If every Christian denomination thinks that the Bible is the infallible word of God, why are there so many denominations... and why do they all disagree with each other? (and differ enough so, to start wars over)
2007-11-16 04:56:03 · 13 answers · asked by I'm an Atheist 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Adam Z: Most Christians don't even consider Catholicism a Christian denomination... which makes my point even stronger
2007-11-16 05:03:08 · update #1
Typing slowly and emphatically so you can understand: Every denomination doesn't. I am catholic and we do not believe that. Getting through to you?
2007-11-16 04:59:25 · answer #1 · answered by Joao 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not every denomination thinks the Bible is the infallible word of God.
Some denominations interpret it literally. Some are King James Version only. Some consider the prophetic writings to be allegorical and figurative. Some believe that only parts of the Bible are inspired. Some think that there have been additions. Some believe there have be omissions. Some think that there have been modern inspired additions.
That is why there have been such disagreements and wars.
2007-11-16 05:07:04 · answer #2 · answered by Gal from Yellow Flat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN DESIRES, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
The divisions we see in the religious world are not the fault of God or the Bible. Rather, the fault lies in the fact that people do not take the time to study the Bible to see what it says, and many times when they do, they begin with preconcieved ideas and they are not willing to surrender them to what the Bible actually says.
The Bible compares the Word of God to a seed. When a seed is planted, it only produces after its kind. If something other than what was planted grows, you know it must have come from another type of seed.
When the Bible is planted in good and honest hearts, it can only produce Christians. If something else is produced (denominations, divisions, sects, etc.) we know they must have come from another type of seed.
The Bible only produces Christians only and the only Christians. If only the Word of God is planted without adding to it or taking away from it, and it is believed and followed, the result will be a Christian, and that is the only way one can learn to become a Christian.
If someone wants to become a member of some denomination, he must look somewhere else besides in the Bible!
2007-11-16 08:57:37 · answer #3 · answered by JoeBama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the Bible is the infallible word of God, written by men as they were inspired by God, then it is the most intelligent, inspiring, thought-provoking, deep meaning piece of literature ever written.
If that is the case, then each of us would have to search it, research it, contemplate and try to decipher its meaning. Like my 8 year old son trying to understand Stephen Hawking, the Bible's full meaning and purpose is far beyond what any of us can comprehend.
Still, if it is God's revelation to Mankind, then we need to grasp what is in there as best we can. And as finite, fallen humans, we might each have a different take on it, no matter how well we try to understand. Then, there are also those who do not even try to study and understand but just interpret it to meet their own goals.
So, we disagree because we have different opinions and agendas and we fight over it because we forget that the first and greatest commandment is to love.
2007-11-16 05:12:05 · answer #4 · answered by bbboz7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christian denominations differ because of the position they take on the Bible itself.
*Many believe it is the Inspired Word of God. (no interpretation of it is overtly necessary)
*Others believe that the Bible CONTAINS the Word of God.
(interpretation of the Bible is continually needful.)
What makes it even more difficult is that in many languages, the Bible is being translated to a paraphrased version which leaves MUCH to be desired. The NIV, for example, cannot be
be seriously taken as "inspired."
2007-11-16 05:09:09 · answer #5 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wars started over different Christian denominations ? My book shelf is full of history books , but somehow I have nothing on that one .
The bible is the word of simple fishermen and sheep herders who Imagined "god" .
2007-11-16 05:07:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God's word is infallible but people aren't so our interpretations aren't perfect either. We need to have humility and not insist on our way or quibble about small things.
There are "main and plain" things in scripture - as described by the historic creeds - but we shouldn't divide or fight over what scripture doesn't make perfectly clear.
Follow Paul's example - when heresies were spreading in the church - he didn't demand that people kill the heretics!!!! Instead he prayed that God would deal with them and protect his church.
2007-11-16 05:03:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church considers itself the one true Church and seeks to unite all under one fold and one shepherd. Now days, violence and war are rejected by the Church. The Church teaches that all are saved by following an informed conscience sincerely and honestly. However, deliberate ignorance of the true church can be grounds for damnation. God is the final judge.
2007-11-16 05:05:08 · answer #8 · answered by gismoII 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is kinda tough interpreting the meaning of the old Goat Herder Tales of over 2000 years ago. And the fact that they are using the 3d and 4th translations with a few insertions and changes here and there........
2007-11-16 05:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
God's Word (which is/was the Christ, not the Bible) is clear - people are self-serving and want reasons to argue. Some things, lik ethese, just never change.....
2007-11-16 05:01:35 · answer #10 · answered by tracymoo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