~ Why is Religion so Confusing? ~

[CoolDude68]

I believe in God. But, the more you read other's comments, the more confused you can become. I try not to listen to others and read for myself and only question things I don't quite understand. But, then when I do have questions it seems like you get 4,283.29 opinions!

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and reading into that has confused me even more! There's things about that which don't add up for me, especially when it comes to Hell. My Sabbath keeper acquaintance doesn't think there's a Hell, for instance. Yet, it's mentioned in the Bible many times depending on what translation you read.

Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

 

[Kenny'sID]

And who is the author of confusion? And who can gain by any confusion made of the Bible?

You are absolutely right, it's a mess, and you also have the right idea on understanding all you can without the help of men. The rest? just keep looking until you are satisfied.

They say not to go by feelings, but facts... and to a point I agree, but it is also written that God will write his rules upon our hearts, so just "having a feeling" something is right or wrong can be viable, or at the very least, give us enough to start us questioning certain things.

"Seek and ye shall find" And I'm afraid we must seek a little harder these days for certain answers with all the conflicting and absolutely wrong ideas being taught, but eventually that will stand...we will "find".

 

[rockytopva]

If E = mc2 then we can divide and conclude that...

Mass (m) = Energy (E/c2)

And there are three varieties...

Natural E/c2 - All mass is basically cooled plasma
Mental E/c2 - Mentally, A mathematical formula, but this has chemical and spiritual properties as well.
Spiritual E/c2 - E (motivation, warmth, love) / c2 (faith, hope, charity, joy)

Our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. - 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

The problem is that there is no spirituality in mentality. My Baptist preacher once said...

“In Bible college, I sometimes heard professors and chapel speakers say that a Christian college was the easiest place to backslide. What they said about Bible college applies as well to the ministry. The emphasis is simply that serving Christ cannot be a substitute for fellowship with Christ. Working for Him must never take the place of walking with Him.”

If you attend a Bible college, and lose your walk with Christ, all your knowledge is in vain. To me what is confusing is when you have a professor with a head packed with knowledge, and no heart to go with it.

 

[Solomons Porch]

Best teacher ever goes to = Holy Spirit


This is me after reading too much and I'm more confused than when I started

 

[Cturtle]

I believe in God. But, the more you read other's comments, the more confused you can become. I try not to listen to others and read for myself and only question things I don't quite understand. But, then when I do have questions it seems like you get 4,283.29 opinions!

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and reading into that has confused me even more! There's things about that which don't add up for me, especially when it comes to Hell. My Sabbath keeper acquaintance doesn't think there's a Hell, for instance. Yet, it's mentioned in the Bible many times depending on what translation you read.

Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

The best thing to do is find a godly preacher that the Holy Spirit leads you to.. so pray and God to guide you in who to listen to. And then always ask and thank God for guidance in what is Him and what is not. Asking for wisdom according to James 1:5-6. It's best to allow the Holy Spirit to show you which persons respknse is straight out of the Word with vwry little theology and opinions added.

Bible should always interpret Bible and as you constantly meditate and seek God for the answers, trust Him to lead you to the right ones. Religion will cause much confusion, but The Word of God, will bring light.

The Bible should be our roadmap, and something to pattern our lives after. Following in Jesus footsteps.

And as another person said... the devil is the author of confusion. So as you ask for God to reveal you the full truth at all times, He will grant your request. For like 8:10 says that unto you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. That applies to anyone who is a Christ flower and believer and seeks Him for the answers. For the Holy Spirit said in Hebrews 11:6....
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

John said that the light (understanding and truth) is never overcome by the darkness, and that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide you into all truth.

God bless your search! We will be praying for you

 

[Solomons Porch]

the Holy Spirit will lead and guide you into all truth.

 

[Hall]

I believe in God. But, the more you read other's comments, the more confused you can become. I try not to listen to others and read for myself and only question things I don't quite understand. But, then when I do have questions it seems like you get 4,283.29 opinions!

