Couple of Questions

[Shannon4237]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

 

[Marycita]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

I don't know how helpful all my answers will be, but hey.

The differences between the Bible translations are generally whether they are more word-for-word or thought-for-thought. If you have experience with languages, you know that a word-for-word, while it's good, isn't always the most effective translation, which is why it's good to also have some thought-for-thought in there (in my opinion)...the NIV is really popular for that reason - it tries to find the best balance between the two.

There's not really a best one to use - in fact, I find that it's helpful to use several different translations.

It doesn't matter if you pray out loud or not on your knees - your prayer life is between you and God - you can talk to Him however you want.

And I don't reckon there's a wrong subject to pray about - God wants you to talk to Him about any and everything.

Those are just some thoughts I have on some of your questions.

Praying for you Welcome to CF by the way!

 

[ephraimanesti]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.

MY DEAR SISTER,

My answers to your questions are, of course, merely my opinion, so don't take them as "gospel", but i have prayed not to be allowed to lead you astray with wrong responses, so:

1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?

The differences of the different translations are mainly wording--some, like the KJV are in "Old English" which some find very poetic but rather hard to understand; others, like the NIV, are in contemporary language--not as poetic but easier to read and understand. (NIV is, i think, my personal favorite.)

i don't think any of the translations could be rated "best." It is kind of a "different strokes for different folks" kind of choice. All are good in their own way Browse through a couple and see which one appeals to you and seems the easiest for you to understand. You might even want to get a Parallel Version which has two different translations side-by-side on the page.

BEWARE, however, of "The New World Translation." This butchering of Scripture was concocted by the Jehovah's Witnesses, and it is a perversion of the Bible, rather than a translation. i would advise you to steer well clear of it!

2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?

NO. God is not particular about HOW you pray--He looks within your Heart to see whether you are sincere or not. Just talk to Him as your Abba--"daddy."

3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)

NO--as long as you are using them for the purpose their were prescribed for and taking them as prescribed.

4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Just remember that you are talking with God--the Creator of the Universe and your "daddy"--not Santa Claus.

5. Do animals go to heaven?

NO--animals do not have souls or spirits and were not created in the "image and likeness of God." (Sorry!)

6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

NO. Just know what YOU believe on this subject and why, and don't get sucked into the errors of others.

MAY YOU BE BLESSED FOR SEEKING TO DO GOD'S WILL IN ALL THINGS!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[kylef]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

1. Translation differences over time have resulted in new interpretations of The Bible. Hence, a new book. It's a personal choice - I've just gone with NIV from the get-go.

2. Go with whatever works for you

3. Everyone's going to have a different answer to this. If the birth control is for medical reasons I can see no reason why anyone should counter-argue it.

4. There's no wrong subject, but there are right subjects for the time. You know your burdens and you know your thanks, and they are ever changing. Stick with what you feel is relevant to you and to those around you.

5. I have no Biblical justification for this, but I've always assumed not.

6. Again, that's personal. I believe in God and evolution (theistic evolution). I don't think that it's a paradox, but others might.

 

[toolite]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

1. Really God is truth so it's better or best to have a relationship with God. I use the KJV but, they keep revising it. And interpretation is just that - an interpretation.
2. From the heart is what's most important- standing, sitting, kneeling, doesn't matter as long as it is from the heart because the heart is what will be judged.
4. You can go to God with any request but, God knows best. Whether He will honor it or not. The best thing to pray for is Spiritual Growth.
Stay Blessed!

All The Glory Belongs To God Forever!

 

[Willtor]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.

1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?

The differences often have to do with when they were translated, from what sources (there are many ancient manuscripts, most of which differ in one way or another), and the philosophy of the translator(s) (make it easy to read, make it as close to the original grammar as possible, etc.).

All three of the translations you've mentioned are great! No worries. My favorite is called NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). But in all of them, Jesus is born of Mary and the Holy Spirit, is crucified, and is raised from the dead. Differences are very subtle, typically.

So read through which ever one you get a couple of times. Then at some Bible study, you'll find that the version being read is slightly different from yours and it'll be a jumping-off point into deeper insight into the text (why did this translator say this and that translator say that?).

