These are two typical questions or comments posed to Christians:-
1. Why do you change the stories in the bible to suit your argument?
2. Why do you take the bible literally?
How can anyone be expected to answer such unfair questions?
2007-09-03 09:24:29 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As a Christian, I agree with you. It is a shame that so many Christians don't understand their own faith or know anything about Christian or world history. I assume some athiests would follow under that same category.
Some Christians and athiests are unaware that some things in the Bible are literal, some are allegorical, and some are relevant to only that day and time. As in any discipline, science, or study, people will research to any level of degree. Some, will never examine their beliefs. That is just the way it is.... an unexamined life.
But, as with this argument or presupposition, you cannot apply your statement to all. Some are enlightened and some understand. Therefore, you might want to be more direct with your question.
2007-09-03 09:29:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's the old, 'Have you stopped beating your wife?' type of question, isn't it.
Thank you for noticing this (even though your tongue is in your cheek as you write it). But, as in a court case where such a leading question might be put to the accused, there is recource to the Judge. And Christians can quote the appeal of Abraham to God, 'Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?'
One day atheists will realise that not all Christians take all of the Bible literally (I've never met one yet, but what do I know?) and that the Bible stories have not changed - only the arguments. Angels on your pillow, sweetie....
2007-09-03 09:38:15 · answer #2 · answered by Annsan_In_Him 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your questions are contradictory. I cannot take the Bible literally if I change anything to suit any argument.
I am one of those who does not change stories or any amount of scripture to suit my argument. I, as most, state what it says according to it's own interpretation, via content, context, language, etc.
To take the Bible literally has a small mix - there are some statements that are culturally based, yet the idea is to be taken literally. So, in the long run, what is so bad about taking it literally, anyway?
2007-09-03 09:33:42 · answer #3 · answered by TroothBTold 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing unfair about those two questions. I have never asked them personally of any christian but i definitly dont see them as unfair.
1 Why do they? We as muslims have never altered one word of the Quran. Who are we to change what God has revealed? Do they think they know better? (this being the people over time who have altered it not the people practicing christianity here)
2 They dont take it literally enough if you ask me. The majority pick and choose what suits them and what does not. They are not supposed to eat pork, but do. They are not supposed to have tattoo's, but do. They are not supposed to do many things. Either you believe in all of Gods revelations or you dont. What are you going to say on judgment day "well God i know you said not to eat swine but i just love bacon in the morning" ?
Come on unfair? I think not (i would like to add there is no way i am saying ALL christians dont follow the bible i am answering in the context of the questioner asking)
2007-09-03 09:35:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
May I say you are mistaken. Being Christian does not confer any special knowledge of God as such and since most Christians are "foot soldiers", their knowledge is understandably lower than expected in these matters. Religious types, that is Jewish Rabbis , Christians, Hindus, and Muslim scholars have grown long white beards trying to unlock the mysteries therein so what makes you think you will find answers from the un schooled?
2007-09-03 09:55:52 · answer #5 · answered by K. Marx iii 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for the first question, that is totally dependant on what the topic is. As for the second question, that is a part of our religion. A part of our faith to take the bible literally. Christians are faced with hundreds of unfair questions. A caviot to that, christians sometimes ask unfair questions to non believers. I am a christian, but I do realize people have to make their own choice. The bible does tell us to spread our belief, but sometimes christians go at it the wrong way.
2007-09-03 09:34:36 · answer #6 · answered by sportznut05 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all the two questions are contradictory. If something is taken literally(#2), how can you change the stories to suit your argument(#1)?
2007-09-03 09:37:06 · answer #7 · answered by ignoramus_the_great 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You take the stories at face value. They are not changed. They are used in many cases as types and shadows, as mentioned in Hebrews. But that doesn't change what was recorded by eyewitness account. You must have understanding to know the difference between a parable and an actual event. Atheists don't quite get that part.
2007-09-03 09:36:54 · answer #8 · answered by JohnFromNC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Speaking as a thick Christian,,
I soon realised that the Bible was wrote for the Jewish people for that period of time.
I also know that the greatest of Physicist' cant explain what made the big bang, Material of dust and particles, atoms .
etc' simply cant invent it self from void or space,.
You know' and I know that every thing has a starting point .
MATTER CAN NOT CREATE ITSELF
2007-09-03 11:18:42 · answer #9 · answered by denis9705 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I don't see how they could take the bible literally because if they do so they'd be contradicting themselves all the time. You can't truly believe in turning the other cheek and accepting your fellow man as they are if you also truly believe in what the bible says about homosexuality.
2007-09-03 09:39:06 · answer #10 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