FLEXIBLE CHRISTIANITY?? I DON'T THINK SO!!!

[flyfishing]

This is how I feel, too--only you put it so much more eloquently into words. I think the Bible is complex and not always black and white on important issues. Having translations of the original Hebrew and Greek texts also add to the complexity, as well as differing Catholic and Protestant Bibles and two millennia of Biblical exegesis to contend with. I don't think that we should be afraid of alternate interpretations of Scripture, but rather that we should pray for better clarity of the teachings on which our faith is based so that we can be morally solid (to the best of our abilities) in our own lives. I'm not always certain that there is ONE right way to interpret Scripture myself, although I pray with all of my heart that God will show me His meaning. I think that many Christians aren't seeking "loopholes to sin" as much as they are just offering different interpretations of Scripture. For those who are seeking opportunities to justify sinning . . . well . . . only God knows their hearts and they will have to answer to Him.

We only make it complicated because we just cant seem to believe that it is literal...

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Whether you interpret all Scripture literally or not depends upon your denomination. Some Christians take literally Paul's injunction for women to cover their heads when praying (1 Corinthians 11:5-6), but other Christians interpret this in its historical context and not as an injunction for all Christian women. It is difficult to say who is right.

 

[WeakButHopeful]

flyfishing, I'm afraid you are picking and choosing the parts of the Bible you wish to submit to (or else I don't know how you can say the whole Bible can be summed up simply in a few words). There's the 10 commandments parts, and there's the turning the other cheek parts, but there's a whole lot more to the Bible than that. Or, to put it another way, if (in your words) I ask whether Jesus Christ would do it then I must say that I cannot see Jesus Christ applying a litmus test to the people in a discussion forum.

 

[flyfishing]

flyfishing, I'm afraid you are picking and choosing the parts of the Bible you wish to submit to (or else I don't know how you can say the whole Bible can be summed up simply in a few words). There's the 10 commandments parts, and there's the turning the other cheek parts, but there's a whole lot more to the Bible than that. Or, to put it another way, if (in your words) I ask whether Jesus Christ would do it then I must say that I cannot see Jesus Christ applying a litmus test to the people in a discussion forum.

Read JESUS'S words for your self..Mark 12:28-32.. Is it complicated to have a relationship with your spouse,your best friend??? We make things complex by forgetting that our faith is a relationship and not a religion..


And that is the lithmus test to everything, will this please my beloved whom my soul longs after??? Will it bring glory to Him??

 

[WeakButHopeful]

Yes, flyfishing, I am very familiar with Mark 12:28-32. I was thinking of it when I wrote everything I did. Love is the very heart of the issue, love of Jesus Christ, and loving each other in the way He modelled. My only concern from the beginning was that some of the comments in the OP's linked article and a few select comments from other replies did not seem to show the kind of love He modelled. I felt it would not please Jesus for me to say nothing, so I spoke up. To me it's that simple, but I can see where people of good conscience can disagree. Sorry. God bless.

 

[loveisallyouneed]

We only make it complicated because we just cant seem to believe that it is literal...

Well it might have something to do with the fact that there are things in the bible like stoning disobedient children in public, that don't make certain things about the bible so crystal clear. If we take it literally, we'd still only be taking parts of it literally. I don't know any Christians who stone their children in public when they're defiant, or who try to eat kosher.



For myself personally, I do think to myself WWJD? Ultimately I believe in the message of Christ, in His words alone, from His mouth, on how I should conduct myself; and I believe that is with unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion. The rest of the bible? Well, it's not always so cut and dry for me, but I don't really worry about it too much and if that makes me a bad Christian, heretic, or apostate, then I'm okay with that.

 

[William Nunn]

Well it might have something to do with the fact that there are things in the bible like stoning disobedient children in public, that don't make certain things about the bible so crystal clear. If we take it literally, we'd still only be taking parts of it literally. I don't know any Christians who stone their children in public when they're defiant, or who try to eat kosher.

