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 Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:29 am
I've heard of many people who were once Christians, but they left their faith because when they read the Bible it was violent, horrid, awful, and contradicting to science (and it also contradicts itself).
Now I've been a Christian for a few years now, and from my personal experience I can't just spit in God's face and say all of what He did for me was just coincidence. I could go on and on forever about all the prayers that got answered for me and my friends in the past.
But about the Bible, it seems like so many people have "proof" that it is flawed compared to science and all of that kind of stuff. I tried to read part of the Old Testament but I flinched as God kept saying certain people would be put to death just for doing one thing wrong. I don't have a problem with the New Testament though, cause that's when it makes the most sense and prophecies are fufilled, etc...but still.
I've been having doubts about God for this specific reason about the Bible, and how it seems to be contradictory, flawed, and just plain wrong. Can someone who's been through the same thing help me out on this? How can I make sense of the Bible and how do I know it's true?
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:28 pm
I too struggle to interpret scripture thats difficult to understand. When I cannot fully comprehend on a verse or chapter I do research, or I speak with the Elders or Pastor of my church.
Its difficult to help you specifically with what it is that you yourself find difficult to understand. Perhaps I can help you in the right direction if you have anything specific to ask?
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:36 pm
Science came after the bible. We only believe what science tells us because God has no other way to talk to us because we no longer listen.
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Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 7:45 am
I don't know your particular situation, but I can speak for myself.
Whenever I find something in the Bible that I don't like, I remember 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," which I take to mean that this is the truth, like it or not. I've learned to disregard all other sources of information if they contradict the Word. Remember, the Bible is Scripture is the Word is Jesus who is God; God is One with His Word. It's weird, but that's how it goes. (o.O)
And, just curious, where does the Bible contradict itself?
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Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 1:30 pm
I guess I should get a little more specific then.
I haven't read a lot of the Bible, which could be the main problem. But what I have read is just, I don't know how to describe. If you read a lot of Leviticus, God says people will be put to death just for doing one thing wrong. And I guess I just don't understand that. And about the whole homosexuality thing. I know it is wrong because man were meant to be one flesh with woman, but it's hard to accept that homosexuals will not be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven. I mean, what if someone was a Christian and struggled with that?
This is just a small issue, but what does it mean when Jesus came not to bring peace but a sword?
I admit on where the Bible contradicts itself, I don't even know where it does. I tend to listen to people too much and I heard testimonies on how the Bible is just so contradictory to itself. One example I know of is in Genesis chapter 2 the order of creation seems to be different to that in chapter 1 with the animals being made after Adam. And I don't know how to trust it if it's been re written so many times either.
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Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 12:51 am
Ok. The first thing we need to understand is that all of the Bible is the Word of God. God is perfect, so his Word is also. These questions are really good and I've had them. 1. Most of the time in the Old Testament with people being put to death for one thing, this was because the people were Israelites. The nation of Israel was supposed to be a holy and blameless nation that displayed God to every nation. Sin in Israel would not display God to the nations. Israel was a special and chosen people. 2. About homosexuals, the Bible does clearly state that homosexual acts are sin. But there are many other sins also. hat sin does is that it separates us from God. Jesus died so that all of our sins are forgiven. There can be Christians who struggle with homosexual ideas or actions just as there are Christians who struggle with lying. But as Christians, we are to strive to fight our sin and put it to death every day. No person can just be a homosexual. It is a choice. Yes, there are people who struggle with it more, but as all sin is, it is a choice. Even if someone did participate in homosexual things and struggles with them, but is a Christian and fights against them to glorify God, there sins still are forgiven. 3. Yes, Jesus will come with the sword. Jesus is God. God is merciful, but also just. He must bring justice to the world because it is His nature. The first time that Jesus came to the world, it was to die for the sins of all who would believe and follow Him. (John 3:17) He will come again to bring justice to the world and make it right. This is when He comes with a sword. 4. Remember, the Bible is the Word of God, so it is perfect and never contradicts itself. People may say that it does and even claim that there is proof, but we must have faith that God is right and that men are not. (Hebrews 11:1) We're not going to know every response to these people. It is ok to say that you don't know. But if you don't, talk to your pastor or an elder at your church or your parents if they are believers. They are wise and will most likely have and answer to you. Stay strong! Keep seeking Truth! yunie22 I guess I should get a little more specific then. I haven't read a lot of the Bible, which could be the main problem. But what I have read is just, I don't know how to describe. If you read a lot of Leviticus, God says people will be put to death just for doing one thing wrong. And I guess I just don't understand that. And about the whole homosexuality thing. I know it is wrong because man were meant to be one flesh with woman, but it's hard to accept that homosexuals will not be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven. I mean, what if someone was a Christian and struggled with that? This is just a small issue, but what does it mean when Jesus came not to bring peace but a sword? I admit on where the Bible contradicts itself, I don't even know where it does. I tend to listen to people too much and I heard testimonies on how the Bible is just so contradictory to itself. One example I know of is in Genesis chapter 2 the order of creation seems to be different to that in chapter 1 with the animals being made after Adam. And I don't know how to trust it if it's been re written so many times either.
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Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 12:52 am
Oops that was kinda long...
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Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 1:22 am
NeroBlakk Oops that was kinda long... no its ok smile it kind of helped. i'll make a new post when i can put my finger on another question. its 1 am over here and my thoughts are kinda cloudy
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Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:17 am
I understand that word of mouth tends to make a bigger impact on us in this day and age, but remember, the Devil will make people say or do anything to try and pull you away from God. Don't just take what people say. Do a Bible study, ask them for proof, investigate. You must look in order to find the answers in God's word. I myself haven't read much, but I try to look up whatever people try to say is "contraversy" and see for myself.
Oh, and with the Genesis, chapter one does state that he created man after the animals. But the garden was a seperate place that God worked on, seperate from the rest of the world. It is even believed that Adam was not the only man created at that time and that other people were on the earth, since when God banished Cain, Cain feared being killed by other people. So, since the garden was seperate, nothing was there until God created them. I know, its a bit confusing when you read it, but you need to keep looking into things.
Also, one last thing. English is a horrible language and when the Bible was translated, some meaning may have been lost from the original text. If you feel confused about a wording or how something is phrased, try finding out the Hebrew words and looking up the full definition of them. We only have one word for love, but in Hebrew, there are around four different words for love, all with different meaning.
Sorry that was so long, I hope I help a little. Good luck and God bless you as you search for the truth.
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