Conversion Behavior

[jacobs well]

Someone said on this forum once that they have not seen anybody with certain beliefs to change their opinion or attitude even given overwhelming verifiable facts that contradict their firmly held convictions. I believe that statement because I was of that nature as well.
We have those that are in agreement with fixed dogma while others presented with absolute evidence actually held more firmly to their incorrect views.
Most people do not seek information that challenges their beliefs-seeking out information that is consistent with their ideology instead.
Look at Liberal fans of say MSNBC versus conservative devotees of Fox news.
Information that contradicts their prior attitudes is often disregarded while news they receive is processed with a bias toward their pre-existing opinions.
I think Jesus saw this phenomenon firsthand when He tried to correct the Pharisees-John 8;46.
Most people believe what they want to believe. Even when they read Gods truth, they receive it according to their inclinations as Jesus illustrated in the Parable of the sower-Matt 13.
How do we know that God has opened our minds to His Word or that we have been blinded by Satan (the god of this age)?
I think it was Benjamin Franklin that said " A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. "
Has anybody changed your mindset about your beliefs on forums like this to the point of converting over to their understanding ?
And if so, what did it take to make it happen?

 

[Faith.Man]

Someone said on this forum once that they have not seen anybody with certain beliefs to change their opinion or attitude even given overwhelming verifiable facts that contradict their firmly held convictions. I believe that statement because I was of that nature as well.
We have those that are in agreement with fixed dogma while others presented with absolute evidence actually held more firmly to their incorrect views.
Most people do not seek information that challenges their beliefs-seeking out information that is consistent with their ideology instead.
Look at Liberal fans of say MSNBC versus conservative devotees of Fox news.
Information that contradicts their prior attitudes is often disregarded while news they receive is processed with a bias toward their pre-existing opinions.
I think Jesus saw this phenomenon firsthand when He tried to correct the Pharisees-John 8;46.
Most people believe what they want to believe. Even when they read Gods truth, they receive it according to their inclinations as Jesus illustrated in the Parable of the sower-Matt 13.
How do we know that God has opened our minds to His Word or that we have been blinded by Satan (the god of this age)?
I think it was Benjamin Franklin that said " A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. "
Has anybody changed your mindset about your beliefs on forums like this to the point of converting over to their understanding ?
And if so, what did it take to make it happen?

Interesting question. Over the year I've been a part of this forum, I wouldn't say my beliefs have changed much. I would say the forum has challenged me to validate my beliefs. Most of the biggest changes to my beliefs occurred in the ten years after my initial conversion experience. That's not to say I haven't learned a lot, and I continue to learn from my brothers and sisters in Christ, who I thank God for.

 

[nChrist]

First, I think that one should separate convictions about God and His Word from opinions about politics and society. The two are probably connected by strong Christians who have moral convictions arising from the study of God's Word, but I don't think we should be comparing God's Word to political opinion polls.

There is a radical change in a person when he or she accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The changes continue if the person makes a habit of studying God's Word and trying to grow in strength as a Christian. This would be especially so for Christians who make this a priority in their lives.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.​

So, the amount of continued change is up to the individual Christian and how much he or she yields to the teaching and will of God. If I am a yielded Christian, I will be using God's Word as a guide and measurement of truth and how that truth will be made manifest in my life. As far as I'm concerned, this is a good thing that every Christian should strive for. In the political arena, they would make fun of us as "Bible-Thumpers" or in other mocking terms, but there should be no shame in using God's Word to form our opinions, determine how we should vote, and in all areas of our lives.

What might be viewed as fact by some group of people is not necessarily fact - just opinion. I personally will use the Holy Bible to judge so-called overwhelming facts. Example: man evolved from monkeys. No - God created man in His image as a tripartite being (body, soul, spirit). I could really care less how many so-called scientists say that man evolved from monkeys. God's Word gives me everything I need to know about creation.

Am I biased and prejudiced because of my strong beliefs arising out of God's Word? YES! I'll take God's Word over man's word any day. God has begun a good work in me and has promised to complete it. As for my part, I wish to yield to Him, study His Word, and continue progress in becoming stronger in Him. If someone mocks me for that effort, I could care less. I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of the Grace of God.

 

[mikeyc1945]

I find that as I continue to study the Bible in its entirety, I come into more and more conflict with accepted contemporary Christian dogma and doctrine. The conflicts have become so intense, that I started studying the early church and the writings of the early church to see just how they interpreted the New Testament.

I went to the early church because that puts us as close to Jesus and His disciples as possible. I want to follow what Jesus taught, not some TV preacher that continually begs for money (the Didache says when a preacher asks for money he is a false preacher and should not be listened to or supported).

Anyone interested in some of the conflicts between todays teaching and that of the early church?

Numbers 6:24-26

 

[nChrist]

I find that as I continue to study the Bible in its entirety, I come into more and more conflict with accepted contemporary Christian dogma and doctrine. The conflicts have become so intense, that I started studying the early church and the writings of the early church to see just how they interpreted the New Testament.

I went to the early church because that puts us as close to Jesus and His disciples as possible. I want to follow what Jesus taught, not some TV preacher that continually begs for money (the Didache says when a preacher asks for money he is a false preacher and should not be listened to or supported).

Anyone interested in some of the conflicts between todays teaching and that of the early church?

Numbers 6:24-26

That wouldn't have anything to do with this thread and would be off-topic. As for me, no I'm not interested in what you view to be conflicts. Problems in your understanding does not mean there are problems with the Holy Bible. I'll take the Holy Bible over the views of man any day. I suggest that you try to better understand ways to study the Holy Bible.

 

[mikeyc1945]

357magnum,

Hmmm . . . interesting. I think I understand what's going on here, but let me test the waters a little . . .

You say "I'll take the Holy Bible over the views of man any day.", and rightly so - Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 55:9, I Corinthians 1:20.

So what say you concerning - 1Corinthians 11:13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

There are many interpretations of this scripture. What is yours. If it differs from mine, who is correct? How do we find out?

 

[nChrist]

357magnum,

Hmmm . . . interesting. I think I understand what's going on here, but let me test the waters a little . . .

You say "I'll take the Holy Bible over the views of man any day.", and rightly so - Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 55:9, I Corinthians 1:20.

So what say you concerning - 1Corinthians 11:13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

There are many interpretations of this scripture. What is yours. If it differs from mine, who is correct? How do we find out?

Off topic, and I'm not going to debate this with you - just as I said that I wouldn't. First, you have to consider the historical perspective and customs of the time and determine what the Apostle Paul was addressing. That should be enough to help you figure it out. If not, address it in another thread and don't try to hijack this one. I won't help you do this. Take the hint.