It was a different time period, therefore, different ways of living. Is that really hard to understand? And where does the Bible speak of stoning disobedient children in public (not saying you are wrong, but I want to read the passage for myself)?

 

[The Midge]

If your eye causes you to sin gouge it out!

If your hand causes you to sin chop it off!

This word is brought to you for the Union of Christian Manufacturers of Artificial Bob Parts. We bring you Prophetic Prosthetics!
I hope this highlights the need for interpretation if we are to make sense of the bible in our own time and place. We all interpret the bible. There are two dangers to be aware of:

1. Using elaborate interpretation to obscure rather than highten understanding.
2. Using interpretations to justify our won predjudices and further our own adjenda.

 

[Kelly]

Go to the News and Current Events section and post anything to do with scripture that warns people that certain activities are sinful and you will be labelled a pharasee and a 'fundie' by Christian and atheist alike.

 

[flyfishing]

If your eye causes you to sin gouge it out!

If your hand causes you to sin chop it off!

This word is brought to you for the Union of Christian Manufacturers of Artificial Bob Parts. We bring you Prophetic Prosthetics!
I hope this highlights the need for interpretation if we are to make sense of the bible in our own time and place. We all interpret the bible. There are two dangers to be aware of:

1. Using elaborate interpretation to obscure rather than highten understanding.
2. Using interpretations to justify our won predjudices and further our own adjenda.

Hey quite funny!! Loved it..


Of course there are verses such as the one mentioned that one has to use common sense. what does that verse mean? Well a modern day application, if you are struggling with internet porn then sell your computer. Or am i taking that out of context!!! Maybe you should cut your fingers off.. LOL

 

[flyfishing]

Hey quite funny!! Loved it..


Of course there are verses such as the one mentioned that one has to use common sense. what does that verse mean? Well a modern day application, if you are struggling with internet porn then sell your computer. Or am i taking that out of context!!! Maybe you should cut your fingers off.. LOL

But if you truly follow that which is black and white, theres enough of it to get you to heaven and have a spirit filled life.. The problem is that we use too many excuses. And dont put Christ first...

 

[J.A.I]

Philip4Jesus - AMEN AND AMEN! I thought the same.. I was hurt, surprised, and disappointed at the # of Christians who condone sin at these forums! I just pray for them. There are no loopholes in the Word of God! Stop trying to conform God to YOU and START conforming YOU to GOD!!!!

 

[J.A.I]

How many times have I heard those claiming christ say "I don't care what the bible says, it is just wrong!"?!

How many times have I quoted whole chapters only to hear them say it doesn't mean what it seems to mean?

How many times have I heard the abomination of homosexuality refered to as love when love does not rejoice in iniquity?!

How many times have I heard the "church" speak things that go against Gods word, because they have conformed their minds to the world?!

I have heard people say they will not follow certain biblical prinsaples because they believe they are wrong (such as wives submit to your husbands). I have heard women say "I WILL NOT SUBMIT! HE IS NOT THE LEADER OF OUR FAMILY! I AM!"!!!!

How long will the world claim christ and deny all He has commanded and said?! How long will they twist His word?! It has been twisted now so much that there are "ESTABLISHED" false doctorins in the church!

How can one call themselves a christian, and not conform to Gods word, wether their fleashly minds think it is right or not?!

Amen.. Amen.

 

[Sharky]

I've read that article. It's spot on in most parts. However there is that same judgemental thing again. That's one mistake alot of us make (including me) when trying to rebuke people.

We have to becareful how we use that 'holier than thou' statement because it follows the same pattern as the pharisees. Sometimes we don't know it which is why we need to be cautious.

You might say this: "Oh i've fought porn and i've won. Now YOU have to get out of it because it's just sinful and if you continue then you'll go to hell. I'm not judging you."

The truth is, that IS judgement. There is a difference between judgement and rebuke.

No rebuke is NOT always the lighter treatment. Rebuking can be very harsh but it is the CORRECT way.

