Are you a Christian and do you believe the Bible is the word of God?

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I am not one that wishes to publicly spread terse statements that will injure traditional beliefs of others, especially on an informal public web board. I will engage in narrow facets of Christian religious discussion but not in a thread like this that is posed so broadly that the result has little value as responses in this thread have shown. Challenge me for an opinion on any part of The Bible including Genesis so many base their disbelief on. I heard enough over the first couple minutes to understand where the OP's 8 minute video was headed I had no interest in listening to, so exited it there.

There has been a total investment in Christian churches over centuries, particularly Protestant, in total belief in the Bible, both Old and New Testament. Much dogma has been expanded from writings of saints and church leaders that has little to vague direct Bible basis. The actual Jewish religious sects of the OT obviously didn't share a belief in inerrancy because they regularly changed parts and added much that Jesus himself commented on. And the wide range of Christian denomination interpretations on many specifics demands sober reappraisal.

When the 16th century Reformation occurred it was catalyzed by at the same time, the first printing of the Bible that removed its secret writings from those few in the Catholic church that tightly controlled its interpretation. While the Catholic church in the 20th century eventually distanced itself from rigid inerrancy of the Bible, other denominations have doggedly refused to do so because their house of cards would crumble. And indeed, given this modern era age of science, technology, and WWW allowing everyone globally to now read what many scholars have been actually relating for centuries in the dark, that is coming to pass.

Although many like those in the OP's video may think by rejecting inerrancy, one has hopelessly lost their faith, I am one that believes that need not be the case. Ironically what can bring to those facing that dilemma back into strong faith is science itself that I personally have been building up argumentation for to help others. Many of the reasons former Christians and atheists reject Christianity is not about God or what I view as an Ultimate Intelligent Entity, UIE, race but rather interpreted church dogma. There is still much in the Bible to guide humans to possible eternal life and indeed some was given to human prophets and others including Jesus to spread to we Earth monkeys.

You say there is little value in the responses to the OP. How is it that you assess them that way? Is being sincere about what you believe of little value? To think you know the big picture in advance of being patient enough to possibly hear the whole story seems a little self important. And then to lecture on the "real" reasons for this also seems impatient. I would bet that almost all people our age have contemplated this, and they all have a different response. Just like yours....so why does it seem so final and special?

I will challenge you on the Creation story that cause so many to disbelieve.
 
It is a mistake to believe unconditionally in what you are told. This applies to the Bible as much as anything else. Those who take the trouble to think for themselves will realise that the Bible is basically a history book.'God' is being held responsible for all that happens.
One of the things I wonder about as regards Jesus is the fact that his sermons were recorded by someone. This means that his followers were educated people, able to read and write, not the simple peasants we are taught.
I have studied how the Gospels came about. No one really knows for sure when and by whom they were written.

