Can I be Christian and Not Believe the Bible?

[bhsmte]

Salt is not a major source of potassium or magnesium. It is a major source of sodium, chloride, and iodine. The chemical added is either magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide for moisture control to prevent clumping. The point of the question is to show that getting our information from books does not give us enough information. No doctor, traditional or alternative, could give me the cause of my heartburn. Nor could they give me the cause of my cold/sinus issues. Why? Because their books and tests were not giving them the information that was needed. I was able to find the answers by observing how my body responded to various sources by monitoring changes in my ph. E.g. I was able to determine that eating grain fed beef is toxic, while eating grass-fed beef was not. That information did not come from a book or a blood test. I have also been able to observe the symptoms that the anti-caking chemicals cause. You won't find that information from books or blood tests either. Our bodies do not respond the same way to inert minerals as they do to minerals from food. Why? Photosynthesis. corrupted minerals like phosphoric acid are far from an ideal source of this major mineral. This is what I meant when I said quality is important. Do you know what a catalyst is? Can you name the trace mineral that activates our digestive enzymes? You can find that answer in a book, but it could take a lot of time.

Cool.

I will stay with medical science.

 

[single eye]

Cool.

I will stay with medical science.

You will no longer be able to claim to be an innocent victim of disease now that you know the cause and have chosen to ignore it.

 

[Alawishis]

Reading about how to understand fixing old cars is of little value when trying to understand fixing new cars. I have fixed many cars and I very few beliefs on how to fix them. Generally it is a matter of rational thought and only on occasion have I been required to look back at a manual. The same should apply to us. If we spend too much time reading the manual we will never get the job done.

I'm not sure if you are referencing the Old versus the New Testament here. If so it's not a good analogy. Keep in mind all the New Testament Apostles and Jesus himself used the Old Testament to preach the good news and the grace of God. Jesus is the core of the Old testament. Case in point Jesus appearing to the men on the road to Emmaus. I invite you to read the full account in Luke 24.

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27​

Jesus gave them a bible study of the Old Testament, showing them that it was all about Him -Jesus. The Old Testament is about Jesus. If it wasn't and if it is as you say, written for an ancient era, and no longer applies, then it would have been useless to the Apostles.

I can be a mechanic or a technician without calling myself that but few would want me to fix there car. Do you see the analogy you have pointed out.

It was a simple analogy. And as with any analogy you can take it too far so that it falls apart. If you want to be a CHristian without calling yourself that then go ahead. But, are you then a Christian? If I call myself a surgeon am I now a surgeon? Is it what we call ourselves what makes us what we are? The thing is you aren't really a Christian unless you actually follow Jesus. It's not just hearing his words, even if you really like what He says. Even if you wear a t-shirt that says, "I really like Jesus." Christianity is not the Jesus fan club.

When I say I am not concerned with being saved I am also saying I do not feel burdened by my sins. I have moved on and spy try not to repeat them. Since I can aspire to but not meet the high moral standard of Jesus as expressed in the 2 nd commandment in Matthew I try to determine what I can meet. And rather than claim I am following something I am not, why not admit what I can follow. That will serve to better identify ourselves to others.

To worship the Bible and especially the old testament is to worship a God of your own devising. It is better to worship Jesus first since Jesus is much more easily understood.

Nobody is suggesting you worship the bible. No, not even in the slightest. You can actually read it without worshiping it. Worship God your creator. Follow his commands and listen to His words. Read the bible because God gave it to you, it is His words for you. Some people are resistant to read scripture because they think it's too hard and therefore will make up any excuse they can to absolve them of the responsibility of reading God's word. I promise you one thing, if you refuse to read it you will stray from the truth.

Now this thread is so far of topic I doubt I will come back to post again.

 

[bhsmte]

You will no longer be able to claim to be an innocent victim of disease now that you know the cause and have chosen to ignore it.

Now that I know the cause of disease???

 

[Rajni]

As of right now, I have decided to become Christian. The reason I can be this is because I believe the message of Jesus was a wondrous and beautiful message indeed. And I would like to follow it. So as a Christian, my first goal is to understand Jesus more than ever before. Is that not what all the disciples did? I would like to become more like them. And so to better understand Jesus I would like to see things more from his point of view. Now the new testament offers a pretty good view of this. So when I hear that Jesus said that the old laws are still in effect I see who he was talking to. He was talking primarily to Jews and not me. And that is good for me to know so I can now forget about the old testament and focus on the new. The old is just there to be viewed from an historical perspective. So am I not now a Christian but perhaps of a different denomination? Now I am beginning to wonder if this denomination already exists?

I don't see why not. There were Christians long before there
was a "The-Bible".

