Why are Christians content with only what they are told?

[alexiscurious]

Why are Christians comfortable putting their entire lives into the hands of the authors of the Bible? Weren't they humans who were just as fallible as we are? Weren't they just as capable of lying and being wrong as we are?

What makes them so trusted? Why doesn't it bother anyone that the Bible is the only thing on this planet that points directly to Yahweh? And why is it wrong for me to be skeptical of that evidence when I know it was man-made?

 

[rick357]

Why are Christians comfortable putting their entire lives into the hands of the authors of the Bible? Weren't they humans who were just as fallible as we are? Weren't they just as capable of lying and being wrong as we are?

What makes them so trusted? Why doesn't it bother anyone that the Bible is the only thing on this planet that points directly to Yahweh? And why is it wrong for me to be skeptical of that evidence when I know it was man-made?

To your first part a christian is not a christian if their trust is in men...I trust the word because I believe his streangth is far more capable than the weakness of men....if I dont believe God could give his word despite mens weakness...then how would I believe he could overcome my weakness...therefor if the bible is not true I have no hope of salvation.

To your second part...no God is not afraid to be questioned...his truth stands all test....
But the real question is not do you have questions but do you believe it is true.....for myself I decided long ago I didnt believe in Santa....I dont question his existance...nor why millions believe in him...they are wrong and when their thinking matures they will see it.
I believe in God...his word...his streangth to change me...and Ive experianced these things to be true....but I cant give you my experiance all I can give is my word...wich is no better than the word of those who wrote the bible...so how can I answer your question in a satisfactory way...
So this is between you and God...a question does not mean you do not believe...it is just as often as not a sign that you do believe.

 

[Lukaris]

While I believe my conscience is a necessary guide towards my conduct, it is also flawed. I put my faith in Jesus Christ as savior & His Gospel to face the challenges in living daily life.

 

[TheyCallMeDavid]

Why are Christians comfortable putting their entire lives into the hands of the authors of the Bible? Weren't they humans who were just as fallible as we are? Weren't they just as capable of lying and being wrong as we are?

What makes them so trusted? Why doesn't it bother anyone that the Bible is the only thing on this planet that points directly to Yahweh? And why is it wrong for me to be skeptical of that evidence when I know it was man-made?

Im afraid that you've bought into the many common misconceptions about the Christian Faith / Theism / the Bible / Christians. What I would like to ask you since im going to assume your post is genuine and you are an authentic Seeker of the truth , is : What have you personally done to research your own questions to obtain the objective answers ? Have you started a research in this fashion yourself ? Are you comfortable enough just sticking to what other professed Atheists are espousing on a subject that precious few have even investigated ? I don't ask you these questions facietiously but out of curiousity. Lastly, Christians may or may not 'just be satisfied with what they are told' .... but that doesn't nullify the fact that there is sufficient, specific, evidence available in large convincing amount for the New Testament being absolutely true based on secular historicity testing standards and in fact, far more evidences than ANY OTHER literary work of antiquity when comparing the NT to the Others. And this includes the amount and integrity of first hand Eye Witnesses who live, walked, and witnessed Jesus Christs sinless life / his prediction he would rise from the dead / and fulfillment of that then walking around for 40 days afterward for all to see, touch, and speak with him. If you want to go real deep into the evidence, then the book called 'Evidence Demands a Verdict' will satisfy your unbiased searching and the evidence has changed some of the worlds foremost Skeptics / Professors / and Professionals so much that they had to become Christ Followers instead of suppressing the truths.

As an evidential Christian Apologist, I could simply give you the answer to each of your inquiries...but I think it would be much more impactful if you were to discover the objective answers yourself if you don't mind me declaring. So, this site written FOR atheists and agnostics is the best site ive found on the web that will answer directly your individual questions : http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/answers.html

 

[razzelflabben]

Why are Christians comfortable putting their entire lives into the hands of the authors of the Bible?

let's assume that your question is genuine and not some manipulation to try to show christianity as being wrong. The answer then would be simple...according to the scripture, which is said to be God's word to man, the bible is authored by God Himself and penned by man. IOW's we aren't believing what man said, but rather what God told man to say. Huge difference.

