I'm just wondering how it's determined which parts of the bible are still to be respected, and which parts are considered outmoded and no longer relevant? Is this decision made by people, or is God doing the editing? And while I'm asking questions, I'd also kind of like to know why it is that every time I question the validity of every single word in the bible, I'll easily get a dozen christians responding with a resounding "YES", but as soon as someone points out a particular point in the bible that seems especially ridiculous or barbaric in this day and age, the Christians are the first ones to point out that the particular passage being discussed is "no longer relevant"? Who gets to choose which parts of the bible are relevant and which ones aren't?
2007-12-13 23:03:29 · 16 answers · asked by since you asked 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
lol, mom3:)
harsh mistress, I was not asking which parts of the bible were relevant and which weren't, I was asking how it was determined which parts were relevant and which ones weren't. And I'm not asking you to think for me either. Trust me, I am MORE than capable of thinking for myself, thank you.
2007-12-13 23:35:41 · update #1
Wired, I think that they'd either think we were gods or demons...depending on what they were looking at.
2007-12-13 23:40:47 · update #2
I prefer to look at verses in their context rather than take them literally. Unlike many Christians here I don't 'get' this view that every single word in the bible is valid. I am if you like 'with' the atheists and Islamists on this one that the bible is 'corrupt'. Not so corrupt that there is not a consistent message. So for example Jesus said that you will know his disciples by their love. Ask yourself the question how is the particular verse you are examining consistent with what Jesus said? I believe you can find and follow consistent themes this way.
Sometimes the bible is quite clear. There are food laws in the old testament. In the new testament all the food is declared clean and this abolishes the food laws. Most Christians take advantage of this freedom and don't follow the food laws. Something like that is up to you to decide whether it is relevant or not.
Consensus among Christians should resolve the rest. There is consensus that slavery is wrong and the verses which support it are no longer relevant.
Should and do are two different things. Where there isn't consensus Christians have written up doctrines to clarify their respective views. Choose a group which suits your beliefs and is relevant to you.
Cherry picking? What's wrong with picking the best cherries? God gave us minds we should use them.
Here is another view for you to consider.
2007-12-14 01:51:19 · answer #1 · answered by Peter M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible is the Living Words of God. No one can change or edit it. (Revelation 22:18-19). We are not God. We can't test God's Words (His Knowledge). Everything is written with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Is faith that we trust/believe everything in the Bible is the Truth. We can't say it is relevant or not. Indeed everything relevant. Old Testament is related to New Testament so vice versa. Hope you found the meaning you want when you explore the Bible on your own. God Bless!
2007-12-13 23:37:09 · answer #2 · answered by Serena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is that there are no ridiculous parts of the Bible. Every part is useful for teaching and training us. No one gets to edit or say any of it is outmoded. As far as the answers you get from some Christians, we are not perfect and we are taught by imperfect people but if you seek wisdom from GOD there is only one source. If you need help understanding it, HE has given us the HOLY SPIRIT to help. We also can talk to GOD through prayer and HE will help us to see.
2007-12-13 23:11:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's a cultural thing. No one person is necessarily making the decisions. The priests have a fair idea of how much punishment and self-loathing the flock can endure, and then write their sermons with that thought in mind. Hundreds of years ago (in an effort to frighten the flock) the preachers would spend hours describing in exquisite detail, the terrible tortures that await us in hell, These days (generally speaking) these fire-and-brimstone sermons are rarely heard. People don't want to hear them so the priests back-pedal a bit and preach about other things.
2007-12-13 23:14:25 · answer #4 · answered by youngmoigle 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
God! the old testament was the law you and I were under the law. What people are saying(i dont know for sure but assume) Is that in Christ we are under grace,For it is grace that you have been saved through faith and not of yourself its the free gift of God. And its ok to question thats the thing if were honest we all do. But in my personal experience I have to much that has happened to doubt that what is said is was and will be the truth, I still do question validity of what is written but I know that is the great trail of faith! Sounds like your on that journey. Take care God Bless! ADD; the old testament is telling the message the deliverer is coming he is coming the new is he is here, I do trust in both.
2007-12-13 23:12:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Respecting the Bible is not a "cherry-picking" process. People of any stripe do this. As for what you think is "especially ridiculous or barbaric" about it "in this day" is in itself revealing of much. If those people back then had been able to somehow see us in our "modern" condition, what do you think they would've thought about us?
As for who chooses what is relevant, God does. In my opinion, what man thinks itself is irrelevant and ridiculous on so many levels as it pertains the Bible.
2007-12-13 23:19:44 · answer #6 · answered by Wired 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Much of the old testament laws have a scientific explanation. Eating Pork for example was unhealthy because of tapeworm etc.The food laws were abolished in he NT when Peter had a dream from Heaven. If you read the NT carefully you will see others. Other laws such as sacrifice for sins have been abolished through Jesus Christ. But the 10commandments stand. However even they are not what we will be judged by. We will be judged by our faith in Jesus Christ.
2007-12-13 23:15:29 · answer #7 · answered by Joy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hello Restless Angel,....Now,I noticed Hopeful said,that Peter gave up on the old "Anti Pork rule"in the Jewish faith,because of a dream,....C'mon he was like me,He knew religious rules are meant to be broken!!!,....Religious services are great theatre,However I'd wish they vary the performance a bit more,a few fire-breathing dragons please!!,Jemmy.
2007-12-14 08:14:30 · answer #8 · answered by Gerry Attrikk 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Bible was written by people who were under the guidance from God, although it is thought that some of those writers got the word from God in a wrong way and misinterpreted it.
2007-12-13 23:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Which parts are not relevant ?
Many parts have been fulfilled that is not the same thing
2007-12-13 23:10:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