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and reading into that has confused me even more! There's things about that which don't add up for me, especially when it comes to Hell. My Sabbath keeper acquaintance doesn't think there's a Hell, for instance. Yet, it's mentioned in the Bible many times depending on what translation you read.

Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

"4,283.29 opinions"lol true...
I agree with the above replies about letting the Holy Spirit guide you in understanding the word of God. The more time you spend praying and reading the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit will grow in you to help you understand His truth.

 

[CoolDude68]

EXACTLY! I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and is very intelligent and has tried convincing me about some of his beliefs, but I don't think he believes in the Trinity and he's not a very friendly person. In fact, he's quite the opposite. Is this Satan trying to confuse him? Who knows. But I would think if he's that "holy" of a man his actions would speak much differently. So just because you know a lot of stuff doesn't mean you walk with God. I've seen homeless people on the streets who are more kind and genuine that some of the smartest biblical scholars out there. I think God knows where our hearts are.

 

[fhansen]

I believe in God. But, the more you read other's comments, the more confused you can become. I try not to listen to others and read for myself and only question things I don't quite understand. But, then when I do have questions it seems like you get 4,283.29 opinions!

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and reading into that has confused me even more! There's things about that which don't add up for me, especially when it comes to Hell. My Sabbath keeper acquaintance doesn't think there's a Hell, for instance. Yet, it's mentioned in the Bible many times depending on what translation you read.

Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

As others have said, keep seeking, which includes prayer. For myself I finally realized that the biggest problem was reliance on Scripture alone. But that's a whole 'nother topic.

 

[fhansen]

I believe in God. But, the more you read other's comments, the more confused you can become. I try not to listen to others and read for myself and only question things I don't quite understand. But, then when I do have questions it seems like you get 4,283.29 opinions!

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and reading into that has confused me even more! There's things about that which don't add up for me, especially when it comes to Hell. My Sabbath keeper acquaintance doesn't think there's a Hell, for instance. Yet, it's mentioned in the Bible many times depending on what translation you read.

Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

As others have said, keep seeking, which includes prayer. For myself I finally realized that the biggest problem was reliance on Scripture alone. But that's a whole 'nother topic.

 

[1213]

...Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

My advice is, remain always in truth, read the Bible by yourself and if there is something that you don’t understand, ask God to help you to understand.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

 

[Shempster]

I believe in God. But, the more you read other's comments, the more confused you can become. I try not to listen to others and read for myself and only question things I don't quite understand. But, then when I do have questions it seems like you get 4,283.29 opinions!

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I know someone who keeps the Sabbath and reading into that has confused me even more! There's things about that which don't add up for me, especially when it comes to Hell. My Sabbath keeper acquaintance doesn't think there's a Hell, for instance. Yet, it's mentioned in the Bible many times depending on what translation you read.

Not sure what I am looking for here, maybe reassurance from others to know I am on the right path just to keep reading, and not listening to others as much.

Yes you're on the right track. But you have to come to grips with the fact that at least some of what you end up believing will be wrong. It is statistically guaranteed. You can also assume that teachers and friends are probably somewhat wrong and it's not our job to try and change their minds.
Paul says we are to be convinced of our own faith or something like that. I also know of many teachers who have tremendous insight and their views can be very helpful.

In the bigger picture I don't see believing in rigid doctrine as a positive thing. In a way you are knowingly accepting probable incorrect doctrines. But It's my understanding that maybe God doesn't want to tell us everything straight up front. Maybe He doesn't even care if we are incorrect about let's say the origin of angels. I think the bible is so confusing to throw some people off track. Not everyone, just those who love the world and love their sin.
I study all the time and I am constantly getting new insights every day. It's amazing. It is just like digging for a treasure. All that is required of you is that you spend time digging. Time. That is the ticket.
You spend enough time digging and you will find beautiful pearls every day.
So don't worry about getting at all right in a structured format to live your life.
Just relax, enjoy God's presence and keep digging.

BigUps

S

 

[CoolDude68]

Thank you. Probably the most logical response anyone has ever given. I agree with that! Just keep digging....very true.