Weren't they humans who were just as fallible as we are?

again, those who penned the bible were just as fallible, but God is not and God authored the Bible. In fact, there is a song, by downhere if memory serves that talks about being merely a scribe. The men who "wrote" the bible were scribes that God used to speak to us His people.

Weren't they just as capable of lying and being wrong as we are?

sure, that is why it is important to study and test the word, so that we know if it truly is of God or man. In fact, there is a passage...let me find it...I John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world....even God, through scripture tells us to test to see if this is really God speaking or just men.

What makes them so trusted?

Because of two things, 1. God chose them, and 2. they have been tested and proven.

Why doesn't it bother anyone that the Bible is the only thing on this planet that points directly to Yahweh?

now this one really throws me for a loop. There are tons and tons and tons and tons of things in this world that point to Yahweh, the Bible is only one of many.

And why is it wrong for me to be skeptical of that evidence when I know it was man-made?

I don't know who told you that being skeptical was a bad thing, but you are talking about being skeptical of man made ideas, why would you be skeptical of something that the supernatural God of Love tells you? I mean, I am totally down with being skeptical of anything man says or does, but when we change the topic to being skeptical of what God says and does, I'm not sure why anyone would want to be...it's okay I guess, just can't figure out why I would want to be....

 

[chapmic]

The Bible is the Word of God and one who believes can literally feel the life in the words. And the wisdom that the Bible teach can easily be applied in everyday life, that in itself is pretty amazing. Also if your not learning from the Bible then you are reading another book and listening everyday people who you know are fallible and very prone to being wrong, ie Scientists, philosophers, and politicians.

 

[oi_antz]

Alex, the bible is a collection of words written by men, not the word of God. There is no claim in the bible that the whole bible and only the bible is the word of God. People who believe that are believing what someone else has told them. That is what I thought you meant when I read your thread title. Why do Christians believe what they are told instead of thinking for themselves. This does not affect only Christians, and does not pertain only to religion.

Maybe there is something in the human nature like a desire to be accepted by their peers, which causes us to band with those we admire and to draw division against those we don't admire so much.

FYI, according to the author of the gospel of John, God's Word is a living thing. It is God Himself, it was there in the beginning and it made everything there is. So it has been around much longer than the bible has. God's Word can speak to us when we read the bible as well as any other time, and it appears to me that the authors of the bible did listen to The Word of God sometimes. I do not assume that they were listening to The Word of God all the time while writing the bible, there is no need to make that assumption.

Please think for yourself Alex, you will be able to see there is truth to be known, and I think you will appear better to acknowledge that truth than to ridicule it. If you get comfortable doing that then you will enjoy it and you will have confidence in your opinion.

Why are Christians comfortable putting their entire lives into the hands of the authors of the Bible?

This is not true, you know. There is no Christian whose set of beliefs is 100% consistent with the truth. We all deviate on some points, and the truth in the bible can be used to demonstrate that deviation.

Weren't they humans who were just as fallible as we are? Weren't they just as capable of lying and being wrong as we are?

Yes, I accept this. But, why does that give you cause to suspect they have lied and been wrong? (I don't assume there is no example of it in the bible, but I don't assume the whole thing cannot be trusted).

What makes them so trusted?

This is important: compared to what?

Why doesn't it bother anyone that the Bible is the only thing on this planet that points directly to Yahweh?

1. It isn't. 2. It does bother me that it is the only thing (besides the truth) that has survived the assault of time.

And why is it wrong for me to be skeptical of that evidence when I know it was man-made?

If what is said is true and you don't believe it because your skepticism is based on a human's capacity to lie, yet you believe anything that another human has said, then you are exercising double-standards. Upon investigation of your motive for that double-standard, you will discover why you are wrong.

 

[razzelflabben]

Alex, the bible is a collection of words written by men, not the word of God.

I hate to disagree with you, but...II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,


II Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

There is no claim in the bible that the whole bible and only the bible is the word of God.

only the bible? I have never even heard this claim before this post.

People who believe that are believing what someone else has told them.

and yet scripture testifies to it's truth...so why would you claim it is what someone told them but not scripture, when scripture says it is truth? That is confusing.

