Is it possible to re-read the bible with an open mind when you really dont believe it anymore?

Question

I NEED something to believe in.

Answer 1

Believe in the fact that you have gotten to the point in your life that you can see through the veil of the Bible, which was really an educational tool to teach young children through adulthood into Judaic thought. The New Testament was written to provide an alternate path for those Jews who didn't want to wait for a "Messiah".

Answer 2

I read it with an open mind precisely because I know it is false. Why not believe in yourself? It is a shock at first, at least it was for me, to go from being a Christian to an atheist. I believe in truth, but it isn't personified. I do not believe in magical beings, spirits, gods, or tooth fairies. I find that the philosophers have much to teach.

In a way, it is an amazing human dynamic that so many people still believe in Christianity, but it makes sense that they do when you look at things such as misconception theory in the field of education, or utility theory in economics, or reversal theory in psychology. We are not that rational of a species that we can free ourselves from religion or magical thinking.

It will be okay. Put the book down until you find something else, in terms of how to think and approach the world. Read it later. It isn't without value, the same is true for the Koran or the Gita, or Shakespeare. If you like humorous books, I recommend Terry Pratchett's disc world series, such as Mort, or Small Gods, or Going Postal. Likewise, consider Mark Twain for a while. If you are a more serious person, consider Epicurus or Marcus Aurelius or Plato.

Also, which is better - belief without knowledge, or just knowledge. A belief is held without evidence, knowledge exists with evidence. Pick up a science book and learn about the world. Figure out which disciplines are most meaningful to you, psychology, astronomy, chemistry, economics, physics and so forth. It is an extraordinary and amazing universe. It is right to both feel and experience amazement. Learning about the world makes it even more spectacular than it appears at first glance.

Then, pick up the bible, when all is well again, and read it. Take notes, ask yourself if this happened today, what would be your response, why was the response of the time what it was, and maybe is the story you are reading even true. Was the particular story made up, altered, or written as propaganda to support a king or a belief?

Answer 3

More than likely, you have never read the Bible to begin with. Most folks have no way to read the Bible, because they don't have the context necessary to understand the text. One of my professors compared it someone asking about the plot of The Empire Strikes Back without knowing anything about Star Wars. The best thing you can do is get some good books on the subject by reputable scholars, learn to read the text like the folks who originally heard it, and then spend some time studying the most significant material. I recommend "The New Testament Story" by Barr. Also try to pick up one of the better modern translations like the New American Bible.

Whether you "believe" in the Bible or not (you'll see why that phrase is meaningless when you study Biblical criticism), you will certainly profit from understanding what it was meant to say.

And my answer is 'yes,' you can re-read the Bible with an open mind, provided you treat is as a valuable piece of ancient literature.

Answer 4

Confederate, Maybe you need to talk to Jesus before reading the Bible again. You need someONE to believe in, not something.

By age 18, I was betrayed and abused horribly by family and outsiders. My life was disgusting. I had no one to trust and no one to tell, if I wanted to survive. I had nothing/no beliefs.

Long story short, I decided to kill myself and through a series of unplanned events I ended up spending time with some people who had placed their lives under Jesus' love and spiritual guidance. They had a genuine peace that I could see. I knew little or nothing about Christianity, but I chose to open my life up to Jesus and let Him take over.

On Oct. 21, 1971, I prayed - talked to God for the first time. I have been getting to know God for 37 years now and it has been an incredible journey. My life changed so observably that my Mom, the cynic, became a believer in Jesus three weeks after I did. Our whole homelife turned around. I could go on for pages telling you all God has done in and for me. It is a miracle I was able to trust a man enough to marry. I've been married for 27 years. I'm not saying it has all been some surrealistic pie in the sky deal - It's been tough. BUT, because of Jesus, it has all been worthwhile.

I can testify that Jesus Christ is absolutely trustworthy. He is honest, powerful, kind, gentle, amazing, overwhelming, full of greatness.....WOW! He goes so far beyond what I can say.

Your questions are good and honest. God is more than up for your challenge....Are you up for His Answers???

You can tell God anything. You can pour out all your deepest feelings, fears, doubts....NOTHING YOU SAY SHOCKS GOD!!!

IF YOU WILL TALK OPENLY TO JESUS CHRIST YOU WILL FIND SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU EVERY THOUGHT POSSIBLE. HE IS AN UNSHAKEABLE FOUNDATION TO ANYONE WHO TRUSTS HIM.

Answer 5

Why do you need something to believe in? Does the idea that the universe is simply an absurd interpretation of our environment by our own minds too disturbing a concept for you? Because the fact is, this point of view isn't too far from the truth.

Answer 6

As long as you keep in mind that it is just a book and nothing more then sure it is an exciting book. As long as you remember that it is a book of tales and not an actual history book.

"The Bible: It is full of interest. It has noble poetry in it; and some clever fables; and some blood-drenched history; and some good morals; and a wealth of obscenity; and upwards of a thousand lies.(Samuel Clemens)"

Answer 7

Yes, it is the very words of God and they have power that do not depend on you. Simply read them asking God to show you what is true. He is there for you.

Answer 8

Why do you NEED something to believe in?

Answer 9

What about yourself and people and the world? Do you really think that these can save you?

Come in out of the pain - come back to Jesus.

Answer 10

believe in Qur`an the last and pure message from God