contributors, we would eventually end up with many different opinions and interruptions. The Word of God has 40 authors to wrote over a period of 1,500 years, to which none of it contradicts, unlike the cook book.

How can that be? God. To understand God's book, the Bible, we must pray for understanding, so that God will reveal these truths to the reader. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2 the following:

10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,

“Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?”

But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."

That's why the Bible is and will continue to be only fiction to the atheistic mind. Search it with an open mind, and only then will you see its truths - do you have the courage to take on the challenge, I dare you!