That is what I thought you meant when I read your thread title. Why do Christians believe what they are told instead of thinking for themselves. This does not affect only Christians, and does not pertain only to religion.

Maybe there is something in the human nature like a desire to be accepted by their peers, which causes us to band with those we admire and to draw division against those we don't admire so much.

I would, after todays discussion with a friend that one reason is because an emotional plea is being made, much as you are trying to do here.

FYI, according to the author of the gospel of John, God's Word is a living thing. It is God Himself, it was there in the beginning and it made everything there is. So it has been around much longer than the bible has. God's Word can speak to us when we read the bible as well as any other time, and it appears to me that the authors of the bible did listen to The Word of God sometimes. I do not assume that they were listening to The Word of God all the time while writing the bible, there is no need to make that assumption.

you are talking about two different "words" here. One is the word as written word, commonly known as the bible The other is the Christ, who is said to be the Word. It is wise to not confuse the two...that being said, the bible is a living word, but not God Himself

 

[oi_antz]

Hi razzelflabben, please keep in mind the forum rules here, we are not allowed to argue our points of view, but we are allowed to ask each other for clarification on what we have said. That should be sufficient however to reveal the truth, and if we are both pursuing the truth, then there should become agreement. I will address your comments here as questions in accordance with these forum rules, and let us hope to agree on what is true.

I hate to disagree with you, but...II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

When St Paul says "all" scripture, what do you think he has in mind? Does this include the Torah? Does it include the four known gospels? Does it include the book of Acts? Does it include the book of Revelation? Does it include the Holy Vedas? Does it include the Koran? Does it include the books of Mormon?

Please explain your reasons for the answer you give.

II Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Do you suggest that every word in the bible is prophecy, or is written by a prophet? That is the only way I can see your claim that this verse is relevant here. If there is another explanation, please elaborate so I can understand what you mean.

only the bible? I have never even heard this claim before this post.

I don't understand this comment, can you please rephrase it to a question that is seeking clarification about what I have said?

and yet scripture testifies to it's truth...so why would you claim it is what someone told them but not scripture, when scripture says it is truth? That is confusing.

I am confused by this comment, because it seems to be missing some context that is necessary for me to know what you are trying to describe. Can you please provide that context for me?

I would, after todays discussion with a friend that one reason is because an emotional plea is being made, much as you are trying to do here.

That is possible. If you can use your observation of my behaviour to address the OP, it might be educational.

you are talking about two different "words" here. One is the word as written word, commonly known as the bible

Can you tell me what information you have based this understanding on? Who has made this claim that you have believed?

The other is the Christ, who is said to be the Word. It is wise to not confuse the two...that being said, the bible is a living word, but not God Himself

I don't think that is scriptural. Jesus said "you diligently study the scriptures because you think that in them you have life, yet you refuse to come to me to have life".

Can you please provide your reference for the origin of the belief that "the bible is a living word".

 

[razzelflabben]

Hi razzelflabben, please keep in mind the forum rules here, we are not allowed to argue our points of view, but we are allowed to ask each other for clarification on what we have said. That should be sufficient however to reveal the truth, and if we are both pursuing the truth, then there should become agreement. I will address your comments here as questions in accordance with these forum rules, and let us hope to agree on what is true.

When St Paul says "all" scripture, what do you think he has in mind? Does this include the Torah? Does it include the four known gospels? Does it include the book of Acts? Does it include the book of Revelation? Does it include the Holy Vedas? Does it include the Koran? Does it include the books of Mormon?

this is gonna be fun since apparently I can't answer your questions without a question...so, what do you think Paul means when he said all scripture? What scripture existed at the time? What would Paul have assume to be scripture? IOW's I addressed your post as per what scripture really does say and you feel the need to inform me of forum rules? Why would my comments necessitate such a paragraph as your first? YOu made a point and I showed you evidence to the contrary and how is that arguing the point? Isn't it just presenting another pov?

Please explain your reasons for the answer you give.

apparently I can't because that would be arguing the pov rather than simply showing another....so, are we ready to drop pretenses and get to the heart of the matter?

