Religion
Posted by: Jules1982
29th Apr 2010 03:38pm
Do you believe in the Bible and follow it closely?
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Comments 49
Anonymous
I do not follow it too closely as there are too many versions of it, some of which contradict each other. I use it more as a guideline since some of it just cannot be interpreted to literally.
MandMm
No, and I don't believe that there are ANY religions out there who follow it closely. They interpret different parts how they want to interperet it, and pick and choose which parts they want to folllow. That's why there are so many different religions that say they follow the bible.
Leelita
I dont follow it closely, that would be so hard to do. i love Jesus and i believe in him. I think if you dont have a belief then whats the point! And i think thats whats wrong with the world today, people not having the faith so just living entirely for themselves.
Bazza
yes I do believe in the bible and follow as closely as I can
19chris51
NO..........NO, NO
bull
absolutely not. I believe the bible is a book of morals stories and not factual at all. I find it sad that people have no faith in themselves and have to put all their faith in a myth.
wendy66
No I don't believe in the bible and I do not follow it closely but I do Believe in god.
MandMm
To me, the bible is a collection of historical accounts of events. When something is recorded in history it is biased in favour of the person who it is being written about. It is never an unbiased, completely true, unembellished factual account of actual events. A lot of the morals presented in the bible I feel are right, for example, don't kill someone, you don't have the right to steal, be respectful and things like that.
What I don't think is right is how people use religion to impose their views and beliefs on others.
So, in answer to the question, I don't believe in the bible and I don't follow it closely.
Rusty
No, I find there are so many different cultures version of a so called bible, each with poor translations of ancient texts.
What I do see is it is a book of rules for a cultures' faith to follow/lead by,
but, a culture having faith, regardless of which ethnicity is involved, is an essential part of a complete society
Rusty
No, I find there are so many different cultures version of a so called bible, each with poor translations of ancient texts.
What I do see is it is a book of rules for a cultures' faith to follow/lead by,
but, a culture having faith, regardless of which ethnicity is involved, is an essential part of a complete society
codge
no. It is fiction
Arlene
I do believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Different translations won't matter if y ou read it in context. It is not possible to obey it without the power of the Holy Spirit and without prior cleansing of our heart with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Hartmut
I have read the Bible, and many other 'holy' books.
You are free to believe in anything you like, but be open minded and let other people also believe what they like to believe.
I for one, do not want, or wish that anyone dies for MY sins. I prefere to pay for them myself, via the Law of Cause and Efffect!
And please do not pray for me - without my permission as that is a violation of my God given free will.
Arlene
It's sad to hear that from you. Yes, Jesus died for your and my sins. God planned it that way. Whether or not you believe that does not make it true or untrue. I just hope and pray that the time will come when you will open your heart to Him as you make Him your Lord and Saviour. No one can save us from our sins, Read the Bible and see what God requires to forgive us our sins. Jesus met that requirement and only in believing in Him we will be saved.
Hartmut
Jesus was an inspired and very wise man. Unfortunately
his words have been misinterpreted and twisted around in the Bible (and elsewhere) over the centuries. Various rulers and Popes used the Bible to put fear and guilt into the people - as a tool to control them.
Jesus did not die for our sins, he died because he upset the rule of brutal Roman Governor Pilate who feared unrest, so he crucified him.
bren
I suppose you have to believe in the existence of the bible - I have seen a few. Do I follow it closely, no I always leave a safe gap between me and the car in front.
Hartmut
Hi bren,
Of course religions, the Bible, the Koran etc. physically exist.
I'm just saying they are written and made by men, not God. And as such should only be used as guidelines, not as written in stone commands.
bren
Hi Hartmut
I think you might have misunderstood me ... I was only saying that I believe in the existence of the bible, I don't believe much its contents. The same goes with man-made religions - you HAVE to believe that they exist, but you don't have to share their beliefs.
Hartmut
Hi bren
No one HAS TO believe in any man-made religions or in any 'holy' books written by men. As you said, it is wise to 'leave a gap between' those 'holy' books and you.