As for what denomination your view might fall under, I
did a quick search online which brought up a number
of hits pointing to the Churches of Christ. Below
are a couple links explaining their take on the role the
Old Testament plays in their denomination:

• Why We Don't Follow the Old Testament
• Does the Church of Christ Believe In The Old Testament?

Just remember that for every type of Christian there is, there
are others who will insist that they're not True Christians™.
Ultimately, though, it's between God and you.


-

 

[pshun2404]

Since I love Jesus and would like to follow him, I will decide how I want to do so amongst all the denominational choices I have. Look at the mormons, they even have another book. And look at other protestants who have taken nine books back out of the original bible. I am not interested in disagreements amongst denominations. I cannot see why I cannot be a Christian just as I am.

They've taken nothing out...the Jewish people never included them as canonical, and remember, the only scriptures considered God's word when Jesus was with us were the Hebrew Scriptures. He calls them "the truth" (at least the Torah, the Psalms, and the Prophets)...so if you want to be like Jesus forget denominations and believe the Torah, the Psalms, and the Prophets (as they all spoke of Him)...with Jesus here is the key...are you a sinner? If so you cannot enter into and remain in God's presence for eternity. Spiritual death (eternal separation from God) was the consequence God had forewarned of (from love not a threat of punishment). So if you do this eternal separation is your lot...your destiny. Jesus came and suffered that for you and His blood is the atonement sacrifice which pays the debt due...though Him God is offering you a pardon.

How can it be that one must know their Bible to be saved when 1000s of the first followers actually "born from above" could not even read....but they did know they had sin in their life and that to be in His Kingdom that sin would have to be dealt with...Jesus finished work is the solution to that problem. Hebrews 2:14 says Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver ( to snatch away, rescue, save) them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus...following His example is great, now do what He says...John 3:3-8; Acts 2:38; and so on

 

[Lavendar Frog]

As of right now, I have decided to become Christian. The reason I can be this is because I believe the message of Jesus was a wondrous and beautiful message indeed. And I would like to follow it. So as a Christian, my first goal is to understand Jesus more than ever before. Is that not what all the disciples did? I would like to become more like them. And so to better understand Jesus I would like to see things more from his point of view. Now the new testament offers a pretty good view of this. So when I hear that Jesus said that the old laws are still in effect I see who he was talking to. He was talking primarily to Jews and not me. And that is good for me to know so I can now forget about the old testament and focus on the new. The old is just there to be viewed from an historical perspective. So am I not now a Christian but perhaps of a different denomination? Now I am beginning to wonder if this denomination already exists?

There are Christians who read the Bible as a guide, a textual map of sorts full of metaphor, parables, simile, and allegories. All designed as secret texts inviting the sincere seeker to uncover the gnosis of God and his plan for humanity. A mystery tradition if you will.
After all, if you had a treasury of endless replenishing wealth stashed away somewhere, and you wanted only those who would honor and cherish it to find it and use it for good things, would you draw a map directly to the hoard?

Very often too you'll find Christians that make an idol of the Bible. They will argue there is absolutely no other way to know God exists. Much less Jesus.
You'll notice on the cover it is written, Holy Bible.
Man identifies it as the word of God.
Jesus was the word of God. The Logos. You'll find this in John 1:1-14.

The author's letter, some believe it was the Apostle Paul, to the Romans in Chapter 1 verse 20 tells us: For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

So no, in my experience, and I've read just your first post in this thread, you don't have to believe in the Bible. We are to believe in God, not a book compiled by the works of mortal sinful men. God inspired the text but he is not in the book. He is everywhere, even inside the hungry heart that seeks him out and asks questions like yours.

May God Always Guide Your Steps.

 

[Givemeareason]

I'd be interested to hear what made you believe.

I have not said what I believe in other than the message of Jesus. Most of the message of Jesus can even be believed by athiests.

 

[Chriliman]

I have not said what I believe in other than the message of Jesus. Most of the message of Jesus can even be believed by athiests.

The question then becomes, have you accepted the truth that Jesus has sacrificed himself for your sins and are you willing to submit your life to Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and savior? This was and is the primary message of Jesus. A true Christian should understand that its not Jesus the man that they're submitting to, but its Jesus the Lord and Savior, for whom all creation was made, this is who true Christians submit to.

God bless you on your journey!

 

[Givemeareason]

The question then becomes, have you accepted the truth that Jesus has sacrificed himself for your sins and are you willing to submit your life to Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and savior? This was and is the primary message of Jesus. A true Christian should understand that its not Jesus the man that they're submitting to, but its Jesus the Lord and Savior, for whom all creation was made, this is who true Christians submit to.

God bless you on your journey!

There is a lot more to it than just personal salvation in my view. But I am still struggling with what I am even able to believe. I have been mostly interested in the Catholic church.

 

[Chriliman]

There is a lot more to it than just personal salvation in my view. But I am still struggling with what I am even able to believe. I have been mostly interested in the Catholic church.

