Christians: Has YA made you feel that Christians know the Bible *more* than you would have imagined? or less?

Question

Sometimes I see answers that I'm kind of stunned by peoples' lack of Bible knowledge. Like recently there was a question: Where in the Bible does it say that men won't live past 120? Several Christians answered something to the effect of "That's not in there." Now don't get me wrong --- I can understand not knowing something's Biblical address (where it's located) --- but when someone definitively answers that something that *is* in there *isn't* in there, that terrifies me.

However, I've had many answers on here that stunned me with their scholarliness.

What has been your experience? Have you felt impressed by Christians' Bible knowledge? Or distressed by the lack of it, overall?

Answer 1

Sadly, less. I think a lot of it is because a LOT of people on here seem to be approximately 13 years old and are repeating what their parents have fed them... all the while using atrocious chatspeak.

However, I love when I see someone on here who knows exactly what they are talking about and can direct me to particular pages and quotes (in any religious text). Even if I don't agree with them, I can respect them much more for being able to back up their opinions in an intellectual manner.

Answer 2

I would say "more" but with the following explanation.

Quite often, you have no idea who is answering questions. Many questions addressed to Christians are answered by a wide variety of people including atheists. Some people even pose as Christians intentionally either to cause confusion or to bash. Of course there are well meaning folks as well who are either ignorant of scriptures or their meaning. I have been guilty of giving answers out of ignorance of interpretation. I know scriptures rather well but sometimes got tangled up in meaning. Since then, I give considerable thought and prayer before answering. That is why you will often see my answers at the bottom as the last answer. Also, I use spell check and read over my answers to prevent embarrassment. Even so, sometimes something gets by me like my new word "bloggle" which was actually a typo but now I like it.

So, to answer your question requires a definition of "Christian". If a person says they are Christian then they should be at least somewhat familiar with scripture because in this day and age you can read the Bible in any language or translation right here on the internet @ biblegateway.com or other places. That is to say, how can a person be Christian if they do not even know what Christ taught? Careful, I know the answer to that question.

Answer 3

I have been somewhat distressed over it to be honest!! Most of the time these are people who profess to be a Christian but are all talk!! If I don't know something, I will just admit I don't know but these people refuse to do that and misquote and everything else but answer a question in truth!

Like you, I have seen some awesome Bible scholars on here that make me so awed and make me want to study more for that knowledge!

God bless you!

Answer 4

I've been impressed with the depth of Bible knowledge from many Christians on here - they don't just recite scriptures but they've actually seem to have gotten their brains saved - they give sharp, thoughtful, compelling responses from scripture to people about difficult subjects. I thought more believers were raised in churches where the mantra from the pulpit was, "Just believe what I tell you and don't ever start questioning or challenging my theology and creeds because I'm God's man (or woman)!!"

But there's been some Christians on here that seem very "blond" i.e. "airheadish" when it comes to the Bible. (Not you!) Others sound like answering machine recordings. They spit out verses or theologies like religious robots.

Answer 5

YA has made me think that (a) Christians have actually read and/or studied the book far less than I would have expected and (b) they are all too ready to back man-made dogma, rather than search for the truth.

There's definitely a bunch of people who have read and studied, but sadly they too often simply claim that they're right. I so distrust people who know they're right about everything. :-)

[There are also some serious students of the Bible here, but not a whole lot. They're still studing - always. I will admit that it was one here who set me off on a new path of learning that's really exciting.]

Answer 6

The bible is an interesting study but it is not absolute. Unfortunately I do not see many who know very much about this book but see allot of those who proclaim knowledge. The knowledge proclaimed seems to be spoon fed and is most distressing to the true student. This book should not be interpreted through bible study in any church, it should be viewed in the context of the people it was intended for, that is to say the time frame and the culture of ancient Western culture and their belief systems. Much to the chagrin of the christian churches it no longer has the same values or any logical reasoning for today's society.

Answer 7

Both. Some Christians have a lack of knowledge that is surprising. They need to spend more time in the Bible learning. At the same time some people will surprise you on just how much they know. I have always heard an Atheist knows the Bible more than most Christians. That is very sad.

Answer 8

I'm almost scared to say anything because it can be taken as being proud and boastful. Yet, I'm only a layman myself. God didn't give us His Word to watch it collect dust on the shelf. Otherwise, what would be the point in having one?

This is the number one reason why so many churches today have unqualified pastors standing behind the pulpit because no one in the congregation knows enough to say or do anything. And fewer are knowledge enough to walk out when necessary.

That's why you have more people attending religious church's instead of Christian church's.

Answer 9

Preach it sister.

Even when I disagree with an answer, I respect an opinion of a person who backs up their idea with scripture. At least I can see why they believe what they believe.

But many so-called Christians on here show a complete lack of basic Bible knowledge. Even the Atheists know the Bible better than a lot of so-called Christians on here.

Answer 10

My observation is that the Born Again Christians have a very good understanding of Scripture and in most cases, they can cite a scripture or two to support their answers. But those "Christians" who belong to the group that considers tradition equal to Scripture have very little Bible knowledge. They support their answers with anything "other" than Scripture.
Once we are saved and belong to God, the Spirit takes up residence in our hearts forever, sealing us with the confirming, certifying, and assuring pledge of our eternal state as His children. The Spirit’s presence within us enables us to understand and interpret the Word.