Is this another "contradiction" or "hypocrisy" among christians?

Question

I read here ALL THE TIME (in fact, someone just said it in my last question from a few moments ago) that if you don't believe in the bible, then you cannot understand it. You'll only see false things, and things you want to see, but its meaning will escape you...(and so on).

Well, it's an interesting thought.

But, unfortunately then, it means that christians who believe in the bible will not understand any of the OTHER cult books. The only cult book they can understand is the bible, because that's the one they believe in!!

So, WHY DO CHRISTIANS CRITICIZE THE OTHER BOOKS (Quran, etc), when they clearly don't believe in them, and therefore cannot understand them? (Hey, this is using their own logic!)

HMMM???

Is it more of the same double-speak/hypocrisy?

Answer 1

i think you might be talking about self-brainwashing.

theres someone named MuariceH (i beleive) that is a big proponent of this. basically its convincing yourself that god exists or the bible is 100% fact....then, after youve done that, amazingly realizing that the bible is 100% fact!

its like closing your eyes, walking into a room then telling yourself that youre going to magically transport yourself into that same room. when you open your eyes....WOW! you did it. you DO have magical powers.

its sort of the same thing.

so basically you have to force yourself to beleive that god exists and the bible is true before you can realize that god exists and the bible is true.

its VERY VERY common amongst christians.

and its called....self-brainwashing.

Answer 2

I have read all the answers for Christianity, though thought full, they concrete the point of the asker. We answer by saying only we can understand the bible. That is exactly the askers point! I answer, a child cannot understand fully the daily newspaper, but he can get the "gist" of the story. If one reads a bible, they must be told that the old testament is mostly history and prophesy, the new testament starts with the first 4 books being the life of Jesus. The rest is doctrine. That said, I have studied the mainstream religions, and some others. Most have wise sayings, and I find some of them interesting, but only one book answers the hard questions. If you are the opened minded person you claim then post this question after reading on at least 5 religions. I think most will find that they are to busy to take the challenge and continue to return to their own vomit.

Answer 3

A very good point, most don't understand the other religions, I myself do not totally understand the other religions though I know a little bit about few other religions I don't know it all obviously. But I don't tell people that their religion is wrong becuase I don't fully understand their religion, I'll say that I don't believe their religion but I won't say that it's wrong for sure because no one knows for sure. But you also can't say that there is no God because you really can't totally disprove God either. But I think we can understand other books most people just choose not to. But yes it is hypocritical but also I'd venture to say that most people are hypocritical in some way and also Christians aren't perfect so ALL Christians are hypocritical including myself because the Bible has so many guidelines that in total it guides us to be perfect. We won't be condemned to hell but that doesn't make it ok that we messed up. We should still strive to be our best. That is what I have to say about the hypocrisy thing, I know I sort of strayed to a different aspect of hypocrisy so I'm sorry if you're annoyed by that. anyways, I hope this helped or something

Answer 4

You can understand the natural things the Bible talks about but you cannot understand the spiritual things because you are not spiritual. How could you? I cannot understand the things of the Koran or other religious writings because I am a Christian and believe the Bible. When one believes the Bible they are very logical and the other religious books are not logical so one cannot understand them. The same goes for you atheists and your books on astrology, spontaneous combustion and the continual breaking of the second law of thermodynamics. I just don't understand your books but I do read them and find entertainment.

Answer 5

Christians believe that God who inspired the writing of the Bible will inpire Christians who have received the Holy Spirit to understand the true meaning of the Bible. That's the theory - same Holy Spirit inspiring the writing and the reading.

Christians do not believe that other books are inspired by God. However, they do believe that since God has created all things and all people, they will have some marks of God about them. Thus if there is anything good or of God in other books, Christians believe that God will enable them to recognize these marks of God. That is why Pope John Paull II kissed a copy of the Koran; not because he thought it was inspired scripture, but because it spoke of the one true God. Christians will point out when those books do not speak correctly about God, but will praise when those books do contain elements of truth.

Answer 6

Thats a great objection but you have to understand what gives the Christian the ability to recieve Gods revelation. Gods truths are learned, they are revealed. But in recieving Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, that gives many of us an ability to discern good from evil. Therefore when we read something from the world whether it is MTV or the Quran, we can see it for what it is when others are duped by it not having a problem with its content.

So in short, the Holy Spirit is able to point out Gods truth as well as reveal falsehood in other teachings that dont measure up to Christ.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. -2 Corinthians 10:5

Answer 7

Sorry this ruffles your feathers so much. God is the one who says that you will not understand the Bible without the veil being removed from your eyes by the Holy Spirit. Other cult books do not require a special insight from a Heavenly source. Personally I don't read cult books. It is OK for everyone else to criticize books but not Christians to speak their minds?

Answer 8

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

WHAT are you saying ? ? ?

That God doesn't understand cult books or the Koran?

If you want to limit yourself to mere logic you have done an abysmal job of it !

You show gross ignorance of what you criticise or else you are severely lacking in the reasoning department.

Consider also,
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.


True Christianity is revelation from God as the Bible clearly teaches. You cannot just decide to be a Christian nor understand with your mind alone and reason it all out. That is a very basic and fundamental error.

It is all about a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

You cannot manipulate God, nor are you cleverer than Him as you appear to suggest.

Christ plainly said that these things are hidden from the wise and clever and proud.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Maybe you should rather approach God with humility.

Answer 9

You are deliberately mis-quoting Christians.

Christians will tell you that you need the Holy Spirit to understand Scripture. You get the Holy Spirit through Faith in Christ.

Timothy 3:16 "All scripture comes from God....." and is good for education. The Holy Bible is good for Salvation.

Answer 10

"SELF Brainwashing" is a interesting topic because it affects not only the religious but the non-religious as well. Classic example Mien Kauf by A Hitler it brainwashed an entire nation. Of Mao's book for Communism. Charles Darwin.

The problem is not "Self Brain washing it is what you choose to "Wash" your brain with....

Answer 11

You can read the Bible and understand it.. you just won't get the full meaning unless you study it and pray about it.. and then do it all over again...

some of it is just history, some of it is teachings from Jesus.. the history is pretty easy to understand but not the teachings of Jesus because they were meant for His Disciples and not for non-believers.