Is there any way to question the bible *IN* context?

Question

Now, I know I'm not the smartest man around, but I don't think I've ever managed to ask a question about the bible and not have someone tell me that I'm taking it "out of context".
You'd think even a dummy like me would get it right once or twice out of pure chance....

Answer 1

No, there is no way to question or discuss the BIble in an objective fashion with someone who takes it literally and is unwilling to question anything about it. They just shut down. When I mention that there are actually other denominations of Christian and top notch Biblical scholars who interpret things differently they say those people are deluded to the truth and not real Christians. Many people decide what they want to believe based on emotion or indoctrination and then close themselve off to information that threatens the belief.

Answer 2

Yes, you can certainly question the Bible in context. No matter what you decide to believe, there will always be something about it that raises question. Even atheism-- how did the world come to be?? Through evolution?? I have trouble believing that things went from simple and disorganized, to complex and organized without any help. I've never seen anything do that before, so I have no reason to believe that anything would do that, ever. If I chose to believe in atheism, then, I would have faith that that happened even though I cant imagine how or explain why.

Its the same with Christianity. Yes, it is quite possible to take the Bible out of context (especially since it was written in A. another language and B. in a totally different culture). But there are some things in the Bible that are simply hard to believe. Thats why the Bible puts such a strong emphasis on the importance of faith. Does faith mean believing without having any reason to do so? In some cases, maybe (like having faith that things went from simple to complex without help, for atheists, or believing that God parted the red sea, etc for Christians). But to many questions, there are answers. So seek answers, and don't take "out of context" for one, unless the person giving you that answer explains why.

By the way, questioning something doesnt necessarily mean you lack faith in it. A question that you ask, look into and find an answer for builds faith.

Hope that that helps. =)

Answer 3

The greatest statement to come out of the concept of logical fallacies is: Question Authority.

There is nothing wrong with questioning the Bible in or out of context. One is more logical than the other (questioning in context is better). However, the overall context is based in belief. And some Christians are using that context to "battle" those who use logic.

In other words, you will never win an argument with a Christian who says you are taking the Bible out of context because the context most of those folks are using is belief. If you don't believe, they say you don't have a right to question the context.

This is part of why I'm not Christian. Circular reasoning does not work in my brain. It wouldn't work for anyone using logic either.

Answer 4

Of course you can question the Bible in context. That's the only way in which it can or should be questioned. But like any book, you can just pull something out and say "This means whatever." I'm currently reading Potter 7. I'm not half done with it, but can I really say Harry killed Dumbledore just because it's written in there that he did? No. Not only does Book 6 show he didn't, even the context of the book itself makes it clear that he didn't. Context changes meaning. What is said is not always what is meant, and we can only know what is meant when we look at the context in which it was said.

Answer 5

Absolutely, but most people--atheist or Christian--haven't the ability to do so. This is because the original context in which the books were written in are a time that is not now. Even the most recent were written around two thousand years ago. The oldest, we can't even begin to estimate. These time frames--with their events, philosophies, and peoples--are the context. Only by having a firm understanding of all of these things can one begin to read the Bible "in context".

But, and this is important, it is entirely possible to do this if you know how.

Answer 6

lol....good question! We are to question (search..study) the Bible and not just believe what we are told. We are also told how to do that. With so many different interpretations and versions it is sometimes an easy out to say the "context" thing. On the other hand, you do want to see the whole story...the whole picture...right?

Here is our instruction for understanding the Bible for ourselves.
1) We are to STUDY...not just read. 2 Tim. 2:15
2) We need to WANT to do God's will. John 7:17
3) We need to COMPARE the same subjects in scripture with
different areas in the Bible...to get a bigger, more
precise picture. Isa. 28:9,10 and 1 Cor. 2:13
4) We should always PRAY for the Holy Spirit to guide us
into truth. John 16:13,14

Answer 7

You can question the Bible until you are blue in the face, but it does not change the Word of God. Even Christians work millions and billions of years into 6 days of creation. God said 6 days and God meant 6 days. More intelligent men than you have questioned the Bible. It is the most contested book in the history of writing and because God inspired it, the Bible has stood the test of time. God said that His Word would stand and not one dotted "i" or one crossed "t" would change until all is fulfilled. Of course, God used the other version of "jot" or "tittle." So in other words you can destroy the Bible but it will be dug up to haunt you. God said His Word will be in this universe until all of His Word is fulfilled.

It seems to me that intelligent people would want to know what God has to say about everything and that intelligent people would study the Bible. As many people on YA admit that they'd rather do it their way. So basically you have two ways - God's way or man's way. Two religions also - God's and man's. Doesn't take a Philadelphia lawyer to understand the Word of God, but it does take one to try to confuse and deceive people about the Word of God. I have read some of the biggest words ever written by a person trying to dispute the Word of God. It took a dictionary in one hand and their writing in another to read their pure garbage of deceit.

Answer 8

The Bible is a delicate issue. I believe in God, but were men who wrote the Bible and every religion takes it on the context that better fits them. Like if you ask, why women can't wear pants? Or, Wasn't the 10 Commandments reduced to 2 basic ones after Jesus died? Why I can't work on Saturday if Jesus healed on that "resting day". I got no doubt God exists, but if the religion made by men is right or not...I do have my doubts. Be good, love others.

Answer 9

Many people interpret the Bible differently. When you read your Bible, if you read your bible, do a short prayer and ask God for a sound mind, ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to love the word and a sound understanding along with the communion of the Holy Spirit. If you do that, I promise you that the things that what you read in the Bible will start to make sense because you will see it in a different way.

Answer 10

I think the whole Bible is out of context. We do not live in those times or that culture. We do not have their same problems or desires. What was important then is not so important now; we have new issues to grapple with.

The Bible is out of context for anything we use it for today. The only way to question it in context is to go back in time when the context was.

What they're really saying is that you're not interpreting it the way they want you to. I say it's all fair game. It's appropriate to question old ideas.