Do you suggest that every word in the bible is prophecy, or is written by a prophet? That is the only way I can see your claim that this verse is relevant here. If there is another explanation, please elaborate so I can understand what you mean.

are you familiar with Matthew 22:40? When I read it, it seems to suggest that both are part of the living word of God, but then again, you don't seem to read these scriptures, so how do you read it? Do you read Matt. 22:40 and not see that both the law and the prophets are part of the same work? Why not?

I don't understand this comment, can you please rephrase it to a question that is seeking clarification about what I have said?

what part is unclear? That I have never heard this claim before, or that I have never heard this claim before?

I am confused by this comment, because it seems to be missing some context that is necessary for me to know what you are trying to describe. Can you please provide that context for me?

you mean that when I cut and pasted your comment about people believing that the bible was authored by God but penned by man that you were unable to follow my comment about that not being true based on the scriptural evidence I provided that showed otherwise?

That is possible. If you can use your observation of my behaviour to address the OP, it might be educational.

I thought we were playing the 20 questions game, did you change the game? Your post in question plays off the emotional need for some to be able to dismiss scripture, therefore would it not be an emotional argument mean to insight a specific reaction? You know, scripture calls this tickling itching ears, or are you unfamiliar with that scripture as well?

Can you tell me what information you have based this understanding on? Who has made this claim that you have believed?

My claims of scripture are based on a careful and in depth study of the word of God (small w) what would you be basing your claims on?

I don't think that is scriptural. Jesus said "you diligently study the scriptures because you think that in them you have life, yet you refuse to come to me to have life".

that is one scripture, there is another that tells us to study to show ourselves approved, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, have you conveniently forgotten that one? the point being that there is a study that has an evil, self centered motive and one that has a God driven motive, which do you bring to the table given that you don't seem to know the scriptures I present to you? or are you one who doesn't study at all? Isn't the 20 question legalism fun?

Can you please provide your reference for the origin of the belief that "the bible is a living word".

Hebrews 4:12 for one, or wait, I need to put that into a question....have you forgotten about Hebrews 4:12? lol and this question because I agreed with your pov about the word being alive....

 

[Radagast]

Why are Christians comfortable putting their entire lives into the hands of the authors of the Bible?

That's not in fact what Christians do.

 

[oi_antz]

this is gonna be fun since apparently I can't answer your questions without a question...

I don't intend to have fun. I intend to expose the truth, to identify where change is needed. If you believe that I need to change, you should be attempting to show me why your belief is true, not trying to have fun with an argument.

Now, after your response here I have had to read the forum rules again to be sure that I understand them correctly, and they seem to have been changed on 22nd July 2014. They are now different from what I remember, see them here: http://www.christianforums.com/t7454511/

The part that pertains to us is this:

Debate
This forum is for discussion of questions with non-Christians. There are some areas of theology in which different Christians may believe differently.
In these cases, we would ask Christians to refrain from debating the matter here. You may point out that there is a differing viewpoint, but please do not use this forum to debate with other Christians. If Christians wish to discuss various doctrines with other Christians, they should do so in the Theology forums.

.. but I had remembered a previous instruction that Christians are allowed to ask each other for clarification on a statement they have made. That is the context by which I had engaged you in the previous post, in the interests of preventing our communication from corruption (deletion by moderators), and to prevent the thread from being locked. I cannot find the original rules that I had in mind, I could only find this http://www.christianforums.com/t5775588/:

8. This forum is NOT for debate. Any argumentative posts will be removed or moved to the General Apologetics forum (or where ever applicable.)

9. Only the non-Christian OP may post further in the thread, ONLY if he/she is seeking clarification of a statement made by a Christian.

.. but that is different from what I remembered because it too does not allow for a Christian to engage another Christian in this area of the website.

This seems to be designed to reinforce the primary goal of this forum, which is to assist non-believers in gaining the information they are seeking.

I do not wish to inconvenience Alex by turning this into a debate thread, despite how much I desire to respond to you in public. Instead I have decided that I will reply to your post here as a Private Message to you, and if Alex is curious to find out what is true between what you and I have said, then he may choose to ask you and I for more information about what we have said until he is satisfied that he has revealed the truth.

