Do you ever cross-reference what you believe in to verify it?

Question

Usually, when I decide I believe in something, I get one source: let's say an english Bible. And then find other sources to see if I got it right the first time.

I once stepped on this statement: "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle... ". I found that statement obscure, though I understood the basic meaning.

I think I understood the philosophy behind it when I then heard the expression : "a snowball's chance in hell".

Some years later, I was still wondering "why a camel?" and came accross this person who told me something very interesting.

You see, the Bible I was reading was in english. It had been translated from new Latin, which was translated from old Latin. And that Bible came from an hebrew text, also translated from ancient hebrew, based on oral tales.

That person made the following comment: in ancient hebrew, they used the same word for "camel" and "rope", because rope was made of camel's hair.

And I said to myself: camel = rope.

Wouldn't it made more sense if Jesus compared rope and thread; instead of camel and thread?

I was shocked by this. Still the person had one other revelation for me, she said: "You know about Adam and Eve? Well, because they didn't know much about medecine back then, the words "rib" and "side" are also the same word..."

I've never relied on a single source after that...

Anyone else ever double-check what they think is the truth?

Answer 1

I always double-check and usually have someone else double-check too. From doing this, I found that most stories in the bible are probably not true.

Answer 2

I do see how cross-reference can help, but just because Adam and Eve are the same as what you believe is side and rib, does not demean the value of the truth. Also the bibles have been translated with what the translators believed was the meaning. Truthfully the entire bible could be a wrong translation, because we did not know the exact meaning of words that were written back then.

Answer 3

Yes, I try to develop this attitude into a habit with various results. Luke said in the Book of Acts 17:11 the following words:

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

This shows you that they were open minded and believed, but at the same time searched the Bible for cross-references. Luke calls this trait a sign of noble character.

Blessings,

Jack.

Answer 4

The comparison Jesus was using with the camel and the eye of a needle was a much deeper meaning. It meant that for man things are impossible but for God nothing is impossible.
Anyway, if you are ever in doubt about something always choose faith over reason. Religion isn't about intelligence and trying to figure things out. Jesus asked you to believe and have faith. Good luck.

Answer 5

The bible is the only book I use. No man made books. The bible states: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." No man made book comes with that promise. I use the King James Version, not the New King James, but the old. Not only is it the only book I use, it is the only book I own.

Answer 6

i don't necessarily cross reference, but i tend to hold onto my beliefs loosely until i get the same info from another source. that's why it's good not to believe you understand anything fully the first time you read it.

Answer 7

I have studied the bible thoroughly,and have come to the conclusion that it is fiction used to explain earthquakes and meteors 3000 years ago

Answer 8

I don't double check anything. I usually just make stuff up.

Answer 9

that's right how could the cross mean something by anyway

Answer 10

Yes. Interesting. Thanks for the post.