Do you think it's cowardly to hide behind biblical quotes?

Question

I do. Especially when some ask questions about whether those of us who either believe in a different form of god or no god at all will go to hell and then follow it up with biblical quotes rather than answering their own question. I'd rather get a straight forward 'You're going to hell' or 'You won't get into heaven' than the quotes. Stop hiding your judgment! All thoughts welcome. Namaste.

I'm a Buddhist, so I really don't like to quote to the Buddha to back up what I'm talking about. I write from my own assimilated knowledge.

It's all well and good that I'll turn or burn but I'm not a 'brother', I'm a woman.

Answer 1

lol

I am well aware I am the target of this particular question.

First, there seems to be no point in asking a question if I am going to provide the answer.

Second, asking a question can be thought-provoking for those who read it (consider Socrates).

Third, the quotes I've provided seem to me to be "details" relevant to the question I've asked.

Fourth, I've been called (by people here) an Atheist, a Christian, and lately a Jew. Take your pick, as I do not identify myself with any of these labels.

Finally, if you choose to feel judged, why project your choice on me? I've asked a question. Many do not feel judged by that. That you do speaks of what is happening within you, not within me.

I will add this final thought on this subject. I am glad if my questions have given you cause to think. That is but one of the purposes behind my questions. Personally, I think modern Christianity has almost totally corrupted the teachings of Jesus. It is not the fault of modern humans. The corruption began a long time ago, and many who follow down that path have simply accepted what they were tuaght by others who also followed this path because this is what they were taught.

It is a shame more Christians do not simply take the words of Jesus at face value and apply themselves to live as he taught, rather than parsing his words so as to find every angle they can to avoid following in his footsteps. Jesus was a remarkable man, and living in accordance with his instructions can be quite liberating and inspires love and compassion for others.

To follow in his footsteps takes great courage. The cowards are the CINOs (Christian in name only) who read his words and ignore them.

All I have has been given me out of respect and love for what I have to offer. All I have to offer is Love and an understanding of what Love is and how to share it: selflessly.

In this, I validate the passage of scripture I've quoted.

For it is Love which unites us, and it is Love which makes us whole.

Love is God, for those who have eyes to see.

Answer 2

Who's hiding? What's cowardly about quoting from source material to answer a question? If someone asked you what is the theory of evolution, wouldn't you go to a book by the author of the theory and quote it? After all, chances are the bloke who thought it up has expressed it far more eloquently and thoroughly than you or I could. So if someone asks a question about God, we go to God's word and quote from his book. Simple.

Anyway, all this black or white, right or wrong, heaven or hell stuff is pretty boring, don't you think? If everybody just said, yes or no, or gave a one line answer to a question, we'd all be bored rigid. Much more fun to get down to the nitty gritty and dig up a whole shed-load of arguments and toss ideas around. Isn't that why we visit this site? To sharpen the old grey matter?

Sorry I can't come up with judgements, though. That's God's prerogative, not yours or mines. Oh, and next time you ask a question, don't beat around the bush! LOL.

Answer 3

I guess you have to consider the persons reasoning for using the quotes. Most people, myself included are quite ignorant when it comes to the bible. Unless someone is a biblical scholar, they do not really know what was meant by a specific quote from the bible.

What most of us fail to realize is that the bible was written by people that were very very different from us. The people who wrote the bible not only lived many centuries before us, they lived on another continent. They never imagined us and could never imagine our way of life, the technology, the changes. They believed that the "parousia" or the return of Christ was going to happen during their life time.

What people fail to realize is the context in which parts of the Bible were written. They were facing problems far different from the problems we are/were facing. The Bible in many ways is irrelevant to our times, but we take from it what we can and attempt to make it relevant for us. We find the lessons that are in the text.

So, I do not believe it is cowardly. They are only doing what they know. Unfortunately, most churches do not teach about the genres of the bible and the historical context from which they were written.

Answer 4

People pull out their self defense the way they were trained to. Bible quotes are the missiles of their defense. Personally, I have seen true hatred spouted by Bible toting, Bible spewing, well meaning Christians. I'm not bashing, just telling it like it really is. No political correctness here. They truly mean well, they just don't know what they are doing. I mean, why are lovers of God so militant anyway? They haven't a clue. They are taught no respect for others religion or lack of. True freedom gives us the choice to choose any and all we want in our lives. And to not have what we do not want forced on us. Peace and Love

Answer 5

Sorry for not having your question answered...but we are not all racists. I believe the problem with society" is this illegal immigration issue....my ancestors came here in the 1920's from Italy, the legal way, as did many millions more. What your wife did, by marrying you, was not wrong. We "Legal" Americans have a problem with all the "ILLEGALS" who are coming into this country by sneaking over our borders any way they can...we, as a whole country, are not equipped to handle the influx of these people, mostly from Mexico. It is draining our system and our resources. When 12-20 million people do not pay taxes or help in building the economy and use our services, that is draining our system. Americans are tired of carrying the burden....by marrying an American, your wife should feel no guilt. Please don't call most of us racists...it is not directed personally against you or people who are in the same situation as you....I hope you are both happy and she appreciates being in this country. We are not against Europeans ....... most immigrants are from Europe and now citizens, as were my ancestors....I am against ILLEGALS SNEAKING INTO THIS COUNTRY AND USING AMERICAN TAXPAYERS TO PROSPER AND RAISE THEIR FAMILIES AND SENDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BACK TO MEXICO....LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE.....GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Answer 6

Since no body has straight answers to such questions, its not wrong to quote some source or other. We do not fully understand the full import of all that the different religious books have to offer. You are being presented with the view that they think will help you. You want all the answers on a platter but its not easy. Use your own judgement.......Namskar.

Answer 7

It often shows a lack of thought and an attempt to speak for God thus increasing the power of their own words.

It's usually used on here as a way of saying:

"...and if you don't believe me, this is what God says - so there, I'm right and you're wrong"

Answer 8

People that like to quote the Bible often are usually fanatics, and we all know that fanatics are blind to anything different to what they believe, dont pay attention to them. Have you ever heard a police officer that stopped you for speeding quoting the law word by word? NO, he stops you, tells you that you were doing XX mph in a zone that is YY mph, and gives you the ticket.

Answer 9

I strongly disagree with you. While I do not believe in the common concept of "hellfire" to say that we should simply judge someone based on our own standards and beliefs is, with all due respect, ridiculous. By quoting scripture we are pointing to God as judge and not ourselves. Jesus advised us to "judge not lest you not be judged" and that by "the same measuring stick you are using on others you yourself will be measured." I can say this or that is a sin, but I am not the one to pass ultimate judgment.

That said, how many Judges are you aware of who will reach a verdict or pass sentence on an accused criminal based on his own beliefs. They follow the written law of the land no matter how they feel about something personally.

I hope that helps you.

Answer 10

I think it is ..

unknowingly ..
Fear to be wrong .. and just might be it is my profision .. to set behind the screen and keeps telling quotes from any book ... that i told to say from it only .. means a job that i acquire money for it ..


Did you thought about that ??

Anyway .. Your believings respected .. and only God can judge you and me ..

Have a good day ..
Good luck ..
..