Why don't christians follow the entire bible?

Question

they pick and choose the parts they want to follow and ignore the parts they don't agree with yet tell everyone it is the word of god

Answer 1

Catholics do follow the whole Bible. But that's to be expected since the Bible is a Catholic book, compiled by Catholic bishops for the use of the Catholic Church, and as such cannot contain anything contrary to Catholic teaching. Protestants on the other hand have to ignore many parts of the Bible because in rejecting Catholic teaching they also reject biblical teaching. Many passages they reinterpret to fit with their novel beliefs, but some passages are just too straightforward to be misinterpreted (such as, "we are justified by works and not by faith alone" or "my flesh is real food, my blood real drink"), so those passages they just ignore.

Answer 2

I think you summed it up very well. What good is the word of God if one can arbitrarily interpret it as he or she chooses? It is a catch 22. If they follow it literally, the punishment for many offenses would be death. Certainly, most rational people would not accept that as a fitting punishment. Therefore, that puts the word of God into question. At the same time, if they can pick and choose what to follow, that makes the word of God insignificant.

Answer 3

Because, unlike other religions, they are in a (Western) tradition which encourages thought and analysis. They are therefore capable of realising that this stuff was written by men (just like the Coran and other religious texts) and are able, to some degree, to come to conclusions on their own as to the conduct of their lives ( keeping good moral standards etc), and adapting these good things to the modern world in which they live, rather than keep living as if the world sopped moving two thousand years ago.

Answer 4

Although we use the O.T. for some things, essentially, Jesus repeated and or given us the rest in N.T. Old Testament teaches about God, and how things lined up to the New Testament....we DO use the whole, but mostly for personal study, revelations, etc.,....The N.T. has the Holy Spirit introduced for all to have in their lives, and that is why most seem to use just "parts"....because the old blends with the new into a full relationship. :)


*what "horrible" things in N.T.?

Answer 5

When I point out all of the horrible rules in Leviticus, my Christian friend states that that was part of the old covenant, before Jesus. When I point out all of the horrible rules in the New Testament, she is at a loss. She claims not to pick and choose like *those weird Catholics* (her words, not mine) and yet I do not see her cutting off her hands or blinding herself.

Answer 6

Sky Pixie,
We are told in the New Testament that the "Old Law (Testament) is for our learning". When we become Christians we are to read, study, and teach the Gospel to others. The Old Testament is a wonderful History and it is very enlightening but it was written for those who lived in a different era. Have a wonderful day and a tremendous week.
Thanks,
Eds


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Answer 7

If some do, they are not abiding in His word- but if you are speaking about things that are in the law, you must know that we who are saved are not saved by the law, but by the grace of God, under a New Covenant with Jesus Christ.....

I pray to always obey His word- and I would never pick and choose what to believe for I know his entire word is truth- OT and NT, good for edification and salvation! God brings us the gospel through His word-- for faith comes from hearing, and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17)
His word is truth- James 1:22 says "Be doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves"

Answer 8

I agree...

I for one, do not believe the Bible should be interpreted in it's literal context...I believe it to be a guide book and a history book....

While inspired by God...it was written by human beings...who brought their own ideas, prejudices, customs and education into their writings...many times writing stories finally down, that had been passed down verbally for generations.

People do themselves a great disservice to try to interpret the Bible literally...and then end up being hypocrites...because they then explain away the verses that seem to deal with their own sins.

Answer 9

Its theologically incorrect, to say that we follow the Bible. It is best said that we follow Christ and the Holy Spirit, with whom the Bible reveal and upon those facts there is no debate.

Answer 10

Because we are in perilious times. At these times, men will be lovers of themselves and will look for preachers that will tingle their ears, preaching what they like and not what God's will is.