Christians: How literal are we interpretting the bible?

Question

I am a Christian. I am interested in hearing from other Christians about how literal they are interpreting the bible and how they apply laws of the bible to their lives and if they practice the laws that were written in the old testament.

Do you eat shrimp and crab? I do, I'm a Marylander. But the bible says it is an abomination to eat these things. Should I repent for this? Or should I be condemned for this as a gay man is condemned or as a divorcee is condemned? All are sins... but have we chosen which is worse? The bible surely doesn't say that one is better or worse than the other. Can you find me a passage that says this?

Jesus came and he fullfilled the laws of the old testament, the Mosaic law. Should we, as Christian still live according to these laws? If so, what did Jesus say about this in particular?

I am purely biased. These are just questions.

Thanks!

Thanks, Father K, for that passage!

Violet: I know what you're getting at. And I agree with you.

Morgie: Right on!

you all have given great answers and I appreciate it!

Answer 1

I am a believer in God, but do you really think in the grand scheme of the cosmos it makes one iota of difference if we eat crabs or shrimp? Or what gender we're attracted to? Sorry, I believe God is more complex than that. It's like believing we have to have a secret de-coder ring to read the Bible.

Answer 2

I think way too many christians take it literal. Remember that the bible was written by man and is subject to mans flaws. in fact the original old testament or the talmud is not what we as christians read. In fact even the hebrew bible has been edited through out the ages. I practice gnosticism myself now. which is generally based on work uncovered from the dead sea scrolls and other scrolls found. I grew up a pentacostak and saw that most christians interpret the laws tha suit them one way than others.

Some scholars say that by jesus' coming the old ways and laws were shed for the belief that through accepting jesus and living the life that he led was the way to heaven. The gnostics scriptures greatly resemble a bhudist approach and where you must achieve a zen like inner balance to understand right from wrong and find the true path to god.

Now should you repent for eating shellfish? I don't know the old testament ways and its ways for repentance were different. you were considered unclean and should bathe ina mikveh ( a cleansing pool to remove your sins) in the old testament. Take for example pork being unclean there is facts that pork is a leading cause for bacteria borne illness and also heart problems. So there were was a sign from god to the hebrews that it was bad. Take for your example shellfish if you eat the wrong part you can get sick that may have been the reasoning on that. Should you be condemn the same? to be honest thats for you to decide.

Answer 3

Sin is the transgression of God's law; and God's law is the 10 Commandments (1 John 3:4). Jesus did not come to abolish the law. Rather, he came to uphold the law (Matthew 5:21-22). Christians should not eat scavenger fish, or fish without scales.

There is no degree of sin. We are to keep the whole law, not just the part we choose to keep. If you break one Commandment, you have broken the whole law. Understand that the 10 Commandments are to be followed by God's chosen people, and God's chosen people are those who are followers of Christ.

The 10 Commandments were given first to the nation of Isreal and then to the gentiles who followed Christ, as heirs along with the nation of Isreal. Paul was such a person: a gentile who chose to follow Christ.

Answer 4

HELP TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

THE Bible is a unique book. Its writers claim to be inspired by God, and its contents provide ample proof that the claim is true. (2 Timothy 3:16) Among other things, the Bible shows where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Surely it is a book worthy of our consideration!

Perhaps you have tried to read the Bible but have found it hard to understand. Maybe you do not know where to look to find answers to your questions. If so, you are not alone. Your situation is like that of a man who lived in the first century. He was traveling in a chariot, going from Jerusalem to his native country, Ethiopia. This Ethiopian official was reading aloud from the prophetic Bible book of Isaiah, written more than seven hundred years earlier.

Suddenly, he was addressed by a man running alongside the chariot. The man was Philip, a disciple of Jesus, and he asked the Ethiopian: "Do you actually know what you are reading?" The Ethiopian replied: "Really, how could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?" He then invited Philip into the chariot. Philip explained the meaning of the passage the man had been reading and went on to declare to him "the good news about Jesus."—Acts 8:30-35.

Just as Philip helped that Ethiopian to understand God's Word long ago, Jehovah's Witnesses help people to understand the Bible today. They would be happy to help you too. Usually, it is best to study the Bible systematically, beginning with basic Scriptural teachings. (Hebrews 6:1) As you progress, you will be able to take in what the apostle Paul called "solid food"—that is, deeper truths. (Hebrews 5:14) Although it is the Bible that you are studying, other publications—Bible study aids—can help you to locate and understand Bible passages on a variety of subjects.