 

[hedrick]

Sometimes I think God purposely was vague about things so we would seek truth and discover his Word in our own ways. I don't know. It all just seems to confusing at times.

I agree. The way Jesus taught seems better suited to generate personal change than doctrinal precision.

Sometime early in Christian history the part of the Church that ended up dominant decided that a unified, disciplined Church was important, and prioritized the concept of orthodoxy. I’m not in a position to say that they were wrong, given the situation they were in as a persecuted minority.

The dominant group became more committed to this approach when Constantine decided to make Christianity the basis for the Empire. At that time there was a doctrinal war going on about Christology. The Church was pressured to define a correct view, and the State to mandate it.

The books on Church history that I’ve read suggest that Church politics got tied up in this, with certain areas using charges of heresy as ways of promoting their own prestige against other areas.

It wasn’t until the 16th Cent that the political situation changed so that many countries were no longer willing to enforce agreement with the Catholic tradition. Rather than taking this opportunity to reexamine just what the basis of our unity actually was, every group now tried to act just like the Catholic Church, defining boundaries between themselves and outsiders. Even Lutherans and Calvinists couldn’t get together, although there were a number of people (including Calvin) who tried their best.

Most Christians today believe in these kinds of doctrinal walls. In my opinion the situation has actually gotten better, starting in the 20th Cent. The evangelical movement has produced at least some unity among conservative Protestants. Liberal Protestants have largely converged. Catholics are now working with both groups in various ways. CF is somewhat misleading in this regard, as the most contentious people tend to be the most visible. But the problem goes back to the early Church, and we still haven’t developed a way for Christians to live together despite disagreement, or even an agreement that doing so would be a good idea.

 

[hedrick]

Christianity is not the only area with this problem. Most major religions have subgroups that don’t get along well.The same is true of most areas of human endeavor that matter a lot. Science is a partial exception, because it’s easier to decide who is right. But even that is far from perfect.

It’s enough to make you believe in original sin.

It's ironic, since one of Jesus' major goals was breaking down walls between people. He supported people in his culture who were excluded because they were unable or unwilling to keep the Law as understood by the dominant authorities. He tried to stop the conflict between Israel and Rome. Paul extended this ti breaking down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles.

 

[fhansen]

I agree. The way Jesus taught seems better suited to generate personal change than doctrinal precision.

Sometime early in Christian history the part of the Church that ended up dominant decided that a unified, disciplined Church was important, and prioritized the concept of orthodoxy. I’m not in a position to say that they were wrong, given the situation they were in as a persecuted minority.

The dominant group became more committed to this approach when Constantine decided to make Christianity the basis for the Empire. At that time there was a doctrinal war going on about Christology. The Church was pressured to define a correct view, and the State to mandate it.

The books on Church history that I’ve read suggest that Church politics got tied up in this, with certain areas using charges of heresy as ways of promoting their own prestige against other areas.

The interesting thing to me in this is that the "dominant group" won in any case, and upheld orthodoxy over Arianism, politics notwithstanding. Human affairs are a messy thing regardless of denomination-even within the comfortably isolated non-denominational world. But it seems to me that the important thing is that the Holy Spirit ruled the day in the end, in spite of human bumbling, fumbling, argumentation, controversy, politics, et al. The Church established by God just has to put Him first, and then strive to do its best, trusting that he's behind and within it all.

It wasn’t until the 16th Cent that the political situation changed so that many countries were no longer willing to enforce agreement with the Catholic tradition. Rather than taking this opportunity to reexamine just what the basis of our unity actually was, every group now tried to act just like the Catholic Church, defining boundaries between themselves and outsiders. Even Lutherans and Calvinists couldn’t get together, although there were a number of people (including Calvin) who tried their best.

That basically describes the state/lot of fallen humanity-isolation/division will continue. But the eucmencial movement is still very worthwhile IMO.