But seriously: don't stress it. God makes Himself known.

2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?

Not in any of the traditions I've been in. I was raised Baptist, went to a non-denominational church in grad school, joined the Anglican church shortly after, and married a Presbyterian pastor (and have subsequently joined that church). But if you are uncomfortable doing something because it seems irreverent, then do it the way that seems reverent to you.

3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)

Different traditions think differently on this. Different Christians within the same tradition think differently, I'm afraid. The Roman Catholic Church has significant moral qualms with birth control for non-medical reasons. None of the churches in which I've been a member do. My brothers and sisters at the Anglican church I attended were divided. I'm sorry there's no simple answer to that.

4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?

I don't believe so. On the contrary, if there is something that concerns you, you should pray about it and ask for insight or comfort.

5. Do animals go to heaven?

I don't know. I loved my old cat an awful lot (he was 21 and an old curmudgeon who didn't like it if you sat in his seat). But I don't know if he was transient or eternal.

6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

In some churches I have attended it is. Evolution is controversial in some circles in Christianity. I am a theistic evolutionist, so I believe evolution (as with other natural processes) is a tool that God used to make us. But churches (especially in the United States) have varying viewpoints on this matter.

 

[Willtor]

Ah! Also, I totally forgot to say: Welcome to Christianity, sister!

 

[Aibrean]

1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best? It's how they are translated from Greek/Hebrew. I don't particularly think there is one "best" but I would agree The Message and any "modern" translation (those who dumb down the meaning) are the worst.
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling? It depends. I like to pray out loud but only in private. If you can't kneel, bow your head.
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons) It depends by who. Women on birth control pills can get pregnant. I'm on them for medical reasons but I think if God wanted me to get pregnant, he's all-powerful and can easily make the birth control ineffective. We shouldn't think that a pill could limit God or his influence in our lives.
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about? Nope. Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
5. Do animals go to heaven? Possibly. Do Animals Have Souls? by Deborah Jones - An Article from The Ark Number 186 Winter 2000 - A Publication of The Catholic Study Circle for Animal Welfare - Providing Christian education, research, study, instruction, teaching, theology, forum and publ That's a good read that explains my reasoning.
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?No. Just because your teacher believes in evolution doesn't mean you have to. We have independent minds. Granted, if I were a teacher I would never teach evolution. It's a theory. It's not proven. Therefore it shouldn't be regarded as factual.

 

[bajser]

Religion shackles and kills free will. Religion is prejudice and illogical.
I wonder what the world would be like if religion had never been invented.
A happier place. I think.

 

[ephraimanesti]

Religion shackles and kills free will.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

On the contrary, it is only through surrendering to God's will that our freewill becomes constructive and not destructive; life enhancing instead of life destroying. A human being can never be freer then when he has surrendered completelty to God's Love.

"Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.' " (John 8:34-36)

Religion is prejudice and illogical.

The basis of TRUE religion is LOVE simply because "God is Love." (I John 4:8)

Point out to me, if you will, where in Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection do you see any hint prejudice and lack of logic.

I wonder what the world would be like if religion had never been invented. A happier place. I think.

Dear one, i would invite to you talk to people who have lived in an atheistic religion-less environment, for example in Soviet Russia, or Communist China, or in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge. i sure they will be more than happy to describe to you the "happiness" they experienced living in these man-made hells.

i can't imagine where you acquired your ideas about God and religion, but i can tell you, my brother, you are sadly mistaken and should, in your own best interest, backtrack and perhaps re-consider YOUR prejudices and lack of correct understanding regarding reality and the God Who created it.

MAY YOU BE BLESSED ON YOUR JOURNEY!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[irenemcg]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

Okay let's see answering them individually

1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?

KJV, NJJV and NASB are literal translations

The KJV dates back to 1611. Many people would read nothing else.

The NKJ is a modern language update of the original King James Version. It retains much of the traditional interpretation and sentence structure of the KJV.

New American Standard (NASB)
The NASB is written in a formal style, but is more readable than the King James Version. It is highly respected as the most literal English translation of the Bible.

The ESV English Standard Version is another Word For word translation and is very popular today.

