Ok, so my family and I are Catholic. But, a couple of years ago we stopped going to church. Now, my mom says I should believe in God more and read the Bible. This might sound bad but, I tried reading it and cant get into it. I understand it, but I just dont take an intrest in reading it. Should I believe in God more and try harder to read the bible?
2007-05-22 15:41:46 · 21 answers · asked by Jessika 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hey, give it a try...whats the worst that can happen by rading the bible?
Why not give it a shot ?
2007-05-22 15:45:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, to best answer your question. I was told the same thing from other people and family. I'm a Catholic and I don't go to church. There is a difference to go to church and reading the bible. Reading the bible is for you own self knowledge. Maybe if you need prayer. I may suggest reading Book of Psalms.. Many will tell you what chapter to read and all the other stuff. That will come along the way, if you are holding any interest. I find this normal.
If you do want to go to church, go to church for yourself. Not to please God, and your peers. Read the bible for yourself, not to please God and your peers. The testements in the bible can be vague sometimes because you may not be familiar with certain words. Although, Bible School... (I've been there LOL.) They can teach you meanings, but seek the truth from yourself, also. Not from others. That can help you get wise in life.
The purpose of the bible to give you a better understanding of living in this world. Not to control your thoughts or anything.
This world is not perfect, and god understands we're no angels. The bible can give a sense of free will, but as long as you don't inflict harm among others. Good Luck and god bless.
2007-05-22 23:02:50 · answer #2 · answered by anarchy0029 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do some volunteer works of Catholics that helps the poor and the needy. Maybe you will be able to find how it is to be a child of God. The Bible is like a book in school that gives you the informations you need for your journey through life. It may only be interesting to you when proper time comes in your head to answer some questions about yourself. Do not force yourself into it if you are not ready.
Going to church may help you with your social interactions with people. You have to look into it not so much as an obligation but an act of love.
It is not true that you understand the Bible otherwise, you will love reading it. You read and learned but you did not understand. It is easy to gain wisdom in reading the Bible but understanding it may be a costly endeavour.
2007-05-22 23:11:10 · answer #3 · answered by Rallie Florencio C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not like forced to read the bible every single day. But. try to read as much as u can, like a verse a day, how long is that going to take? 1 min. That's it. I'm a Christian and I have a strict religious family and it's also stress for me. I don't read the bible for like 3 hours every single day. I pray and try to interpret the Bible, but not too intense. It depends on the individual. I would say. But religion is important. Being a Catholic doesn't mean like oo.....you have to read the bible everyday and pray like twice a day, so what if u miss one prayer. does that mean you're a sinner. NO. You just have to believe in Him and love Him. That's all. (I talk too much) anyway....good luck to you and God Bless You!!!
2007-05-22 22:49:36 · answer #4 · answered by Ashley L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get one of the Bibles that take you through a year in scripture or one written as a chapter book. Don't worry how long it takes. Just read as much as you can. I think you will find several things you want to reflect on before you move on. I found the story of Noah fascinating.
You can believe without going to church, but the interaction my help get your momentum going. I believe and don't always feel I need church, but I would like to participate in mission projects. Good luck.
2007-05-22 22:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's really up to you. What I can tell you is to never stop learning. I DO think it's a good idea to read the bible... and I'm not a Christian.
It's ok to reserve your decision until you have more information, but it's NOT ok to stop looking for the information that you need.
Don't feel pressured to believe anything that you have doubts about, and don't take anyone else's word for it. You may never find the answers that you're looking for, but you'll learn a lot in the process, and you'll be a better person for it.
Good luck!
2007-05-22 22:48:52 · answer #6 · answered by marbledog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely YES. Doing these will help you become more atuned to the Holy Spirit and help you grow as a Christian. You will probably get a new network of fellow believers for friends who will be a blessing in many ways and will help you grow as a Christian.
You should get a modern bible like the NIV. The King James version is like reading Shakespeare.
2007-05-22 23:01:15 · answer #7 · answered by Stratobratster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would it help to know that 'believing in God more & reading the Bible more' aren't something that YOU DO?
The Bible is God's Word for you. If some secret admirer sent you a book written just for you, wouldn't you be dying to know what it says? Maybe the reason that you're 'can't get into it' is because you've been told you are responsible for your relationship with God & you haven't been taught how to apply it to yourself.
God established His relationship with you at your Baptism by connecting you to Christ Jesus in His death & resurrection. He wants to maintain it by your hearing, reading, studying of His Word. Try reading the Gospel of John first. The Church is supposed to be there to help you in this, so it is important to find a church. Here's what Lutherans believe: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=522. Find a church & a pastor here: http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/locators/nchurches/church.asp. In short, you are saved by God's Grace Alone, Through Faith in Jesus Christ Alone, as written in Scripture Alone.
God wants to love you through His Scriptures. Will you allow Him to?
2007-05-22 23:00:52 · answer #8 · answered by Sakurachan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, try reading Proverbs slowly, then go from there. Church is like any other business, any church. If church makes you uncomfortable, don't go. The spirit is with you always, and if you are aware, every day is clearly blessed. Really, look around, how can the spirit not be present. acknowledgment is the key.
2007-05-22 23:08:35 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
reading just the Bible is tough going. It helps to know the rest of the history, differing information from translations and so on. I'd suggest Asimov's guide to the Bible as a place to start.
2007-05-22 23:03:13 · answer #10 · answered by Brian 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will find it much easier to read the Bible if you have a Daily Devotional. Read the devotional message for the day and the Bible verse that it is referring to. It will teach you how to use that verse for life application. If you would like to have a Daily Devotional sent to you, In Touch Ministries will e-mail you one every day.
http://www.intouch.org
2007-05-22 22:54:25 · answer #11 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