The best that can be said of them is that some of the best of their messages may be used as a guide, but never as a blind and manipulating belief.
tinuviel
Don't know if anyone can claim any part of the Bible to be authentic anymore. Seems like it changes too often by the 'will of men' and to suit the circumstances. Not very universal.. anyway all the different Christian sects cropping up are so confusing. Whats the meaning of Christianity today? No idea.
Hartmut
Hi tinviel,
Overall you are correct.
However, lots of Muslims do and did cheer suicide bombers, as seen in the trial of the Bali bombers. I accept that the majority of Muslims rejetc the fanjatical suicide bombers, but it is also telling that there is no strong condemnation comming from the Islamic religious teachers and Muslim politial leaders against it.
And that reminds me of the Pope looking elswhere, without any protest, when Hitler killed 6 million Jews.
But that is human nature, the original wise teachings of any religion or of their founders, get twisted and altered to suit power hungry religious and political leaders.
tinuviel
I guess the difference between the crusades and suicide bombers 'in the name of Islam' is that until today, Christians don't really condone the crusades and it was widely accepted among Christians of that time. Heralded by the Pope! However, Muslims reject the suicide bombers and don't support them as their acts of violence against innocents are actually contradictory to Islamic teachings. Muslims don't rise up to cheer or defend the suicide bombers. They are quite disgusted at how Islam is twisted by people with political agendas. Shame.
Hartmut
Hi tinuviel,
Perhaps the meaning of today's confused Christianity (and other befuddled religions) is a sign that it is high time that we take charge of our own spiritual ways and goals, without the controlling man-made religions that have caused so much wars and misery; from the Pope's bloody Crusades to brain-washed, delusional Islam suicide bombers.
phoenix
nope a non believer or an athiest if you will, however on saying that i do like pentagrams, 666 and other "so called satanic things" but i don't see myself as nor am i a satanist just some one who like different stuff
Ralphy
Do I read the bible? no, never have and never will. Why you may ask yourself? I believe that the church is the biggest bunch of hypocrites out there... Every war on this planet has started because of religion, every one. Now on to modern days... apparently it tells us how we should live our lives and the commandments etc etc.... how could this be right when the priests are the ones who breach their own "rules" by abussing children..... they hide behind their collars and the church does know about it and has known about it for ages yet has done nothing about it.... and as if "god" came down and dictated all that to someone who was literate back in those days.... I don't begrudge anyone their religion but dont try to force it down the throats of others......
Hartmut
Hi Ralphy,
Although not every war has started because of religion, it is true that man-made religions (and nationalism), from Christianity to Islam, have been the biggest self-inflicted curse on humankind. For those who have a different opinion on this fact I say
study history, from the rape and pillages of the Pope inspired 'holy' crusades to the current suicide bombers!
Most religions assert power and control over their followers via guilt and fear - and by not telling people that no one is condemmed forever and that we all have imortal free will souls and free choice to shape and experience our lives as best we can - without the need of controlling religions.
fobbletops
I believe in Christiananity but am not a ardent believer that all the info or any religious guide is correct.I belive it is a translation of many peoples thoughts and therefore subject to bias and misinterpretation .fobbletops
PukPuk
The nature of human beings is that we have to have a belief in something and some humans are good at creating something for others to believe in. The Holy Bible is an interesting exercise as most of the events and stories built within it do have some scientific backing albeit how it they were explained in those days was based on limited knowledge at the time.
Most religions address mankinds basic fear - death. Accordingly the main message is to conjure up something good beyond death not only for the person who has died but also as a level of comfort for those left behind.
Do I believe in the Bible - No.
Do I believe in what the Bible is trying to do? - yes.
Suzanne279
the old version and new version differ quite a lot, in with the old out withe new i say, the new is just being interpreted however someone feels
lucylue
isn't it our responsibility to 'love one another as i have loved you and love your god with all your mind all your heart and all your soul' i can't remember reading the 'condemn those who do not believe as you' part???
amandahmp
Believe yes, but not quite with following
It's really hard to follow the bible closely these days. There's peer pressure and what nots but I try to do them when I can
LOL bible's subject to various interpretations anyway, and experiences change the way people understand the bible. and honestly there's so many parts of the bible that I dont understand =(
donitik
I do... :) Believe it with all my heart...and try to follow it closely...except that I'm just human and humans err...
sherri
OOPS! - hit 'reply' by accident.
