I have a friend who's involved in a church who's leader I have reason to believe is leading his followers astray. She e-mailed me some of his views and I found in the Bible direct disagreements to what he teaches. I want to let my friend know this, and I want her to realize that she is in error. The problem is, she is a very devout follower of this man and I don't like stepping on people's toes. Also, english is her second language. Would it be better to explain these contradictions I've noticed via e-mail, or face to face? Also, how should I lead in to what I'm about to tell her, knowing it's stripping away th foundation she's been standing on for years now?
2007-08-18 10:33:12 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First, you have to remember that alot of what is in the Bible is open to interpretation, in the sense that each person or group of people interprets the words in their own way. (go ahead...give me thumbs down for that one...lol). If what she is being taught is dangerous or illegal, then by all means step in. Charity's suggestion was a good one.
Second, if you want to have a discussion...make sure you're discussing facts. Take the passages you believe she is being misled on and get the correct translations on those passages. Some of the common words or phrases don't translate into english and had to be translated from the original languages using words that came close or meant something similar...hence 'open to interpretation'. Remember, the Bible is man's interpretation of God's word. God is infallible...man is not. We make mistakes.
2007-08-18 10:51:52 · answer #1 · answered by JEANIEM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are to follow the Lord Jesus and not a mere man even if he is a good Bible teacher. We must remember that he is still a man and subject to error. I don't always agree with the man that teaches our Sunday school but I respect him ,listen to him and then go and read the Scripture for my own interpretation of what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to me.
2007-08-18 17:46:51 · answer #2 · answered by Big Daddy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say what he teaches versus what you teach.
Anyway, instead of debating, ask questions.
Questions will help to get her to start thinking.
An example:
I hear preachers say it is ok to divorce and remarry, because of the question Jesus answered when asked about that. When I ask what was Jesus answer I would be told the verse where Jesus said "It had been written, that......etc".
I would ask did Jesus say it is God's law, My law, or man's laws, or did he simply say It had been written.
When the preacher says Jesus said, "It had been written, that...etc". Then I ask where was it written. When the preacher tells me, In the old Testament, when a man told God he's going to rewrite God's laws.
Then I would ask, "Didn't God tell the man that he will not be changing God's laws because God's laws are not to be broken, but he will be writing man's laws?
When the preacher says, "Yes", then I ask, "When Jesus said it had been written, then was he saying written in man's laws or God's laws? The preachers says Man's laws. Then I would say, If man's laws, then wouldn't that be breaking God's laws, because God's laws are not to be broken?
Then I would ask, "Is there not a verse in the bible that says God will delusion sinners to believe a lie, and also a verse that says God's son will illusion people to believe a lie"?
Usually I would be told that's not in the bible, until they look in the bible and see both those verses.
Then I would ask, "Was Jesus telling that it is ok to remarry if adultery was committed, or was he saying it had been written that it's ok to so that he can delusion sinners to believe a lie or to illusion people to believe a lie?" Then I would ask was Jesus the father or the son, who was inside the body of Jesus?
If God was inside, then God delusion sinners to believe a lie. If he was the son, then the son illusion people to believe a lie.
Now, after knowing these facts, was Jesus saying God allows remarriage, if divorce because of adultery? Or was Jesus saying only under man's laws it is allowed?
When you ask questions, that helps to get people to think.
But it helps best when you really understand about how to read the KJV (bible).
Maybe if you both ask questions, then maybe you both can learn and notice more.
If you reveal to me what that preacher teaches, as well as what you teach, then I might be able to help you.
2007-08-18 18:10:33 · answer #3 · answered by tiscpa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make it easy to see your reason is to help her out of concern. Next, speak simply and honestly. Let the Bible speak for you. When you say something, be able to back it up with scripture for proof. There will be questions. Answer them the same way. This is your entire obligation. You cannot live her life for her or make her decisions for her.
2007-08-18 18:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What your going through is why there are so many deceived people all over the world.
Sit her down, show her the proof, tell her you love her and pray.
God gave us all the ability to choose. Those who choose the wrong way based upon ignorance, can be saved..those who choose out of spite and hatred will continue to be lost.
Good luck and God Bless.
2007-08-18 17:41:11 · answer #5 · answered by KayJay 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell her what you found and let her do the rest. It's up to her if she'll believe this man in her church or you her friend. God Bless and Good Luck
2007-08-18 17:38:26 · answer #6 · answered by Karenita 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are as concerned as you seem to say then the best thing is to talk in person and make it a real conversation rather than a confrontation.
2007-08-18 17:37:31 · answer #7 · answered by microbioguy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you help her get a Bible in her own language so she can find out the truth for herself.
2007-08-18 17:40:04 · answer #8 · answered by firelight 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