"Gospel of Matthewc. 80–90 CE.[74] This is based on three strands of evidence: (a) the setting of Matthew reflects the final separation of Church and Synagogue, about 85 CE; (b) it reflects the capture of Jerusalem and destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE; (c) it uses Mark, usually dated around 70 CE, as a source.[75]𝔓104 (2nd century)
Gospel of Markc. 65–73 CE.[76][77] References to persecution and to war in Judea suggest that its context was either Nero's persecution of the Christians in Rome or the Jewish revolt.[78]𝔓45 (250 CE)
Gospel of Lukec. 80–90 CE.[79][80] Text indicates written a generation after that of the first disciples, uses Gospel of Mark, and appears to address concerns raised by the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE.[81]𝔓4, 𝔓75 (175–250 CE)
Gospel of Johnc. 90–110 CE, the upper date based on textual evidence that the gospel was known in the early 2nd century, and the lower on an internal reference to the expulsion of Christians from the synagogues.[82]𝔓52 (125–175 CE)
Actsc. 80–90 CE, on the grounds that Luke-Acts uses Mark as a source, looks back on the destruction of Jerusalem, and does not show any awareness of the letters of Paul (which began circulating late in the century); if, however, it does show awareness of the letters of Paul and also of the works of Josephus, then a date early in the 2nd century is more likely.[83][84][85]𝔓29, 𝔓45, 𝔓48, 𝔓53, 𝔓91 (250 CE)
Romansc. 57–58 CE.[86] One of the indisputably genuine Pauline letters, written to the Romans as Paul was about to leave Asia Minor and Greece, and expressing his hopes to continue his work in Spain.[76]𝔓46 (mid 2nd century to mid 3rd century CE)
1 Corinthiansc. 53–57 CE.[87] One of the indisputably genuine Pauline letters. Paul expresses his intention to re-visit the church he founded in the city c. 50–52 CE.[76]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
2 Corinthiansc. 55–58 CE.[88] One of the indisputably genuine Pauline letters. Written by Paul in Macedonia after having left Ephesus.[89]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
Galatiansc. 48 or 55 CE.[90] One of the indisputably genuine Pauline letters. The dating of this letter depends on whether it was written to the northern or southern portion of Galatia (with the former representing the later date). [91]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
Ephesiansc. 80–90 CE. The letter appears to have been written after Paul's death in Rome, by an author who uses his name.[76]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
Philippiansc. 54–55 CE. A genuine Pauline letter, it mentions "Caesar's household," leading some scholars to believe that it is written from Rome, but some of the news in it could not have come from Rome. It seems rather to date from an earlier imprisonment, perhaps in Ephesus, from which Paul hopes to be released.[76]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
Colossiansc. 62–70 CE. Some scholars believe Colossians dates from Paul's imprisonment in Ephesus around 55 CE, but differences in the theology suggest that it comes from much later in his career, around the time of his imprisonment in Rome.[76]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
1 Thessaloniansc. 51 CE. One of the earliest of the genuine Pauline epistles.[76]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
2 Thessaloniansc. 51 CE or post-70 CE. If this is a genuine Pauline epistle it follows closely on 1 Thessalonians. But some of the language and theology point to a much later date, from an unknown author using Paul's name.[76]𝔓92 (300 CE)
1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Epistle to Titusc. 100 CE. The two Timothy epistles and Titus reflect a much more developed Church organization than that reflected in the genuine Pauline epistles.[76]Codex Sinaiticus (350 CE)𝔓32 (200 CE)
Philemonc. 54–55 CE. A genuine Pauline epistle, written from an imprisonment (probably in Ephesus) that Paul expects will soon be over.[76]𝔓87 (3rd century CE)
Hebrewsc. 80–90 CE. The elegance of the Greek and the sophistication of the theology do not fit the genuine Pauline epistles, but the mention of Timothy in the conclusion led to its being included with the Pauline group from an early date.[76]𝔓46 (late 2nd century or 3rd century CE)
Jamesc. 65–85 CE. Like Hebrews, James is not so much a letter as an exhortation; the style of the Greek makes it unlikely that it was actually written by James the brother of Jesus.[76]𝔓20, 𝔓23 (early 3rd century CE)
First Peterc. 75–90 CE[76]𝔓72 (3rd/4th century CE)
Second Peterc. 110 CE. This is apparently the latest writing in the New Testament, quoting from Jude, assuming a knowledge of the Pauline letters, and including a reference to the gospel story of the Transfiguration of Christ.[76]𝔓72 (3rd/4th century CE)
Epistles of Johnc. 90–110 CE.[92] The letters give no clear indication, but scholars tend to place them about a decade after the Gospel of John.[92]𝔓9, Uncial 0232, Codex Sinaiticus (3rd/4th century CE)
JudeUncertain, c. 50–110 CE. The references to "brother of James" and to "what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold" suggest that it was written after the apostolic letters were in circulation, but before 2 Peter, which uses it.[76]𝔓72 (3rd/4th century CE)
Revelationc. 95 CE. The date is suggested by clues in the visions pointing to the reign of the emperor Domitian.[76]
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dating_the_Bible
 
Somehow that resonates within me and is comforting to believe that. Maybe we all are messed up, and God created us that way so we would find our way back to Him?
God created us, and he gave us the power of making our own choices, good and bad. Hopefully we learn the consequences of bad choices and the blessings of good choices. Just living by 10 commandments alone is a good base to start off with.
 
