Why do Christians interpret the words of Jesus to suit themselves?

Question

I mean he either meant it or he didn't period.

Example.

"It is easier for a camel to pass throuhg the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven"

Generally all those rich Christians (who by Jesus's own words should be giving up all that they own to follow him or giving away half of what they own like Zaccheus) argue that Jesus helped them to get rich and that they shouldn't give away what they own or at least half of it.

Yet when Jesus says "No one can come to the Father except through/by me" (John 14.6) they interpret this literally and stick to it like glue.

What gives Christians the right to determine what to follow and what not to follow and to interpret the literal words of the so called son of god?

How many have given up all that they own to follow Jesus or at least half?

I think you are hypocrites if you haven't and not true followers of Jesus.

Free will is one thing but the words of Jesus are explicit. Either you do it or you don't. You follow the rules or you don't. If you don't then please join the goats on the left. If you do then the sheep are on the opposite side! Easy.

Pëߧ..©® - I think you'll find that all are from the new testament.

Shame on you Pëߧ..©® - that's one bad mark on Gods black list. Hell awaits you!!!!

Isn't the Christian silence deafening? They shut up when presented with the home truths about how Unchristian they actually are. I'm sure they quickly clicked this to attack me but when they read the full content they quietly slinked away.

gal-next-dr - I'm guessing by the silence it applies to the majority not the few.

I'M SEEING TUMBLEWEEDS WHERE THE CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE!!!!! THERE IS WIND LIKE NOISE TOO!!!!!

SORY slayer these weren't parables. These were the words of JESUS that Christians use literally to judge others.

Zaccheus was not part of a parable. He gave up half of what he owned!!! Try harder.

slayer - show me this scholars knowledge. Are you saying that Christians take the word of scholars over the reported "truth" of the Bible. I thought the Bible was the truth but you seem to be suggesting that scholars are now the ones telling the truth, not the bible.

Brunella - once you have paid the bills and bought the food then give the rest away - give half away!!!! That is what Jesus said.

PS don't tell me what to do!!!! I'll generalise when necessary. The Christians don't have a monopoly on generalisation you know!!!!

Answer 1

I agree. They are self absorbed, they don't really care about Jesus's words, only their own self righteous status seeking.

Answer 2

Scholars have knowledge that Jesus used a type of speech called 'parables' or word stories, as the people of the day understood that type of thing. It is how their traditions were passed down. He used terminology that they would be familiar with.
He also used a type of speech called 'hyperbole', a sort of exaggeration in order to push the point home.

How we decide which is which, we look at the context, we look at who he was addressing, and we look at the coherence of the text. Nobody would ever really believe that a camel could fit through the eye of a needle, so we know it's not a literal explanation. It's also worth noting that the things we are to take as important are usually found in more than one place, repeated in different words, and are a common theme in the various texts.
In the end though it doesn't really matter. All that lies at the heart of christianity is that we have trusted in Jesus for our salvation.

Answer 3

* Please see numbers 8 , 9 , 10 and Note * and another thing if you can generalize , so can I , but I won't , I don't want to play your game , it's pointless ( and I agree with k716 )

* And if you read an answer , could you please read ALL , aka everything , not just parts or the ones you deemed important

1 - Don't generalize , some are hypocrites , not all

2 - It's God , not god

3 - God gave us command , authorithy , we are his children

4 - You '' mixed '' everything

4.1 - You are implying that Christians need/must be poor , because if we are rich ( or moderate ) , we are considered bad , carnal , evil , etc ... What I'm trying to say is that Christians just like everybody else need money to support themselves , have some bonuses , etc

I do agree that some people abuse this , but that is in God's hands , they will have to answer to him according to their actions , but remember some people are not like that ( greedy ) , but as I said we need money to support ourselves , etc

5 - Don't generalize

6 - We do not judge people ( that's God's job ) , if you see people talking , saying , implying about what is right , truth , what is wrong , lies , etc then I'm sorry but that is a problem , because most of us ( except the false , mixed or greedy Christians ) want to help people , that is our sincere goal , not smother them as if we are all perfect or something , we don't want them to go into the wrong path and because we must not remain silent any longer on these issues , etc

