If you've read the Bible, would you consider reading other books of different faiths to educate yourself?

Question

Like, when in school (assuming you went) you didn't follow just one book on Math but read several right?
The question is about educating yourself about what goes on around outside your faith.

I used a Math book as an example related to a learning tool for those who can not figure that out.

We live in a world where the Bible is such a powerful book which give definition to the Christian faith yet as we all know many faiths exist with many powerful spiritual books.

I've personally have read books of faith other than the Bible and am better spiritually because of it.

Answer 1

That is an excellent idea.

However, how many of those who claim to be christians and answer your question have even read the Bible?

That is the problem and the paradox.

There has never been more access to sacred scripture than ever before, but so many seem happy not to read. In part, it is why some answerers are so fanatical and simplistic in their answers- because they try to hide their deliberate and willing ignorance.

That is not faith, it is simply laziness.

Answer 2

I've read the bible and over a twenty year period I've studied other "religions" books as well. The other religions' books make no sense to me. My philosophy professor is from India, and she gave me a book on the hindu religion which I read. However, I couldn't make sense of it, so I gave it back to her and told her so. She said alot of people have that same response and rightly so. Don't get me wrong; Indian culture is fascinating, and their people are so very cool. I just don't understand their religion. My family physician is from India. He's an extremely intelligent man, but he's now a Christian. When I asked him why the switch, he said that the Christian faith has one god, whereas the Hindu religion has more gods than they have towns and villages. That and he said the Christian faith, in light of current world events, makes more sense to him. I just wish that religious differences wouldn't be so divisive among humanity, but it is impossible that all religions are both legitimate and relevant. It's sort of like that old TV show, "Highlander; The series" with Adrian Paul, when they say, "There can be only one". Not ALL religions are true, and only one can get to God. Now which one will it be? Why is this so hard for people to get their minds around this?

Answer 3

Of course. Knowledge is the key to everything. You gather as much information as you can to make an educated decision. Faith shouldn't be accepted blindly, but put to the test. However, in all my travels in many books and churches, I still conclude that the Bible is still the best source of information and a good guide to live my life by.

Answer 4

If you read the Bible just to educate yourself is different from believing in every word written in it and living in its command or principles.

If you read Quran or other religion scripture, its up to you if you what to educate, or to know about it, or you you will live its principle.

As for me, the principles in the Bible is to keep peace and order for everyone. If you look back the history or USA laws (if you are an American) its based in the Bible because it promotes peace and order.

Good luck! :)

Answer 5

Paul and James did not disagree; they are in basic terms writing from different viewpoints. What you're seeing interior the Scriptures that look contradictory are easily cases the position human writers, guided through the Holy Spirit, are also seeing one situation from 2 different angles. God does no longer desire a faith this is empty and hypocritical. James 2 is speaking about those who "say" that they trust yet do not have any works. therefore, human beings won't be able to tell in the adventure that they are actual believers or no longer, because there is not any fruit. that form of a faith is ineffective and is no longer a saving faith. actual faith leads to actual works. In Matthew 19:16-17, Jesus replaced into talking to a criminal professional who replaced into self-righteous and tried to placed Him to the try (see also Luke 10:25). He requested what he could do with a view to get carry of eternal life and Jesus replied with the criteria of protecting the commandments. If someone keeps all the commandments, it would look that they could get carry of eternal life. besides the indisputable fact that, no human being can keep all the commandments completely; atonment is continually necessary, or maybe then it genuinely "covers" the sin -- which nonetheless remains. therefore, Jesus' comments coach the guy that justification can genuinely be through faith. for this reason Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved through grace by faith. also, Romans 3:20-28 and Galatians 2:16 tells us that no human being is justified interior the sight of God through the regulation; this is, through the works that he can do. there is not any contradiction in any respect when we analyze the context of what each and each and every guy is affirming. we are justified through faith yet that faith could be ALIVE (James 2). The regulation (with consists of works) obviously won't be able to shop us (Matthew 19:16-17). therefore, salvation is through grace by faith. p.s. -- a suggestions be it from me to call you a liar. I have not discovered you to be a liar in any of your questions. EDIT: (((((((shown Atheist))))))) We disagree, yet it really is superb.

Answer 6

I've thought that for years!!. I think it should be a part of school, to take maybe a week to explore different religions to see what they beieve, some traditions they practice. Religion is such a big part of the world. Just like we learned about democracy, communism, etc.

Answer 7

I have read much of the Bible and the entire Quran although I don't believe in them and I did that to educate myself about what other people believe, not in order to search for truth. The Quran was easier to read for me, that's why I read it completely and the Bible only in part.

Answer 8

Yes, and as then bible itself is a compilation of different religons there such be no problems reading other holy books.

Answer 9

did that already...but the Bible still tops it...it is the only religion that offers forgiveness of sins and hope for the future...but its very condescending of you to think anyone who is a Christian must not be educated of the world around them...it is also very narrow mind for person who seems to want to open the minds of others...why don't you try reading some...

Answer 10

I think its a great idea and i did it myself but its not always about the reading its about the understanding of what each book has and sometimes you can compare them and see that they share some points