I think that it's very likely that the vast majority of Christians have not read the entire Bible, and attempted to interpret it on their own. Instead, they rely on priests and organized religion as a whole to tell them what to make of it. This is an honest attempt at personal understanding of religion, however I am curious as to whether it is an honest mistake as well. Humans (even priests) are vulnerable to their own biases which they may pass on through their teachings whether they mean to or not. If the Bible is the way, then why not learn it in the most direct way, avoiding any possible mistakes by other humans?
In relation to this... Why believe something just because a religious person tells you to? Shouldn't you discover it yourself? This goes for all beliefs of the church. Sometimes it worries me that people mindlessly follow. I think that questioning even the most basic notions is healthy to strengthen belief, (or discover justified disbelief).
Thoughts?
2007-12-28 12:30:22 · 9 answers · asked by Thinker Dan 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In relation to Christ being the way and not the Bible... I don't really understand that, because the Bible tells the story of Christ. Also, keep in mind that the idea that Jesus is part of the Trinity, and therefore divine is a human idea. If those humans were wrong, than that is Christ idolatry!
2007-12-28 12:40:49 · update #1
even if they did read the entire buybull, its all a matter of interpretation
note the thousands of sects of xianity
but of course, everyone knows that their OPINION on the matter is the right and factual one..its everyone else thats misled
2007-12-28 12:34:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
There will always be those who follow without thinking. It's not a good thing but it's a fact. Also, people feel more comfortable being in a structured environment and the organized religions do that for them. We are told to fellowship with others and be held accountable by others to keep us from ending up in "left field" but sometimes the meaning behind the rituals and rites gets lost or is never explained. I know I prefer to go to a church that encourages it's members to read and meditate but there are some even there who prefer to absorb from the pastor rather than learn from the Word.
2007-12-28 20:38:50 · answer #2 · answered by kaehya2003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're certainly right to wonder about Bible interpretations taught to us by our elders and forefathers. We've all been fed spiritual food from the time we were born and not all of that food has been very nutritious. It is indeed essential to believe in the Bible to attain Life. That's because it's essential to believe in the Word of God. The Bible is the Word of God made flesh (made in a material form in the world). Reading (or eating the flesh of the Word) without also drinking the blood (the spirit that dwells within) will be for naught. Relying upon our own interpretations and the interpretations of others of mankind will only result in believing falsehoods. The religions of the world feed mankind with bread full of air containing very little sustenance - because the world wants to hear only smooth things - and so that's what religious leaders give them.
To receive Truth and Life, read the Bible for yourself - and also listen to the Spirit within for the interpretations while also ignoring your own interpretations.
2007-12-28 21:11:41 · answer #3 · answered by Ninizi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bible clearly commands each soul to "WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION" leaving no one but ourselves to blame in the end as we see here -
PHILIPEANS 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling.
One of the major reasons why so many souls will miss Heaven is because they have been led astray. Most people would rather follow than take the lead... while offering hundreds of excuses why they never had the time to find the truth for themselves. Therefore, this great number of souls [followers] depend on a those few [leaders]... and out of those few, how many are preaching the TRUE GOSPEL? Can you now see why MATTHEW 7:14 of the bible tells us "narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it".
Organized religion (denominationalism) is where mankind adds his ways in with God's way for many reasons such as control, convenience, appeal, dictating what is truth, and going as far as changing the message as not to offend anyone. This has caused the pure message to become contaminated lacking truth. What is not said is just as important as what is said.
Christianity on the other hand offers the soul the opportunity and freedom to seek the truth for themselves and serve according to God's way bypassing all of the issues mankind's religion adds or takes away.
Feel free to email me (all are invited) if you want to break free from the bondages of religion and I will be glad to help you find God's way and truth.
2007-12-28 21:17:48 · answer #4 · answered by Servant Leader 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, religion is man made. The Bible holds the truth. A bible based church is the best way to go. A study of the word is what God says to do daily.
2007-12-28 20:36:01 · answer #5 · answered by Sweet Suzy 777! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of my Christian friends have study Bibles and usually read them daily. And I attend a non-denominational Christian church. We go by the Bible, that's it.
2007-12-28 20:35:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you ought to cut the preachers a little slack. Everybody has to eat.
2007-12-28 20:35:36 · answer #7 · answered by What? Me Worry? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the belief that the bible is the way is bible idolatry and is a sin. Christ is the way.
2007-12-28 20:34:47 · answer #8 · answered by busybee2 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you on that.
2007-12-28 20:34:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