If you are like me, and you prefer to discuss our differences in public, then let us agree in a PM to take the discussion to a more appropriate area of the website. I am most interested to ensure that my beliefs are correct, and when I am confronted with such language as you have used, it concerns me that perhaps I do need to investigate whether I may need correction. It would please me to know that you support this endeavour.

 

[alexiscurious]

To your first part a christian is not a christian if their trust is in men...I trust the word because I believe his streangth is far more capable than the weakness of men....

And who told you that? That idea still came from the authors of the book of the Bible.

 

[alexiscurious]

That's not in fact what Christians do.

What do they do?

 

[alexiscurious]

Im afraid that you've bought into the many common misconceptions about the Christian Faith / Theism / the Bible / Christians. What I would like to ask you since im going to assume your post is genuine and you are an authentic Seeker of the truth , is : What have you personally done to research your own questions to obtain the objective answers ? Have you started a research in this fashion yourself ? Are you comfortable enough just sticking to what other professed Atheists are espousing on a subject that precious few have even investigated ? I don't ask you these questions facietiously but out of curiousity. Lastly, Christians may or may not 'just be satisfied with what they are told' .... but that doesn't nullify the fact that there is sufficient, specific, evidence available in large convincing amount for the New Testament being absolutely true based on secular historicity testing standards and in fact, far more evidences than ANY OTHER literary work of antiquity when comparing the NT to the Others. And this includes the amount and integrity of first hand Eye Witnesses who live, walked, and witnessed Jesus Christs sinless life / his prediction he would rise from the dead / and fulfillment of that then walking around for 40 days afterward for all to see, touch, and speak with him. If you want to go real deep into the evidence, then the book called 'Evidence Demands a Verdict' will satisfy your unbiased searching and the evidence has changed some of the worlds foremost Skeptics / Professors / and Professionals so much that they had to become Christ Followers instead of suppressing the truths.

As an evidential Christian Apologist, I could simply give you the answer to each of your inquiries...but I think it would be much more impactful if you were to discover the objective answers yourself if you don't mind me declaring. So, this site written FOR atheists and agnostics is the best site ive found on the web that will answer directly your individual questions : Answers for Atheists and Agnostics

I'd like you to try to answer the question I originally asked.

When I ask Christians how they know God they point to the Bible. That seems to be the only thing they point to. So I'm asking why the Bible is sufficient evidence especially when we know it was man-made.

 

[alexiscurious]

according to the scripture, which is said to be God's word to man, the bible is authored by God Himself and penned by man.

Where did this idea come from that scripture is authored by God? Oh wait, the authors of the book of the Bible wrote that. So you are still essentially putting your hands into the authors of the Bible, are you not?

IOW's we aren't believing what man said, but rather what God told man to say.

And you are believing this because the authors of the Bible told you that is inspired by God.

Huge difference. again, those who penned the bible were just as fallible, but God is not and God authored the Bible.

And you are believing this because the authors of the Bible told you that God authored it.

 

[rick357]

And who told you that? That idea still came from the authors of the book of the Bible.

Do plants use photosynthesis to make food? Do you breath oxygen? Are you mostly composed of water? How did you come to this information? Yet did your belief come from the telling of those facts or from you?

 

[alexiscurious]

The Bible is the Word of God and one who believes can literally feel the life in the words.

And who told you it was the Word of God? The authors of the Bible wrote that. So are you not still putting your complete faith in their hands?

 

[alexiscurious]

Do plants use photosynthesis to make food? Do you breath oxygen? Are you mostly composed of water? How did you come to this information? Yet did your belief come from the telling of those facts or from you?

These are facts that are told to me. And there are probably an equal number of wrong things I've been told as well. So why should we rely on only what were told? That is what the Bible is asking me to do.

 

[rick357]

These are facts that are told to me. And there are probably an equal number of wrong things I've been told as well. So why should we rely on only what were told? That is what the Bible is asking me to do.

No... the bible says taste and see that the Lord is good....God has also said test me in this and see...also he says those who trust in me will not be ashamed....a bible teacher may say dont question what is said or you dont have faith...but God says prove him and his word....like a father telling a child jump to me and I will catch you....the child may be scarred about what if....but only those who jump ever know that he is true to his word.