Meant to add that the original question posed by Julie seemed to be open and value free -
I will be interested myself to see the range of answers. I hope that everyone will welcome the whole gamut of answers possible and not put down anyone who holds a contrary view.
sherri
Thought just occurs to me as I scan the replies to this question....
If we live in a culture of respect and tolerance about the beleifs of other people, why is it that 'people of the book' (Christians, Jews and Muslims) ...and particularly christians are reviled/ridiculed for the beleifs that they hold?
Bob
BaaaH
Bob
It is a Novel, a work of Fiction.
phoenix
too right bob it is
bel
I am somewhat confused if you follow a book as a religion?
Dixi
But Joe .. your vehicle instruction manual isn't two thousand years out of date. How on earth can you rely on a creed which has been changed and reinterpreted by so many different scribes. How also can you rely on an interpretation by one of the final Roman emperors (a man - not God) on the relationship of God the Father/Son and Holy Ghost. Finally, Jesus was not the son of God but as the Muslims believe just one of many devout and misunderstood prophets.
joe
Well bel when you buy a new car you have a book called an owners manual , this tells you how to operate the car etc along with information regarding the vehicle itself , this also applies to most other things we purchase it is called an instruction manual,To Most Christians the Bible is the instruction book of life, sure we all are not perfect but to those who believe we strive to do what this book shows us in how to live our lives , that is love one another just asChrist loves us, the best part is knowing that Christ died for our sins and rose again, as i said earlier we are not perfect,We are forgiven.
stewart bookworm
the most interesting book associated with the bible was one written by Issac Assimov. Using the King James version he researched other sourse from babylon,Roman, Summittes Greek and other ancient records to try and prove that the events did happen. Sorry if my spelling is wrong
Oscar
The bible is just another book written by humans. Nowhere in the bible does it say "this is the word of God" It says the scripture according to John, Matthew, Paul etc, so is based on their observations and beliefs. It is used by fanatics to justify their attempts to control society according to their hard line beliefs as practised in various so called Christian faiths the same as hardline muslims use the Koran to further their objectives.
Hartmut
As you said, the teachings of real wise men have been hijacked, by the leaders of man-made religions - to control mankind.
Those religions have also been used to persecute and violate those who think, or are different. I mean, what could be more ignorant or absurd, to call a war "holy", be that a Pope inspired crusade or the current Jihad by fanatical Muslims.
Nephthys65
Yes I do believe in the Bible, unfortunately there is so many versions and different beliefs/opinions it seems open to interpretation. So I follow the spirit of intent as i am able
sherry007
I agree with Jen we need to be more concern with our relationship with God than what verson of the bible we use as God can still speak to us through any verson .In these days we need Gods word more than ever.
joe
I agree wholeheartedly.
Jen
I am with you on this one Joe. The Bible is first and foremost a communication from the Creator to his human family. Just because that family has messed things up, doesn't mean that God has. There is a purpose to everything and God has revealed in his word what that purpose is.
Bible prophesy proves that the Bible is not the work of men. Things were written sometimes thousands of years before they happened. No human could predict that.
The book of Daniel, for example was written over two and a half thousand years ago...we are living in the times Daniel foretold. (Dan 12:4)
The things that we are experiencing on earth today is proof that we are living in "the last days" of this system of things. (2 Tim 3:1-5)
Joe is right......"we are in for the most exciting times that this earth has ever seen." So we better make sure that we have made a careful search for God because he is scanning hearts as we speak, looking for those who are looking for him. Only these will survive the "end of the age". (Matt 24:3; 2 Peter 3:9-14; Isaiah 55:6)
Exciting times indeed!
joe
Both the old and new testaments are the inspired word of God, some say that that man wrote the bible this is correct, all the writers were inspired by God's Holy Spirit. for those of us that believe we are looking foward to a great move of God by His to take place shortly acroos this planet we call home. yes there will be doubters and believers who read this, but i for one am a believer and know that we are in for the most exciting times that this earth has ever seen.
Saxbloke
Depends which Bible you refer to. I agree with and accept the Hebrew portion as accurate, but have some serious doubts about the what Christians call the New Testament as developed by the Catholic church in the 4th century CE.