My religion is kindness, my spirituality another matter. It is not linear enough for words, but it nourishes my soul when I am bereft, and flows out through love and laughter. I was

raised in the Christian church, among a family of believers, but it never resonated with me. I am an experiential being, I need to feel my beliefs whatever they may be, religious or

otherwise. I leave theology to the theologians, they may argue how many angels can fit on the head of a pin, or what is man made versus divine. I need a purpose. I have found mine through serving others.
 
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It is a mistake to believe unconditionally in what you are told. This applies to the Bible as much as anything else. Those who take the trouble to think for themselves will realise that the Bible is basically a history book.'God' is being held responsible for all that happens.
One of the things I wonder about as regards Jesus is the fact that his sermons were recorded by someone. This means that his followers were educated people, able to read and write, not the simple peasants we are taught.
True, we are to discern between good and bad teachings. Even among beliefs. What is real and what is of mankind. Your eternal home after life will depend on it.
 
I know! Several of my close friends have been gay/lesbian/etc. I have been very attracted to males at times and wondered if that was a weird temptation. The rules in the Old Testament get really weird, and nobody except fanatics keep those laws. So when do the commandments stop...or it was Moses's civil law based on being unclen! Like a women who mensturates can't do certain things , but they slaughter goats and blood is all over their village on doors. What is clean about that? There seems to be a lot of juggling of Scripture to come up with any conclusions on many issues.
There are only 10 commandments given by God, mankind added 600+ which made it impossible to keep them all. However, those 10 given by God are not impossible to keep.
 
Way of the world? I do not believe we need religion to be good people.
As a matter of fact, I think in many instances, religion is a huge obstacle to a person being good.
Some people are really nice and helpful people but they are not believers and their soul is lost. i have high hopes they will find God.
 
Got 2 angry reactions to this. :) I hope you don't think i believe that nonsense. Please read my post a few down from that one. I think the view that homosexuality is and abomination is INSANE!

https://www.seniorforums.com/thread...e-bible-is-the-word-of-god.68688/post-2008272
Maybe you think it is insane, but it really, really is an abomination to God. However, there are a lot of choices we make that are so bad and senseless, and when we decide to make better choices our lives will be better.
 
In the garden of Eden....... there were limits put on those two people and when they lived by those limits life was grand. But, when they did not live by those limits they were banished from that lovely garden. The Bible back then was the direct relationship between man and God.
 
If asked I usually do say I am a Christian, but that is by birth and upbring. I no longer believe the supernatural parts of the religion or that the Bible, or anything else, is the word of God.

That said I think Christians and members of other religions do a lot of good and have a lot of good ideas. I also enjoy the holidays, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Easter, Halloween, etc.
 
If asked I usually do say I am a Christian, but that is by birth and upbring. I no longer believe the supernatural parts of the religion or that the Bible, or anything else, is the word of God.

That said I think Christians and members of other religions do a lot of good and have a lot of good ideas. I also enjoy the holidays, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Easter, Halloween, etc.
I was brought up going to church and when I got older I decided to do my own investigating. I have found that I love basing my life on Scripture of the Bible and it is my "stronghold" when hard times come. I still love starting each day praying the Lord's prayer.
 
I no longer believe the Bible is the Word of God, and I have no idea what eternity is or if this one life is it and then nothing. ( which sounds fine to me )
Biblical prophecy did it for me

Don't have to be a biblical scholar to see some things, some happenings, now
Matthew 24 is a tidy little recap


As far as an agony in eternal hell.......not so
Yer jus' dead......forever

Don't take too long, @Paco Dennis
 
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In the garden of Eden....... there were limits put on those two people and when they lived by those limits life was grand. But, when they did not live by those limits they were banished from that lovely garden. The Bible back then was the direct relationship between man and God.
You are half correct. The Talmud discusses how leaving the garden was a liberation and growth for mankind and was a good and necessary act by G-d for his people. Kind of like a parent who, out of good intent, has to kick his/her kid from the childhood home in order for them to reach their potential. Don't want to argue with you though. Just giving you the perspective from the people who wrote the damn thing. Peace.
 
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