I won't go into exactly what the differences were and its obvious how many different religions are pooled just off the bible alone and have so many vastly different ideas about salvation, God, Jesus, Holy Ghost etc....
Why would some religions twist the bible so badly to decieve ppl?
What is your explanation out of curiosity?
2007-08-29 04:08:24 · 8 answers · asked by Mulereiner 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, the thought process put into these spiritual matters is actually greater than life and death.
Either consciously or unconsciously it's about power. Power over people. Some would even say power over Satan.
My Amish neighbor's have strict rules for their community about everything from dress to what colors they paint their barns. Because their faith is so interwoven into their culture, many Christians think they are one and the same. That's not exactly so, at least among the Old Order Amish around me.
While they believe their customs spring from scriptural basis (which they do) they do not believe salvation itself is dependent on following their customs. They do not believe they are the "only ones" going to heaven.
That being said, the strict guidelines have produced, or at least contributed to, a community of solid relationships...husband and wife, parent and child, neighbor to neighbor. My neighbors are actually very transparent about their faith, their customs, and their lifestyles. You learn a lot about them when you see them day to day.
People unfairly and, in my experience, incorrectly use the Amish as an example of what you describe...twisting scripture to gain control and power. Because that's why I think many religions do it...control and power. Salt those two with "TRADITION" and you have the recipe for contempt that so many people have towards the church today.
The wicked will be wicked and the scoffers will scoff...but there good, moral who people who look at Christianity with disinterest (at best) and they do so because of what you describe.
2007-08-29 06:24:56 · answer #1 · answered by cnsdubie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Several different reasons. The main thing is the world we live in is full of darkness and ignorance. (Eph. 4:18) This sets the stage for confusion.
The top reason is people want their ears tickled. To hear things that please themselves. (2Tim. 4:3) They get teachers and preachers to do this. That is why they teach commands of men as doctrine. The Bible shows that such worship is in vain or useless. (Matt. 15:9)
Also, some want to be people pleasers or go along with popular opinion. James 4:4 shows "friendship with the world is enmity with God." So this becomes twisted reasoning and faith.
Others just accept what they have been told by others who never made sure they were correct -- ever. They never considered Biblical commands such as 2 Cor. 13:5 to "keep testing, keep proving what you yourselves are." Or 1 Timothy 4:16 which advises to "pay constant attention to yourselves and your teachings so we may save both yourself and those who listen to you." They do not "let love abound with ACCURATE knowledge and full DISCERNMENT." (Philip. 1:9)
Instead they 'publically say they know God, but disown Him by their works.' (Titus 1:16) They even deny parts of the Bible that is inconvenient for them rather than acknowledging "all scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for..." (2 Tim. 3:16)
This is why there are so many claiming to be Christians.
2007-08-29 11:57:35 · answer #2 · answered by grnlow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always try to remember to pray for the light of the Holy Spirit to lead me to understanding when I study the bible. The attitude of your first response is how people like Jim Jones, and David Koresh get their followers. The bible was given to all believers, and we are all part of the Royal Priesthood. I love a good preaching and teaching as much as the next Spirit filled Christian, but I keep a bible handy, in case they are lieing. I want to balance what they say against the word of God.
2007-08-29 19:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by One Wing Eagle Woman 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Bible makes it clear in Galatians, Ephesians, 1 John and more that Satan came into the church to rob Christians of their freedom in Christ.
They start tacking on religious practices, rules, etc. and teach us to put faith in such doctrines as baptsim to be saved, etc.
Ephesians 2: 8 & 9 should make it clear that salvation is in Christ alone....................but, Satan will always be trying to stop people from believing this truth and convince them that they don't deserve such grace and must "help" God. The good news is that we don't deserve it - but God loves us enough to provide a way out through Jesus.
"For it is by grace you are saved through faith, and not by works, less any man should boast."
2007-08-29 11:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by fanofchan 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I like fan's answer, however it shows that God is willing to let the devil deceive his children into believing and practicing things that will lead them to hell.
There are honest Christians in many denominations, some of them are in denominations that rely on works for salvation, they honestly believe in God, but according to Fan will end up in hell because the Devil was able to create a denomination that corrupted doctrine using the bible.
Why doesn't God care for all of his children?
2007-08-29 11:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm not a Christian, but I often wonder how a reasonably intelligent person can read the bible and believe it.
2007-08-29 11:16:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
First they need to have the whole bible.
2007-08-29 11:45:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
that's the reason why it's not advisable for any layman to read the Bible alone.
2007-08-29 11:16:11 · answer #8 · answered by Perceptive 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