Believing in such twisted concepts as anyone who doesn't believe that Jesus was divine will go to Hell? I've been struggling to get myself around that one for the longest time, and I could never be able to sleep with myself at night if I let myself believe that. What denominations have a less literal interpretation of the Bible and take it for its message.
Beyond the logical flaws of taking the Bible in anywhere near a literal realm, people forget that Jesus liked to speak in parables and metaphors all the time, really no need for all this fire and brimstone nonsense. Would their be any good denomination for me?
2007-09-28 06:51:28 · 31 answers · asked by Jett 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Very correct Reverend, perhaps you should tell that to yourself.
2007-09-28 06:55:28 · update #1
I have read and studied the Bible more than most of you I assure you. Those who take it literal, now you need to study theology.
2007-09-28 07:01:28 · update #2
There is no good denomination if you want to make exceptions to their beliefs. Find something you can stick to wholeheartedly. That is faith. Otherwise, make your own religion.
2007-09-28 06:54:37 · answer #1 · answered by ANT-a-gonistic 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the word christian means christ-ian which means you believe in christ or Jesus. The Jewish faith believes that Jesus did exist but was only a prophet So dont beat yourself up if you dont believe in Jesus. The jewish people are suppost to be Gods chosen people and they dont believe in him being the almighty son of god. If you study religion you will find that most of it is aimed at GETTING YOUR MONEY! I believe in God but thats about where my belief and the Christian belief part. I dont believe there is a hell and you are not going there. Why would a God that is suppost to be such a loving God send anyone to hell? I also dont believe ther is a devil or Satin. I think thats just peoples sorry excuse for not acting right. The bible wasnt even written down until over 300 years after Jesus had died. The bible, was written down using supposid eye witnesses accounts of what happened. Any womans opinion of what happened was left out. I believe the stories that were left out was done so men could control the world and used to make women not only inferior but so they could be dominated with documentation to make it look like the right thing was being done. How religion would change if Jesus was Not the son of God. If Jesus was actually married and had children. use the Bible as a good story book and as a guide on good morality but nothing else.
2007-09-28 14:21:36 · answer #2 · answered by chuck t 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, remember, the bible is a construct of man. By that I mean that all of the books that were originally intended for us are not in it. So, we have a partial story told in imagery (the language of the mind). Evolution is not what created life, but evolution has brought life to the point its at now. Darwin refused to apply evolution to humans as it raised too many unanswered questions. Questions which pointed to a higher consciousness.
Many New Age Religions accept many of the teachings of the bible without becoming too literal. Be careful.
Going to church is like eating fish: Eat the meat but toss the bones. unfortunately they are served at the same time.
A. The Bible is a book of history.
B. The Bible is a book of philosophy and beliefs.
C. The Bible is a book of enigmas/puzzles. As for the way, Jesus said there would only be a few that "find" it. No wonder most don't get it. They weren't supposed to. Sorry!
2007-09-28 14:01:58 · answer #3 · answered by blaqcat2nv 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is possible. I'm proof. Devoted Christian. Don't even believe in hell at all. I think hell is a metaphor for the fact that there are consequences for all the decisions we make. Remember that Jesus lived within a context, too. He had to speak in terms that the people he dealt with would understand. Abstract thought existed in the first century, but Jesus wasn't talking to the intellectuals of the period. He was reaching out to the people.
p.s. I attend a Southern Baptist church. You don't always have to agree with everyone on everything. We're all different, and we all have our own paths. Find a denomination or church within which you are comfortable, take out of it what you can, and don't sweat the differences. It is no different than relationships. Nobody's perfect. The point is fellowship and worship. The dogma and doctrinal debates you can leave to Yahoo! Answers. :-)
2007-09-28 13:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Practicing Christianity is not dependent upon the beliefs of any church or denomination. Read the Scripture and see what it has to say on this subject and on our relationship with Jesus Christ. One thing the Scripture says is: "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). That doesn't mean shaking-in-your-boots scared of God; it only means to take it seriously, and figure out for yourself how to apply Scripture to your life. Once you have established that relationship, it *is* important to find a church home, and (if you ask him) God will direct you to the place that is right for you, where you can learn, grow, and contribute. The purpose of the local church is to encourage one another to grow and mature in the life of love and good works. I wish you well in your search for truth.
