Just want to throw this out there?

Question

Who here respects the person as well as the belief of Christians who admit their Bible is no more perfect than any other sacred text? And that that is okay, and they have every right to believe in God anyway?

Because I do. But some of the people that have been answering my questions seem either in denial of reality or confused.

The Bible does NOT need to be perfect, if it helps you find God that's all that matters.

Why is it so important to people that it be "infallible"?

Fireball, do you understand what "sacred" means? lol

Atticus, if you believe that God can be found in other ways, I wasn't referring to you.

RB: "The problem though is if one part is false, how can you trust any other part."
You can't trust any part to be infallible. But the important themes of the Bible will get through, so what difference does it make?

Skyhawk, not sure what you're talking about. I'm not a Christian.

Answer 1

I give those people the utmost respect! As long as they can respect me for not being Christian!

Answer 2

I respect others beliefs - really, if your religion is good for you, well then, good for you. I lose that respect when people turn a blind eye to the contradictions and falsehoods within that text - of course, the bible (as well as other sacred texts) have some good lessons to teach - but that does not mean that we should take it literally in all cases.

I do tend (and I think most people on R&S do) to get a bit cranky when someone ignores facts and just spouts off a bunch of bull. At times, I have been known to lash out at such people - mea culpa.

Some people are very black and white in terms of their outlook on the world. I don't know if they were born this way, or if it developed due to life experience, but for some, they must believe that the religion, and religious texts with it, are infallible. Usually, when that happens, all rational thought goes out the window with it.

EDIT - as for Fireball's comment above - does that mean (to use aburd logic) if we put HOLY in front of the words Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster - that mean that this made up religious text suddenly becomes the infallable word of God (or, Flying Spaghetti Monster in this case)?

Answer 3

It seems that only so called Born Again Christians are of the notion that the Bible is infalible. Anyone who has read it can see that it has contradictions, but that doesn't make it less spiritual. The problem becomes not being able taking the Bible literally if it is fallible, so you make it behave in a way that suits the opinion you force on it. The book most certainly is fallible. We are also fallible. What isn't fallible is the Holy Ghost and his ability to help us understand the Bible even with it's shortcomings created by the errors of men.

Answer 4

I believe we should treat people with respect. You may not like them, like their opinions, or their religion, or their actions, but I believe everyone should be treated with respect. If you begin to make rules about who deserves respect, then we are going to infringe upon their rights. I don't like murderers or child abusers, but they are entitled to respect as human beings. Even if they receive life imprisonment or the death penalty, they should be treated respectfully.

Most of the problems with the Bible is caused by the Christians and their different denominations. Procedures for baptism (sprinkle, pour, or immerse, adult or infant) to have music or not, to meet on Saturday or Sunday, are just a few of the answers denominations do not agree on.

Is the Bible totally, 100% correct? Is our theories on evolution totally, 100% correct? We Christians cannot prove there is a God. Even if He came down from Heaven and appeared on Earth, there would still be unbelievers and doubters. On the other hand, evolution can not be completely proved. There are no witnesses from 100 million years ago. We are using our existing methods to present theories on how and when of everything. What will our experts say in 100 years when they look upon our primitive equipment and discoveries. They will say the same thing we say about the people in the past.

Everyone needs to quit arguing about who's right, and learn to accept each other. We have such a short time upon this earth. Let's set aside our differences and work on existing problems together.

Answer 5

The original was infallible.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
There may be some minor errors since man has translated, but you make a good point. The problem though is if one part is false, how can you trust any other part.

Answer 6

If the Bible is not creditable then God is not creditable. And personally I believe God is the same yesterday today and forever. People even in Christian circles to recognize sometimes dates are not as accurate in later copies due to copy error.

If the Bible is not true neither is your faith. How would one know what is right or wrong. One ether excepts God's word is true or they don't. it either totatly a lie or totally true. God's word will stand the test of time because God is the Alpha and the Omega.

Answer 7

The power of the true God. It's either all true....or it's not. The Word was in the beginning with God, and is God. He's perfect or not. If we believe Him, we must believe Him about everything....else why would we follow a liar, less than perfect god? And we know the Word that was with God in the beginning and is God.....is really the person known as Jesus. He is perfect. He couldn't be less than perfect for His sacrifice to be accepted by God on our behalf.

Answer 8

Well if it isn't divinely inspired:

-How do you pick out the good parts?
-What evidence do you have to believe those good parts?
-Why would you believe it over any other text?

The whole bases for faith is that it is. Otherwise you are just guessing out of your own mind at what is real and what isn't. And a wild guess has very little chance of being right.

This is why I always go with the best available evidence and why I am an atheist. There is no reason to believe stories with talking snakes.

Answer 9

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Interesting thing about this text. The word "ALL". Most thumpers want to say that the word scripture only refers to the writings approved by the "Diet of Worms"Germany in 1521. However at that assembly they considered choosing the works of Josephus. There were also many other Books and writings (scriptures) that were considered and rejected.

What I would like you to consider is that all writings are inspired in some way by God and may be useful even if they are not religious. Considering all the uses of writing even fiction can be useful if for nothing else instruction in reading.

Answer 10

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:19-21

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Answer 11

The bible was written by man throughout the years. Each one put their beliefs in the sacred book. It has been passed down through the years. Many do not believe in the Bible because it was written by man. Many do not believe in anything because they have no faith. You should focus only on yourself & your faith & don't think about those who deny religion or God. Don't bring yourself down to their level.