Most Christians today believe in these kinds of doctrinal walls. In my opinion the situation has actually gotten better, starting in the 20th Cent. The evangelical movement has produced at least some unity among conservative Protestants. Liberal Protestants have largely converged. Catholics are now working with both groups in various ways. CF is somewhat misleading in this regard, as the most contentious people tend to be the most visible. But the problem goes back to the early Church, and we still haven’t developed a way for Christians to live together despite disagreement, or even an agreement that doing so would be a good idea.

It also depends on how far back one is willing to draw the line in order to be inclusive, which truths are non-negotiable and which aren't. And there also seems to be a wider variety of beliefs at least now than ever before, as the OP pointed out, as these very forums demonstrate over and over again.

 

[CoolDude68]

I read an interesting book called Babylon Mystery Religion. It was given to me from a person I know who keeps the Sabbath. They go to church on Saturday and strictly follow what seems like Old Testament principles. They don't believe in Christmas, or a Hell and most of the religious Holidays. They exclude themselves from modern world beliefs. This is a major sacrifice, but they feel modern religion is so messed up because of the sun worship ways of early tradition. The book does make sense how religion was formed and certain practices you see being used today. But, is it accurate? That book only confused me more, although I think it was the most logical book I've ever read on religion.

Amazon.com: Babylon Mystery Religion: Ancient and Modern (9780916938000): Ralph Woodrow: Books

 

[hedrick]

I read an interesting book called Babylon Mystery Religion. It was given to me from a person I know who keeps the Sabbath. They go to church on Saturday and strictly follow what seems like Old Testament principles. They don't believe in Christmas, or a Hell and most of the religious Holidays. They exclude themselves from modern world beliefs. This is a major sacrifice, but they feel modern religion is so messed up because of the sun worship ways of early tradition. The book does make sense how religion was formed and certain practices you see being used today. But, is it accurate? That book only confused me more, although I think it was the most logical book I've ever read on religion.

Amazon.com: Babylon Mystery Religion: Ancient and Modern (9780916938000): Ralph Woodrow: Books

I haven't read the book, but from both the title and the description on Amazon it sounds like the same kind of thing as Hislop's. So no, it's not accurate.

 

[CoolDude68]

I have more of an issue with the person who gave me the book, more so than the book itself. The term best described for this individual is hypocrite. I hate to say it, but that's how I feel. This person is mean-spirited, curses like a sailor and is very selfish. If his religion is the best, and most accurate it goes against everything that God represents. He actually mocks other people and religions. So although the book made some logical arguments, the source it came from rubs me the wrong way and that's what I have the most problem with. Followers of Christ should lead by example and be kind, courteous and compassionate. If someone doesn't believe in the Holy Spirit then how can those traits be obtainable? They cannot.

 

[hedrick]

Here's a review of the Hislop version: The Two Babylons - Wikipedia. However that review only looks at problems with its account of pagan religions. It doesn't comment on its claims about Catholicism. In a quick web search I didn't see any neutral review of that. You're going to have a hard time finding a serious academic review, because no academic would take the book seriously enough to review.

However there's a more interesting source: Ralph Woodrow Evangelistic Association. It's Woodrow retracting his own book -- the one you were given -- and explaining some of the errors in both it and Hislop's book.

Also look at this: Defending Christ the King - Refuting the Pagan Roots Lie. It points out the dangers of this type of argument, as they can easily be turned against Christianity as a whole, and in fact have been.

 

[CoolDude68]

Thank you. This is interesting information. When I first read the book I was torn because everything I ever knew about Christianity was totally crushed. I thought to myself, how could that be possible? I actually removed a cross from our home because I believed it was pagan. I told my wife I didn't want a Christmas tree in our home anymore. I went through a rough period of total confusion and depression. It never felt right. I would see church steeples and crosses on building, people wearing crosses on their neck chains and just couldn't believe all that was for no good. Could it be possible the "narrow gate" was really THAT narrow where on Sabbath keepers would be allowed to enter? For my wife's sake, I put it all aside and ignored it and told her don't worry about it, I'd research it more. To this day I've been confused about religion and what it's all about.