2007-09-28 14:19:14 · answer #5 · answered by run?imn 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Spiritual growth and development is similar to going to school. We have to go through elementary school before we can move into junior high, etc. Organized religion is like elementary school, it can give you the foundation, but once you begin asking more advanced questions, you need to move forward.
It sounds like you are at this point. It is important to be able to separate 'organized religion' and the 'teachings' of Jesus. These are two distinct and difference entities. I would suggest reading "When Jesus Became God" by Richard Rubentstein. Also, "The Gnostic Gospels" by Elaine Pagels. As you read, you will begin to understand that there are two different philosophies here, one focused externally, and based in fear and the other, focused internally, and based in compassion.
You may not be able to find a denomination of organized Christianity who is focused internally. A true Gnostic perspective (internal) understands that Jesus taught that we do not need the church, minister/rabbi or bible to reconnect with our Creator. We can do this within ourselves, or through your mind. Jesus said the true kingdom/church is within.
I can only tell you what worked for me. I was so frustrated by the conflicting information in the Bible, I decided to gently set it aside, and I went directly to God in prayer. I focused in asking to know the truth, asking that God show me the spiritual perspective. Be ready with an open mind, to set aside the human perspective (what you think you know about God), and let God show you the spiritual perspective.
Your questions will be answered, they may not be the answers you expect. But....you will find freedom .....from fear of death, and from the boundaries of human perspective.
It is important to read on church history, and understand that the current Bible was compiled under the direction of the Roman government. Rome had no concern for spiritual enlightenment, but was focused on controlling the people. The best way to do this is through their fear of death. You can escape this, by focusing on knowing your true self, and you will see that part of you that is from God. That is where you will find the answers you seek.
This is the philosophy that Jesus taught, and it is within the teachings, that you will save yourself. I believe in the teachings of Jesus, and I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. But I also know that I am the Daughter of God, and that every human being is a Child of God. We have within us the capacity to attain the same level of spiritual development that Jesus did. He even says so. I do not 'worship' God or Jesus, but I do talk with God everyday.....to say thank you, and to ask more questions.
Its more about relationship....not worship.
2007-09-28 15:26:48 · answer #6 · answered by Grace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Sorry. You can't separate God from his word. And that's just his word. And it's not a twisted concept if that's his word. And Jesus himself preached about hell. So why would you want to belong to a denomination that believes in him but not the entirety of the message he preached? Hell is a literal place. That's why when it's described...it mentions the fact that there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Even though he used parables and metaphors with his teaching/preaching. Hell is not a metaphor.
And parables were used so the people could understand the message he was trying to convey better.
2007-09-28 13:57:56 · answer #7 · answered by BLI 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Jesus quoted the Word many times, sometimes saying the "Law". He also said that He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life, no one will come to the Father but through Him. The best translation in my opinion is the King James or New King James. The bible is without flaws. In order to be saved, one must accept Jesus as their savior and lord, pray and meditate on His Word daily. That has to come from an honest and humble heart. God knows if you mean it or not. From that moment on your life will be so different and wonderful. As for a church. I go to a Calvary Chapel because we study the bible and worship. I like that. No rituals to distract from the truth.
2007-09-28 13:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by VW 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I've found that the Methodist churches are based more on doing good deeds than preaching fire and brimstone.
Though I also know that there are nondenominational churches out there too that might be more along the lines of what you are looking for...
2007-09-28 13:56:30 · answer #9 · answered by mrskerlin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree. i believe that the bible needs to be interpret ted by the person reading it. some people do take it more literally than it should, that's why I am non-denominational (don't laugh, it is actually a denomination,lol...just "non denominational :) and they have a church
2007-09-28 13:59:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The question for you is why do you believe in Jesus? What do you believe about him? Acceptance of God/Jesus and His precepts is a personal relationship with God himself. It has little to do with organized religion. Get to know God by talking to him and ask him to show you through the written word what is true for your salvation and eternal life. God NEVER fails those who put their faith and trust in HIM and not man.
2007-09-28 13:56:52 · answer #11 · answered by Lady Di-USA 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