Quoting scripture as an answer instead of dialog.?

Question

I am a Christian, I read the Bible and I CHOOSE to believe what it says is true. It all comes down to faith. Faith that the Bible is what God said it is, His holy Word.

But let's face it, isn't it understandable how unbelievers could misconstrue or think the bible is a fairy tale or controdictory? I feel that if I defend the Bible to an unbeliever, I better know what I am talking about. I should be prepared to back it up with some words of substance instead of just quoting scripture randomly as that is just counterproductive and a turn off to most unbelievers. I don't think that we reach people when we quote scripture without our personal opinion and dialogue relating to that scripture. What say you?

Answer 1

I agree that we need to be honest and transparent with people; we are, after all, merely human. As such, we make mistakes, suffer, are confused, misinterpret and in general are woefully less than perfect. If we can not provide reasons for believing the scripture outside of the scripture, then we do them a disservice. After all, the scriptures became the scriptures precisely due to the need to give reasons for various things, and it could be argued that at the point the point the author wrote what he wrote, it was "outside the scripture."

I do not, for even a moment, recommend that a Christian's personal experience be allowed to trump or contradict scripture, but I do say that personal testimony, logic and reason in connection with scripture are powerful persuaders. We are commanded to use this method:
"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:" 1Pe 3:15

And it is this method which is part of the Christian's promised ability to overcome the devil:
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Rev 2:11

Having quoted scripture, let me do as you suggest. I have found that many objections are overcome by being able to reason since many people are of the opinion that we Christians are a bunch of unthinking ninnies. If we can show that we are able to grapple with important issues and show that we can think, we are in a much stronger position to provide personal, anecdotal evidence (our testimony) as to how this all plays out.

Hope this helps!

Tom

Answer 2

Fluffy dialog is pointless - we see that in the Islam debate. Always repeating facts will lead nowhere.

So it's absolutely necessary to add

The problem with adding opinion is the popular dismissal "That's your pov, but what about the truth? Not every Christians as open and intelligent as you." And they're right.

Let's face it: Few people care about faith.

I dunno if it's wise to prove the truth of the bible by quoting it. It's like giving a drowning man a glass of water.

They need to learn that faith is not about "This is a sin, and that as well" but the feeling, the connection to God.

First they have to feel the transcendence of belief, then they can embrace the scripture.

I remember talking to a Christian friend some time ago. She was reading a kind of encyclopedia on Christianity. She looked up, sighed and asked me, "If I don't know what that stuff means, should i worry about my religiosity?" I took the book, skimmed the pages. I knew almost everything. That's astonishing considering that I'm more or less an unbeliever.

So is faith about knowledge? I shouldn't think so, but believers need to know their business. Unless they have a fair knowledge of the practices and history, everything becomes distorted.

That's especially important when you want to introduce someone to the Lord's Word.

Answer 3

Yes, just spewing random chunks of scripture won't get you anywhere, but in a reasonable dialogue (assuming such is possible), with plenty of your own comments, it should work.
Consider a discussion of history instead. If I say to you King Henry did thus & so, & haul out 2 books/sources that show it, and then I add on that I think his motive was this, based on what I read, that would be a perfectly normal side of a discussion or even a debate. You have to watch your tone, of course, and pick the right words, especially in a religious discussion, as everyone is ready to take offense quickly.

Answer 4

I generally lean toward your view. A few clarifications might be in order, because people around here tend to read less carefully than one might hope. A verse (or any other quotation) out of context is only a problem if the use runs counter to its meaning in context. And we have to be careful about "reading one's own meaning," too--scripture is especially rich in material with more than one meaning. Citing scripture, even to those who don't regard it as authoritative, is entirely reasonable if the purpose is to explain something. I'd very much like to see more quotes from scripture by non-Christians. (Muslims, although in short supply around here, do sometimes favor us with quotes from Qur'an or hadith.) As for the anger, I get a bit annoyed on occasion when someone else argues foolishly, ignorantly, or unfairly. The population of trolls in this section is quite high--one example appeared only a few minutes ago. But I don't see that problem as specific to any particular group; Christians (particularly those with the style you describe) are frequent offenders. Respect and compassion are certainly values worth maintaining. "Equal ground," however, sounds like a soothing description of a nonsensical concept; I doubt anyone's ground here is equal to anyone else's.

Answer 5

As an Atheist, I get tired of reading scripture, but I do admit that for most people the bible is the final word in every discussion. Because of the contradictions and weaknesses in the bible, it's hard for us to take people seriously when they can't speak in anything but scripture.

Answer 6

I agree with Soulful Kris. I'm also an Athiest, and I love to get into thoughtful theological discussions. But when the pro-religion person can only say, "Well, the Bible says..." it sounds like the person hasn't really thought about *why* they believe the way that they do. It really becomes a case of blind faith, which is very dangerous, imho.

Answer 7

OK, I am willing to take on the challenge having been a believer until I read the bible.

Why do no manuscripts of the bible contain the story of jesus "sparing" the adulteress from stoning (John 8) until the middle ages?

The crucifixion of jesus occurs on two different days depending on which gospel you read. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all have him dying on the day of passover. John purposefully changed the day and time to the day of preparation for the passover (when the passover lambs are slaughtered in the temple the day before) to "tie-in" the concept of Jesus being the "lamb of god" - A phrase found only in John which was the last gospel written.

I'll start there. Feel free to respond to me, I will not belittle your belief but I will provide answer why I no longer believe

Answer 8

Yes, that would be nice. I've always been fascinated in what others think and why. It always saddens me when a discussion becomes a dogmatic exchange rather than one of personally held views.

What you believe matters. If it involves the proofs of St Thomas or the ideas of Josh McDowell, please bring your thoughts on these points. Don't just throw them or bible verses out as indisputable facts.

Off course, for atheist this also holds true. I do tire of the constant parroting of Dawkins or Scott Adams.

I know it will always be a minority on R&S, but the free thinkers here, theist and atheist alike, are why I come.

Thank for your thoughtful questions in the past, as well as this one.

Answer 9

Usually I could care less when people quote scripture. If it's not something I believe in, it's as useless as quoting a telephone book. Proven facts generally come across more comprehensible than abstract ideas.

Answer 10

Dear kaliko,

Unfortunately, God's word does not support your point. The Bible states, "So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Now Revelation 19:11 states: "11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

Jesus is the essence of faith because He is the only One who is faithful. Therefore, So then, Christ cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. If God is going to save someone, it will happen in the environment of hearing the word of God. Remember the thief on the cross? Remember the madman of Gadarra? How about Saul (Paul) when he was on the road to Damascus?

All of these were saved by Christ-by hearing the word of God.