The NIV and the NLT are what is known as transliterations - they combine word for word translation with thought for thought but have tried to keep as close to the original in a modern idiom.

The Good News Bible , the Living Bible and the Message are Paraphrased versions of the Bible.

It is worthwhile having more than one version. Check out various versions here BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.


2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?

Pray the way the Spirit within you leads you to pray. Pray out loud, kneeling is not essential. The Pharisees showed off and were pious that they were praying. They prayed aloud that men might think they were holy. But don't get tied in religiouds knots, you can pray anywhere, at any time. Sometimes it might be a few short words, other times lengthy pratyers, pray out loud , or pray silently. God hears them all. Pray as though you were speaking to your best friend. You don't need fancy words. Jesus paved the way for you and I to have access to the Father. When you come to Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation He places His Spirit within you to help you pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray, to teach you how to pray.

3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)

No God heals but sometimes He uses medicine to keep us healthy. He gave doctors and nurses the skills they have.


4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?

No you can pray about all that concerns you, it is not wrong for example to pray about your financial needs- the Lord has promised to take care of those needs when we seek after Him. Take all your anxieties to Him. Hold nothing back, He knows what is troubling yu anyway.

5. Do animals go to heaven?

There will be animals in heaven, that's all I can say on this.

6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

No, each of those professions needs Christians within them. When answering re evolution I made it clear I had an understanding of the theory but also made it clear thatr it was not my belief. I trained as a nurse.

 

[elizabetta_bella]

I don't have much to add in the way of answering your questions since my faith is at an interesting crossroads, but the NUMBER 5 question I have/had as well. I'm interested in hearing other's responses to this question.

A priest once told me it was unlikely since they don't have souls. However, I believe I've learned more about love, affection, and obedience from my pets than I have from some of members my own family.

 

[ChildOfGod97]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

1. the differences are vast, but I like the NIV for readability. For exactness, be sure and be willing to go to the original greek/aramaic/hebrew

www.studylight.org's interlinear bible has that... learn how to use interlinear bibles

When to do this? Whenever you are depending on an exact statement to be absolutely true as it is stated in English. For one.

2. You should almost never have reason to tell others you are praying. Find no excuse to do this but for public purposes where there is no choice. As you do not need to teach people how to pray, or let them be privy to what you are praying you do not need to do this.

If you start to be believing God hears your every thought, then you can depend on internal prayer. And one therefore prays "continuously", as opposed to every Saturday night.

3. depends on your own judgment and beliefs, conscience... we are not under Law at all anymore. "There is now no condemnation in Christ".

4. Is there a wrong subject to think about or speak about? Because you are always in front of God.

Consider the meaning of the prayer of the Lord. Seek His Glory, for it is Truth and He is Truth. Not your own.

5. Yes. Except for spiders and other nasty creatures. They get remade.

6. Evolution like countless other beliefs of the world are things we have to put up with all the time.

It is like playing with children. You simply have to pretend right along with them.

Feel free to get them to play another game.

 

[Peripatetic]

Some great responses here... I do have to disagree that there are no wrong subjects for prayer. I think it is possible to sin while praying. Anything that blasphemes God as you are talking to Him would be wrong of course. Another example would be asking God to put a curse on someone or to damn them to Hell. I'm sure there are others, but I'm feeling kind of icky just trying to think of examples.

 

[Aibrean]

There are no wrong subjects for prayer assuming you are obeying the commandments which Jesus said to obey.

 

[chilehed]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.

I'm sure you'll get a variety of answers.

1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?

The most significant difference is that not all bibles have the same number of books. Prior to the 1500's, all bibles had 73 books. The Protestant Reformers rejected seven of those books, and so non-Catholic bibles have only 66. I suggest getting a bible that has all 73.

I prefer translations that are more direct from the original Hebrew and Greek, paraphrasing sounds like a helpful idea but too often the results are theologically suspect.

I particularly like the Ignatius Bible RSV-CE.

2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?

I guess that depends on whether or not you're alone, or if you are part of a group engaged in a common prayer. I find kneeling to be valuable, because we are created as a body/soul unity. As we pray with our words, so we also ought pray with our bodies.