Your right, it's not about you, it's about glorifying God for what He has done for all creation. I'd stay away from the big religious churches and instead find a smaller community church who's focus is on Jesus' saving power. You'll find a much richer spiritual experience that will nurture your new faith building personal relationships with other believers who know the truth is very important to your growth as a Christian. If you ever have questions, feel free to PM me

 

[Givemeareason]

Your right, it's not about you, it's about glorifying God for what He has done for all creation. I'd stay away from the big religious churches and instead find a smaller community church who's focus is on Jesus' saving power. You'll find a much richer spiritual experience that will nurture your new faith building personal relationships with other believers who know the truth is very important to your growth as a Christian. If you ever have questions, feel free to PM me

Thanks for the suggestion but most of the smaller community churches i have seen these days are strongly influenced by fundamentalist views and the Republican Party. The Catholic church is still the original church.

 

[Chriliman]

Thanks for the suggestion but most of the smaller community churches i have seen these days are strongly influenced by fundamentalist views and the Republican Party. The Catholic church is still the original church.

The true church of Christ is within the believers heart, this forms the body of Christ. It is not confined by any physical building or human religion. I pray that God would lead you in your path to truth

 

[Givemeareason]

The true church of Christ is within the believers heart, this forms the body of Christ. It is not confined by any physical building or human religion. I pray that God would lead you in your path to truth

True, however most of us still like to affiliate with churches. And I am not too attached to the idea that we all have our own direct link to God. That in my view has led many Christians into "feel good" religion and all sorts of distortions of the word of God.

 

[Givemeareason]

***

I never asked what you believed. I asked what made you believe.

That is a difficult question for me. And I am not able to believe things that are not believable. Much of what I wrestle with is questionable. I am not able for example to accept Genesis as anything more than just ancient myth perhaps with roots in history. I have many issues with understanding Jesus and the Gospels as well.

 

[stevenfrancis]

Since I love Jesus and would like to follow him, I will decide how I want to do so amongst all the denominational choices I have. Look at the mormons, they even have another book. And look at other protestants who have taken nine books back out of the original bible. I am not interested in disagreements amongst denominations. I cannot see why I cannot be a Christian just as I am.

 

[Chriliman]

True, however most of us still like to affiliate with churches. And I am not too attached to the idea that we all have our own direct link to God. That in my view has led many Christians into "feel good" religion and all sorts of distortions of the word of God.

True, I prefer going to one church, but what I have found ever since I've committed my life to Christ is that it doesn't matter which church I go to, if they teach the truth I will always get something out of it, if they teach a perversion of the truth I will pick up on that and determine the church isn't following the truth.

As far as a link to God, you have to think about it from God's perspective. It's more like God has a link to each of us through what Jesus Christ did on the cross. If you don't believe what Jesus did is true, then God does not know you, however, if you are a child of God, He will draw you to himself, you will not be lost.

Does it seem like I have a "feel good" view of the word of God?

 

[Givemeareason]

Thank you for the reminder.

 

[stevenfrancis]

Yes. It is true that Jesus wants to meet us where we are, and so, initially you CAN "Be a Christian, just as you are". But in communications, between Christians, it is a good idea to quote from the scriptures. For a Christian this may mean, at a minimum, developing a pedestrian knowledge of the books of the New Testament, and where to go to address some issues which come up in general discussions and conversations. In fact that's just what I did. I love reading the NT to begin with, so I just keep doing it over and over. There are many different things I find, every time I do this. The way I began to pick up on elements of the OT is by looking at the footnotes in my Bible. The footnotes in the NT point to both other places in the NT where the same concept or idea as found, but they also point to the parts of the OT which support a particular teaching, idea, or concept. You also come to find out that Jesus, as a learned Jew, quoted from the OT regularly. In just about every major situation.

So the Bible becomes important for a.) Learning to follow Jesus b.) Common communication between Christian followers. c.) Liturgy

These are our sacred texts. They are the inspired Written Word of God, as Christ Himself, is the the Living Word of God. The eternal Logos.

Jesus left us a Church, and even if you never read the bible, if you were to attend His Church regularly, you'd HEAR the Bible every 3 years, if nothing else. It is read aloud in liturgy over a three year cycle, and then broken down into modern applicable usage by the addition of a homily/sermon on what you have just heard read. Keeping the word alive and working in our lives.

Very happy you have answered the knock of Christ at your door. Don't sweat the bible. You'll see it's worth as time goes on. Jesus will have a way of leading you to the right place at the right time when it comes to lessons He wishes to impart. This will often happen to be through the sacred scriptures.

God bless,

Steven

 

[Givemeareason]

Does it seem like I have a "feel good" view of the word of God?

I have no idea nor would I want to make that accusation against you anyway.