If rational thought and faith are diametrically opposed, why are not all tenants of the Bible followed?

Question

The so called new covenant is something of an invention of the church. Did Jesus not say that he didn't come to overrule the old ways but to bring the people back to them? The Bible and the commandents quite clearly command you to sacrifice the first born male be it human or animal. If you have not done so, is it because either A) you are ignorant of your own bible and rely on the authority of the church to tell you what to do? or B) You are aware of this scriptural doctrine but have choosen, of your own free will to ignore it, thus deciding that your morality and ethical choices trump Gods? or C) something else? please elaborate.

Please provide scriptural reference if you wish to refute my claim that the second covenant does exist and does overrule the 10 commandments (of which, human sacrifice is one of them).

Answer 1

The early Church struggled with this as well. They decided that Gentiles weren't bound by all of the Old Testament commands that were given to the Jews.

It didn't mean that they could do as they pleased...but commands like not wearing clothing woven of different kinds of fabrics and not eating certain foods didn't apply.

They talk about it in Acts 15
Acts15:5 - Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

Acts15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Answer 2

Well, for one thing, I don't think that faith and rational thought are diametrically opposed. Regardless, the answer is C), but you are oversimplifying the problem. Faith and rational thought are both more complex than just creating a simple dichotomy and asking which is which. The Bible is a "living" text that is too complex to break down into little components, although Lord knows tons of Christians do it, and try to explain the problems of the world through little bits and pieces outside their original context. Even if you could, you are misquoting the Bible and taking verses out of context and attempting to answer a question. It doesn't work that way. You can't take two pieces from a jigsaw puzzle and try to fit them into a crossword.

That said, I think you make a good point about one thing: some people are too prone to take the word of preachers and churches, and don't take the time to discover scriptures for themselves. The truth of the matter, however, is that many people are too ignorant to do it, especially when you consider the many contexts that have to be understood to get the full message. I don't hold that against them, though. The same holds true often for non-believers trying to argue against us.

Answer 3

Because all those tenants are dead,and I do not have a teleportation device.Jesus did not say that.The Old Covenant was a foreshadowing of the New Covenant which is explained in Hebrews.Grace is the ultimate expression of the Law.Legalism is not a part of true Christianity.You are a pretty ignorant fellow.

Answer 4

You have asked people for an essay, not an answer. Further it is difficult to see how your intial assertion is related to your subsequent questions, and the juxtaposition of the intial and subsequent questions seems to indicate that you are trying to make a point rather than ask a question. In terms of your initial question, is it your assumption that rational thought and faith are diametrically opposed? If so, this is not self evident. Is that your question? Are rational thought and faith opposed? As far as why all the tenants of Bible are not followed by Christians, it is because, like most religions, most Christians have a nunaced way of understanding the authority of the Bible and its interpretation. Further, the existence of the Church preceded the existence of the scriptures, as we now have know them, and many Christians see the Church as possesed of a charism of authority in regards to the interpretation of the Bible. The ultimate reference point for authority in regards to the interpretation of the Bible for most orthodox Christians is not the texts of the Bible, but the revelation of God in Christ. This revelation determines the meaning and interpretation of the biblical testimony and what principles derived from the scriptures are normative for one's relationship to the revelation of God in Christ. Further, instead of asking a cluster of questions, it might be more helpful for you to prioritize your questions and ask them one by one, it will not only help those who take the time to answer your questions, but it also save you from the appearance of demagoguery.

Answer 5

Rational thought and faith aren't opposed. That's a rather arrogant statement to make. Yes, Jesus came to add on, not subtract.
You need to recall the purpose of sacrifices - atonement for sins. And the purpose for JC's sacrifice? The ultimate atonement for sins. Therefor - we don't have to sacrifice anymore. Jesus, the perfect man, equated the scales that Adam, the once perfect man turned imperfect by action, created.

WHY DON'T YOU PROVIDE SCRIPTURAL PROOF THAT GOD EVER REQUIRED HUMAN SACRIFICE. The only human sacrifice I've ever encountered was that of Jesus.

The notion....demanding scriptural proof when you provide none for your own statements. Hypocrisy if I've ever heard of it.

Answer 6

This is a very good question. Children who curse their parents are also required to be stoned to death. They do seem to deal with avoiding following these tenets by relying on the old New Covenant fallacy.

Answer 7

Who are the tenants of the Bible. I didn't kow it had apartments!

Answer 8

I didn't know the Bible had tenants. Where do they live?