Remember that if you have fought porn and won, then good for you. But if you judge others thinking you're more righteous because of that, then you better be perfect from now on because if you stumble just ONCE you're just as low as the person next to you who enjoys porn and doesn't care what God thinks.

Rebuking is much different. "How can you throw God's word back in His face? You must fight the devil, say no to the devil! Don't give into sin!"


Don't get me wrong. We're christians who don't want others to go to hell that's for sure. There's a right motive there but a wrong method.

 

[flyfishing]

I've read that article. It's spot on in most parts. However there is that same judgemental thing again. That's one mistake alot of us make (including me) when trying to rebuke people.

We have to becareful how we use that 'holier than thou' statement because it follows the same pattern as the pharisees. Sometimes we don't know it which is why we need to be cautious.

You might say this: "Oh i've fought porn and i've won. Now YOU have to get out of it because it's just sinful and if you continue then you'll go to hell. I'm not judging you."

The truth is, that IS judgement. There is a difference between judgement and rebuke.

No rebuke is NOT always the lighter treatment. Rebuking can be very harsh but it is the CORRECT way.

Remember that if you have fought porn and won, then good for you. But if you judge others thinking you're more righteous because of that, then you better be perfect from now on because if you stumble just ONCE you're just as low as the person next to you who enjoys porn and doesn't care what God thinks.

Rebuking is much different. "How can you throw God's word back in His face? You must fight the devil, say no to the devil! Don't give into sin!"


Don't get me wrong. We're christians who don't want others to go to hell that's for sure. There's a right motive there but a wrong method.

Sharky agree with some points but you dont believe someone who is watching porn is going to heaven do you?????

 

[J.A.I]

Flyfishing ~ John 3:16 says that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM (JESUS) SHALL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE...... We ALL sin and fall short; but if we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will go to Heaven. If you really LOVE Him (He also says this) thought, you will keep His commandments.

 

[Sharky]

Sharky agree with some points but you dont believe someone who is watching porn is going to heaven do you?????

Why are you slandering my post? Did i imply that? Was i even hinting that?

 

[flyfishing]

Flyfishing ~ John 3:16 says that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM (JESUS) SHALL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE...... We ALL sin and fall short; but if we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will go to Heaven. If you really LOVE Him (He also says this) thought, you will keep His commandments.

Yup they recieve it but also can lose it. Ever hear the scripture "if you continue in the faith grounded and settled.." Ever hear of "holiness without which no man shall see the lord.. Ever hear of the rebuke in rev of those who will have thier names blotted out of the book of life??? Ever hear of that he is coming back for a bride "without spot or wrinkle?".. Ever hear of that whosoever will follow christ shall take up thier cross and follow him?? For whosoever shall save his life shall lose it. For what shall it profit a man (or woman) if they gain the whole world and lose his own soul??? If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him... And in other words he aint making it to heaven...

 

[Sharky]

Okay before this turns into a debate let's stop and think first. We're not helping each other debating with bible verses.

 

[Philip4Jesus]

Philip4Jesus - AMEN AND AMEN! I thought the same.. I was hurt, surprised, and disappointed at the # of Christians who condone sin at these forums! I just pray for them. There are no loopholes in the Word of God! Stop trying to conform God to YOU and START conforming YOU to GOD!!!!

Another well stated comment.., thank you Jai. That was my original thought behind this thread . I know that some of you have got into more detailed discussions about how to interpret the bible, but I think that we must obey what we do understand and not concern ourselfs so much with the things in the bible which we do not understand. I'm not saying that we shouldn't try to understand them , but I don't think that GOD is going to keep someone out of heaven just because that person doesn't understand a particular passage /verse.( there is more to it than that)

I think most of us are basically in agreement that part of being a christian is obeying GOD and being holy ,sacrificing ourselves , our desires , our wants for the ultimate good and benefit of our relationship with Jesus/GOD no matter how uncomfortable it may make us feel . By that I mean don't look for excuses to sin, just because that particular sin is enjoyable to you,... give it up, resist it, don't do it anymore and therefore in doing so you will become more like GOD, conforming yourself to GOD.