7 - And that is also the error of many Christians we are suppose to be a hospital for sinners , not a showcase for saints and remember that we too are sinners saved by God's grace

'' For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God '' ( Romans 3:23 )

8 - Jesus ( or God ) does not obligate or force us to give half away , as you said , you are mixing everything , he said it very clearly to sow into the Kingdom of Heaven about 10 % minimum , if you can do more , then do so

http://members.aol.com/Logahome1/Sow.html

9 - If you can read the whole chapter or better yet the whole Bible , then please do

" All Scripture is inspired ( God breathed ) by God and is useful for teaching the truth , rebuking error , correcting faults , and giving instruction for right living " ( 2 Timothy 3:16 )

10 - Why are you targeting Christians ? It is very clear your intentions or goals in this question , and it is not explaining or any explanation , you are just attacking Christians , Christianity , etc ... Why not people from other religions ? And yes they also have hypocrites , every '' religion '' does , but like I said , they also have the ones who are true

Note : I don't mean to be harsh but if you are part of the World ( no not the World literally , but in another sense ) , you will never understand the Bible , it's God's Word , you , me , we need the Holy Spirit to guide us , help us , not only that but it's impossible to live a Christian life without the Holy Spirit

Answer 4

You will find that it is not just Christians that interpret the Bible and the words of Jesus to suit themselves, but other people from other faiths do exactly the same, and it is commonly known as 'HUMAN NATURE',

Remember that no one is perfect and everyone has a choise. OK we may disagree with some peoples views, and to be honest we do not understand why they think like that. But we are all Gods People & in the end God will be judging us not a human & he can see the true intentions of a persons heart.

Answer 5

Quoting God's Word is not putting words in His mouth, but sharing what He has already put into the Holy Bible. People are not to interpret the Bible at all. They are to ask the Holy Ghost to lead them through it. 2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. It was first given to the Holy men by the Holy Ghost, and still can only be understood when the Holy Ghost gives it to us through our studying of God's Word as a true believer. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Holy Ghost is the only one who can help you to rightly divide the Word of God. You cannot do that on your own. Or you will be interpreting it and you will be wrong.

Answer 6

The fact that you are referring to the camel verse the way you are just shows that you are not understanding Jesus' words. Did you bother to read that whole chapter about the rich man? Jesus KNEW that the rich man loved his money more than anything. When he asked Jesus what he must do to follow Him, Jesus said obey the commandments. The rich man said he already does that. Then to test him, Jesus told him to give away his riches to the poor. The rich man went away sad because he loved his money more than God.

That's why it's sometimes hard for the rich to enter heaven. Because they love (i.e., worship) their wealth more than God Himself. Well, at least that's how I interpret it. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

The Bible states to first seek the Kingdom of God and everything will be added until you.

Are you poor and angry or just angry your poor in spirit?

You ask: "What gives Christians the right to determine what to follow and what not to follow and to interpret the literal words of the so called son of god?" answer-free will

I think if you were in charge and we were poor you'd have us fighting lions for your entertainment.

You might be coveting your neighbours goods.

Answer 8

As 2 Timothy 4:3 states, in the last days of this wicked system of things, men would accumulate teachers for themselves to have their "ears tickled". Meaning what they would like to hear, not the truth.

"No you don't have to do or change anything to go straight to heaven. Lie, cheat, steal anything you want. Even kill a few if needed. Just drop a few dollars in the church's pocket and go on your own way."

Of course, any creator of anything has standards for his creations. Failing to measure up lands it in the reject bin. Why should we expect anything less of the Creator of the universe? Double-talk and disorder are simply not his style.

Is this not reasonable to you?

Answer 9

It isn't just the bible, it's everyday life! It's like giving someone a cookie, then saying 'i gave up my cookie - therefore i deserve a cake'. People look out for themselves.

But not all people do this. Many Christians do stick to the bible, word for word.

Answer 10

Hang about! Have you never experienced any other religion which picks and chooses what aspects of their religion they want to adhere to and what things they would rather reject?
We all do it. Some of us get sucked into an interpretation of our religion, by fanatics who have forgotten the basics of that religion. True believers, whatever the religion should stand up for the basic aspects of that religion and try to persuade other members of the religion to understand the true word of God - whatever you call him.