Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

[Godscreated]

---

One can find 'logical' reasons for anything. The trouble lies in finding the right logic. For simplicity, let's narrow it down to two: believing in Christ and not believing in Christ. Each uses a different starting point. A nonbeliever uses "me" logic--self-interestedness. A believer uses selflessness logic. A nonbeliever thinks the answer lies within them (in the way that worldly religions require works for salvation). A believer sees that he needs outside help; or to put it another way, we don't have to fight alone. A nonbeliever is always thinking about other people's perceptions of them (Adam and Eve noticing their nakedness). A believer is too occupied with others' needs to care. As infants, we start out with "me" logic. The transformation takes place with help of the Holy Spirit, who fills us with unnatural thinking habits--because, of course, selflessness makes no logical sense in our world. We must be not attack atheists for not being logical, for in a worldly sense they are more logical than us. "If I want pleasures I have to go out and get them for myself. It's a dog eat dog world; I stop running and I'll be run over."

---

Thanks for the thoughtful answer. I ask because I'm going through a time of uncertainty in my Christian walk and appreciate the help.

I don't think that I'd go so far as to say that every non-Christain practices egotism as their code of ethics. Nor would I say that Christians are immune to selfishness.

I do not think he was saying that all non-Christians are egotistical and I'm pretty sure he understands that Christians are not immune to selfishness, if that were true I would be in trouble.

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

(Isaiah 1:18)

Isn't God saying he desires to reason with us?

Yes and no, God desires that we follow in His will without question and we would, if our faith was strong enough. Being fallen people God knows we are not capable of this perfect faith and thus does reason with us so we can understand His will. He does not compromise with us, His will is perfect and to compromise would mean to give us standards that are less than who God is. Read verses 1-20, do you ask for God's revelation of His word before you read and are you looking for answers you want or the ones that reveal God's truth.

I guess my question is this: In what way does the Holy Spirit teach us? I mean, can we know for certain when he speaks and when we only imagine he spoke, but were mistaken? For example, when I read passages about salvation and pray for wisdom, I don't get the answers I seek. I can see, for example how both the Protestant and the Catholic interpretations of these passages might be true. Yet the promise of God is that he will give us wisdom when we sincerely ask for it:

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
(James 1:5)

This is where I think many Christians stumble, "how do we know when the Holy Spirit is teaching us."
First I believe Christians are impatient, wanting questions answered in their time and not when God knows best. Patients is truly a virtue and Christians need to understand this and they need to know God will answer through the Holy Spirit when the time is right and I know this from personal experience.
The Holy Spirit will teach us through God's word more than any other way, He will use others to teach and He will use life experiences, but however He teaches it must line up with God's word. When God answers prayer you will know it, just be patient, but always be looking because it could come quickly. When you believe you have heard from the Holy Spirit check what you believe you have heard with the scriptures and if it does not line up with God's word then you have only heard from yourself. Remember you have to ask for the things of God, ask for and through His will, if you do not you will not hear from Him, God does not promise to answer all prayer, this is stated throughout scripture.
You mentioned that you could see where Catholic and Protestant interpretation of scriptures could both be valid and I think I know what your speaking of, but remember this, if the two are in direct conflict with each other someone is wrong, truth can not be on both sides of the same fence.

The transition between goggles is done with the heart, via the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 explains this well. 9-10 quotes Isaiah, As it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
And Romans 12:2,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Are you saying, then that the difference between a believer and a non-believer is that the former chooses to trust scripture, but the latter chooses not to trust scripture? Or is there something more to it than that?

That's exactly what's being said, those verses that Undeceived quoted are wisdom that every Christian should carry in their hearts, they are extremely valuable, more precious than gold.

---

[quote='spockrates' pid='314702' dateline='1343090600']
Are you saying, then that the difference between a believer and a non-believer is that the former chooses to trust scripture, but the latter chooses not to trust scripture? Or is there something more to it than that?

Spockrates,
Quit fucking around and take a position. Will you proclaim that Jesus was the son of God and died for your sins?

He will make up his mind when he is ready, what's your big rush, actually I know but will keep it to myself, preaching is not allowed.