3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)

Catholic teaching holds that it is gravely sinful to engage in artificial birth control. There are, however, circumstances under which it is permissible to take drugs for a medical condition if the intended purpose is not to interfere with the procreative nature of the marital act.

4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?

I imagine it's wrong to pray for something evil to happen.

5. Do animals go to heaven?

Animals have no immortal soul, so on that account I think the answer would be "no". But if our happiness in heaven depend on animals being there then I'm sure they will be.

6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

There are many Christians who see nothing anti-biblical about evolutionary theory, and many Christian denominations that do not teach against it given certain limitations. But even among the most vigorously anti-evolutionary groups, I'm not aware of any who frown on the practice of medicine or veterinary science. You can be a very competent doctor without adhering to evolution.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

1. They are the same bible sources, but they are different translations. Here is Wikipedia's Bible Translation Information page

2. I don't see how it would be considered disrespectful to pray aloud or not kneeling. For all of, disrespectful to whom? God should be the one you are considering respect to when it comes to prayer and I am sure He enjoys all sorts of it. If you mean disrespectful to others, I haven't heard either of those to be.

3. Some people do believe birth control, etc. is frowned upon. I personally do not.

4. I believe we are to feel free to pray about every subject. God already knows our minds and our hearts

5. It does not say in the bible whether animals go to heaven or not. There are some good threads on this also with different speculations.

6. I do not see pursuing the education you listed as being frowned upon. We may all have faulty teachers, but as long as we serve the one True Teacher, we are fine.

 

[LJSGM]

Hi Got a couple of questions, looking for the answers.
1. What are the differences between the bibles(KJV NIV NASB etcetc) and which are the best?
2. Is it frowned upon or considered dissrespectful to pray outloud or when you are noe kneeling?
3. Is birth contol and other doctor perscribed drugs frowned upon? (Only birth control for medical reasons)
4.Is there a wrong subject to pray about?
5. Do animals go to heaven?
6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

1. They all have their faults, it's best to study by using a concordance ect to verify meanings and interpretations. Sometimes the strong's concordance (which is online) is faulty too.
2. Well, I don't think the bible says that you can't do those things. It's mainly a matter of a heart issue rather then a legalism. If you pray to look good, then you might want to look at your heart and ask God to change it, ect.
3. You should let the Holy Spirit guide you in what you should do. I could give you my opinion, but that doesn't mean it's right. We need to learn how to discern the truth. Discernment is the number one thing lacking.
5. As far as I can tell, we are going to be resurrected and possibly live on the new earth with the new heaven. As far as animals, we'll see when we get there.
6. Although evolution has no basis in reality and is only a means of removing God from the equation, adaptation is seen in our environment. I think that both adaptation and christianity can coexist. Avoiding those professions because of evolution is a bit legalistic maybe.

 

[heron]

6. Are pursuing careers such as vets or doctors whos teachers also value evolution frowned upon?

You will find that the foundations of life on earth is a very, very minor part of your curriculum. You might spend one hour on it in your whole program, if that. It is more likely to come in an introductory course, which non-majors may also be taking.

In testing, there might be an occasional multiple choice question that you personally disagree with and won't have the opportunity to explain yourself. But the technical depth of information is so intense now, there really is no time to bask in theory debate.

There are many Christian professors in secular schools. The code of standards in most secular schools prevents professors of any faith from proselytizing in their classrooms. A little opinion might seep out. But all the professors are there to promote a search for truth and fact, and to encourage students in self-directed learning.

I suspect that some of the people who have complained of oppression for faith, have focused more on faith in their assignments, than the topic assigned. Any teacher will give fewer points for that, atheist or Christian.

Opinion should always be backed up by fact, when presenting research. Compare it to a forum, where you might ask "is it wrong to smoke" -- and people respond "I hate smoking," "I love smoking," "I believe in smoking." That doesn't really get you anywhere.

If you are concerned about needing to respond over evolution, then prepare a convincing statement that you can use, that provides some tangible cause to consider evolution a scientific theory, rather than a law. Science rides on evidence, re-evaluation, and reason.