A study can usually be arranged at a time and place that is convenient for you. Some even study over the telephone. The study is not held in a classroom setting; it is a private arrangement tailored to your personal circumstances, including your background and education. You do not have to pay for such a Bible study. (Matthew 10:8) There are no exams, and you will not be made to feel embarrassed. Your questions will be answered, and you will learn how to draw close to God. Why, though, should you study the Bible? Consider some reasons why a study of the Bible can add joy to your life.

Answer 5

Do you eat shrimp and crab?
Romans 14:14
As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.
Or should I be condemned for this as a gay man is condemned or as a divorcee is condemned? 1 Corinthians 6:9

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders. No you do not condem them
YOU LOVE THE PERSON ,NOT THE SIN


All are sins... NO you are right they all are sins and yes we think lilling someone is much worse than telling a lie ,but to GOD a sin is a sin

Jesus came and he fullifull

We can not go by the old law it has somany rules noone could follow them
we do have to go by the 10 ComandmentsIt is especially important to note how the word is used in Matthew 5:17. In this context, “abolish” is set in opposition to “fulfill.” Christ came “...not to abolish, but to fulfill.” The meaning is this. Jesus did not come to this earth for the purpose of acting as an opponent of the law. His goal was not to prevent its fulfillment. Rather, he revered it, loved it, obeyed it, and brought it to fruition. He fulfilled the law’s prophetic utterances regarding himself (Luke 24:44). Christ fulfilled the demands of the Mosaic law, which called for perfect obedience, or else imposed a “curse” (see Galatians 3:10,13). In this sense, the law’s divine design will ever have an abiding effect. It will always accomplish the purpose for which it was given.

Answer 6

As a Christian I follow the New Testament. The Old Testament was fulfilled.
Well, in the New Testament Jesus gave what basically summarizes teh commandments we should keep. (and this is not the exact wording) 1 Have no other God before God. (including money, and any addictions) and 2 Treat others the way you want to be treated.

He said this when asked for the most important rules. (again not the exact wording)

Answer 7

The Torah (the collection of laws in what we Christians call the Old Testament) was given to the Israelites when God brought them out of Egypt. It is one of the big things that sets them (and their descendents, the Jewish people) apart from everyone else.

I am not Jewish. Therefore, I am not part of the covenant between God and the Jews. This is the same reason Christians don't celebrate the Jewish holidays.

The question of whether Gentiles had to become Jewish before they could follow Jesus was one of the biggest issues that troubled the early church. The ultimate answer was "no."

So, the dietary laws, etc. aren't requirements for us. Jesus gave us new, harder, instructions to follow: love your enemy, turn the other cheek, give your coat away, etc.

How many of us follow these laws to the letter?

Answer 8

...Jesus declared all foods clean. A believer can go ahead and eat these things.
...Christians live under Jesus authority and are to lives of loving service to God and others.
...We are not required live the Law. It does contain principles for living and instruction, i.e. if you lay off seafood, you are less likely to get the diseases it can carry. See Romans 15:4 - "For whatever what written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
...Other verses for study, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:1-4, 2 Peter 3:16; Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1.
..RE literal interpretation - one good rule of Bible interpretation - if the given sense makes good sense, seek no other sense.
...Last, in 1 Corinthians 2, we are told to compare spiritual with spiritual, compare Scripture with Scripture, like the Berean Christians in Acts 17:11, to see whether these things are so.

Answer 9

The Old Testament was written before Jesus came and saved us from having to do almost all of those things written in the Old Testament. I DO eat Shrimp, Crab, Pig, etc. We now can eat what we want, but need to be self controlling so we're respecting our body. I personally don't follow most of the laws previous to Jesus' time. When he came, he released us from those old laws, and said "Love your neighbor as yourself, and follow my commandments." To Love God, Love People, and spread the word of God are our laws now.

Answer 10

Jesus said he was the end of the law to those who believe he also said that under the law no one would make it to heaven. The new testament also states that what the law couldn't do Jesus by dieing on the cross was able to do. I could give you the chapters and verses but I feel you would be better off to read the New Testament and find them.

Answer 11

As a Christan, i believe u know DAT Christan means Christlike and therefore we must live like Christ. the mosaic law was interpreted by the Jews in a very wrong way DAT was why he called them hypocrites. n u know DAT Christ came and changed everything including eating some things n not. i myself I'm a Nigerian, n i eat agama lizards at times n i also eat crabs and i am a real Christan and still have Gods blessings in my life and i am not condemned because i feel the hand of God in my life. We have been given a new law by our Lord JESUS, therefore we have to live according to the new testament n commands, know DAT I'm not condemning the old testament just as Christ came to fulfill it n not to condemn it because we still have to learn great things from the old commands/testament. so my dear friend in the lord, i will advice u to live the way Christ lived and the way his apostles lived, u can follow the footsteps of Christ and live a righteous life which will earn u your reward in heaven.