Which parts of the Bible are we to take literal and which parts are we not to take literal? Who is to tell us the difference? Is it some preacher?? If so, who taught that preacher the correct way to interpret the Bible? I’ve seen preachers in the same congregation teach things that contradict each other? If preachers who have studied the Bibles for years and been educated in seminaries and theological universities can’t agree on how to interpret the Bible, why should we trust them?
I have also been told to just read the Bible and God will interpret it for me or I’m told that the Bible will interpret itself. I have read the Bible, several times and when I come up with an interpretation that differs from mainstream Christianity, I am told that I received my inspiration from the devil. That’s great. I follow the instructions, but when the results come out differently from what is expected by somebody else who isn’t God, then I am told that I’m wrong and if I don’t change my evil ways, then I’m going to Hell. That sounds just like Carter telling me if I disagree with Obama, then I’m a racist.
God didn’t tell me I’m wrong, some person who think they are speaking for God in this instance, is telling me. Why should I trust that person? The Lord didn’t tell me to trust that person.
I feel your pain. I was recently verbally attacked and insulted by a friend of a relative who who proceeded to tell me that I’m going to hell and that I never did anything good in my life, etc. etc. All because I didn’t believe the literal text of the Bible. This was told to me sitting in the dining room of the house that I bought for my parents and sibling and after I’d mentioned how much of my income goes to charities etc. The usual stuff.
Then I said that I believed most people DON’T believe in God even if they think they do, because believing means that you’re absolutely sure and no one ever is. You can imagine what followed that! LOL
I find that if I pray for discernment before I read the Bible, I tend to understand more.
If you want to understand the meaning within a book, it's best to go to the author.
I'm more likely to trust them on this count. People who uniformly agree on all things make me more suspicious. On the other hand they agree on some things...and I suppose this makes preachers too dogmatic as well?
Do you apply this curious standard elsewhere? Or only against things you do not like?
I suppose you might respect science (as I do). But shall we reject science unless all scientists agree on everything? And shall we also blast them for being "dogmatic" if they happen to agree on some basic things they consider non controversial?
If you’ve read the Bible, do you recall this advice from James? (1:5):
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
The Bible should have told you that Satan is the author of Confusion. The Bible also tells you that he made the way to Salvation so simple that even a fool could find it.
Intellectuals on the other hand have no such promise, in fact it offers little hope for those that; Thinking themselves to be wise, they became fools.