who swear by "the word" of the bible really just as bad as Islamic fundamentalists who translate their doctrine, with the tragic results that we've all seen?
Sure Christians aren't running off to seek paradise through suicide bombing but isn't taking the written words literally still as bad, no matter which religion it comes from?
2007-08-15 02:35:55 · 28 answers · asked by scotslad60 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
2007-08-15 03:03:24 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Now, I wonder just how biblically literate you are? Care to tell us whether you were brought up on the Good Book or not? Scotland used to be known as 'the land of the Book', but no longer. In fact, there probably isn't a country in the world now that is truly based upon the Bible.
Do you know what it means to take the written words literally? Do you know of any Christian denomination that actually does that? I don't, and I've been an adult Christian for over 3 decades. Every group takes SOME bits literally, and SOME bits symbolically. Some groups take it more literally than others, that's all. Do you know what it means to be a fundamentalist? That's someone who knows the fundamentals of their religion. It's people who don't know the fundamentals who give religion a bad name because they misrepresent it and their God by NOT doing what the Bible says. If everyone lived by the Beatitudes in the Bible, this world would be a much more peaceful, pleasant place. Mahatmi Ghandi recognised that fact, and he was a Hindu.
The Bible is so ignored, demoted and ridiculed these days, those who DO quote from it are considered weird. And don't forget those who MISquote from it - they're the ones doing all the damage. But if you are biblically illiterate, you won't be able to tell the difference.
2007-08-15 03:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋
Everyone has a belief in something, if not in what the bible says then what man or science says about the world which can produce just as much tragedy e.g. the idea of survival of the fittest can support selfishness and stamping on others or if a parent tells you your worthless this can form a belief that affects your entire life for the worse.
Taking any idea at face value is bad, no matter where it comes from, religion or otherwise, and I think it is important to question and explore any idea before coming to a belief in its truth. I believe the bible is God's word but I haven't come to this belief lightly or without thought as you seem to imply. I have found that depending on God's word in the bible has only improved my life and that of others and isn't a bad thing at all.
Taking the bible literally isn't as bad as taking other words literally because if we were all truly to take it to heart the world could only be a better place since, unlike other religions, the bible is not about doing things so we might selfishly attain paradise but so we have a fuller life in this world and a closer relationship with God here and now. It is about living this life more than gaining the next, believe it or not!
2007-08-15 03:13:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
the explanation Christians are informed to pass into each and all of the international and pontificate the gospel is so as that the Ayore, the Guika, the Yanamamo, the Ebeloi, will all have an probability to settle for Christ as Saviour. you're precise that no longer one faith has any extra suitable status in God's eyes. each and each man or woman is condemned until now God, - God tells us that. God additionally tells us that there is likewise purely one call given below heaven by utilising which we must be stored, and that call is Jesus, the Christ. in case you have a undertaking with that, take it up with God, no longer His messengers. You talk of what you do no longer be attentive to. There has certainly been a fashion provided for the tribes to take heed to of Jesus and to grant them from the wrath of God. Jesus reported "pass ye consequently ..." Now, why are not Christians going? Is it by way of fact we don't think God while He tells us that Jesus is the only way? we would pick to call God a liar and say, "Oh, i'm confident he's equipped yet differently, they would be ok interior the tip." could you care to guess on that? Oops, I forgot, you're having a guess their eternal damnation that God is mendacity.
2016-11-12 09:37:59 · answer #4 · answered by gjokaj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian, I find it offensive when people rant and rave through loud hailers telling people they will burn....those words may be scriptural, but it is how we share that with people that is key. I don't rail road and harass people into listening to what is important to me, but I do share my faith with people. That may be in very practical ways or just by listening and then praying for situations. I believe this is what Jesus teaches us to do.
There are extremists in every faith group - it's wrong to marginalise Christians, just as it's wrong to marginalise people of the Islamic faith.
I grew up in Northern Ireland and remember visiting relatives in England during the 'troubles'. What struck me was that people assumed I must have terrorist links, live in a war torn street and lived in fear every day. This sounds so ridiculous, but this is what perception, narrow mindedness, ignorance and stereo-typing does.
It's great to have these discussions, even if it means it might just change a few misperceptions about Christians.
2007-08-15 03:37:42 · answer #5 · answered by steph c 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know it's very hard for some people to understand but when Jesus comes into your life, the Holy Spirit brings the words of the bible alive. We are told to tell the world what we know because if people don't hear the truth, how can they ever know it. To some people it will be meaningless. The bible tells us that those without the Spirit can't understand it and it is meaningless to them, but there will be some who hear it and believe it. I don't know who God will speak to today through His word, but I need to tell it in case it's an opportunity missed. It's up to the hearer to decide. I believe if I don't do this, I could be at fault for someone never hearing and having the chance of salvation. God bless :)
2007-08-15 02:45:31 · answer #6 · answered by lix 6 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Some are, some aren't.
There are quite a few Christians who don't interpret the Bible literally.
2007-08-15 02:39:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No of course not the Gospel teaches sound moral values and the character of God and as Christians we believe this to be true . Sadly at times some scripture has been taken out of context and some preachers in the past and in some states of the US distort the word for there own end but that's man not scripture.
2007-08-15 02:44:47 · answer #8 · answered by jack lewis 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
The Bible doesn't tell it's readers to bring harm on others. In fact, Jesus said: "However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you." (Matthew 5:44).
What do you think would be the result if everyone took those words literally?
So, in answer to your question, no.
2007-08-15 05:55:00 · answer #9 · answered by Iron Serpent 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How can our belief in the words of the Bible be compared in any way with terrorism? You need to be more specific about what you think is bad about taking God's word literally.
2007-08-15 02:59:07 · answer #10 · answered by Malcolm 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You can pick nearly any two religions or sects of religions and find somewhere where they've tortured and killed each other.
It doesn't seem to depend on the actual "holy" text they push. It is more a result of religion's tendency to portray everything in absolute terms and setting up severe "us vs them" mentalities.
As for Christian terrorism, there are currently conflicts in Africa between various Christian groups, there have been car bombings in Ireland between Catholics and Protestants, and in the US, there have been Christians using sniper rifles on abortion doctors.
2007-08-15 02:38:58 · answer #11 · answered by nondescript 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