JUST OPEN YOUR HEART, DAMMIT!

[Mr.wizard]

It means don't actually read all of it, just pick the parts that make you feel good.

[*Deidre*]

If more people read the Bible with their minds and not their hearts, Christianity would die out. Actually, all religions would die out if people applied logic to the reading of their 'holy books.'

Its not about the "mind". Its about the spirit. If you don't think you have a soul, then you don't. Simple. Scripture is useless to you.

But, I believe I do have a "soul"! So then, the scripture means something to me.

Its just like looking at art; Some are moved to emotion. Some are moved to the restroom. Do we know why this happens? No.

We just shake [our] heads and strongly feel the other is... well... less than tasteful about their choices.

The difference is I don't condemn your trip to the restroom.

Did you ever find yourself in a room, or even larger place where you felt you were the only one right about a situation, or event?
We usually concede that there is "something" that we don't know that everyone else does. And most will give in to the majority.

That's because of "applied logic". But, spiritual people do not use that method. They go with that first instinct of being "right" about the way they feel.

Logic is slow. Spiritual is instantaneous, because its connected to something vastly superior to our limited intellect.

Spirituality is superior to human intellect? Not really. It is all about subjective feelings, which is why people find it easier to accept, than reality. I was once a Christian, I speak from experience. lol  Reality is harsher at times than fantasy. It is comforting to escape into a fantasy (call that spirituality, call that religion, etc) than it is to accept and face reality without that crutch.

[*Deidre*]

This seems like a bit of a cop out to me. Would anyone need to resort to reading the Bible with an open heart (and love) to believe that the Bible is the word God, if is in fact the Truth? I don't see why someone would need to rely on heart bursting with desire and love to get there....after all, this is Truth we're talking about. Are you certain "with an open heart" doesn't also mean "no reasoning or critical thinking"? That one has to get into the Bible with nothing but warm fuzzies in order to believe it?

No... but if you read the bible using logic, will it make any sense to you? I dunno?

Personally, several things had to happen first, for me for the bible to make any sense. I did indeed ask with an open heart. I did get answers, but also more questions. Its definitely a process that needs to be followed. But, w/o a true desire to know? I don't believe its possible. I had to examine my life. I needed more than what met the eye. Or the mind! But, that's not to say I haven't used logic. I have. And I was able to connect the mind and spirit. But also, its my own path. We need to find that individual path to God. And our own answers.

and at some point, you had to accept that this god that the Bible puts forth as all loving etc...also is the same god that tells ''his'' creation to torture and kill people, tells his creation to treat women as inferior, and tells his creation that slavery is okay. that's not logic, that is blind obedience. the Bible is not meant to be understood, it's meant to be obeyed. which is why it was compiled in the first place. it's not history book.

[ronedee]

and at some point, you had to accept that this god that the Bible puts forth as all loving etc...also is the same god that tells ''his'' creation to torture and kill people, tells his creation to treat women as inferior, and tells his creation that slavery is okay. that's not logic, that is blind obedience. the Bible is not meant to be understood, it's meant to be obeyed. which is why it was compiled in the first place. it's not history book.

No again. Its not "blind obedience". For one, men wrote the bible. So there is a big heap of discernment needed... at least for the OT. The Gospel to me, is the whole point of the bible and
mans relationship w/ God.

Secondly, if "it is done", means that indeed a New Covenant  with God exists? Then everything is NEW! And Jesus' Words are all that matters now. Again, His words have been handed
down by men. This is why Jesus told us to "ask", and "look within". But also a true desire to find answers is needed.

You can call it whatever you'd like too! But if you haven't experienced a true relationship w/ God... you don't "know" anything. Its all speculation on your part. You are using
logic to try to understand something that you deny exists. So you put it on the "person". You want the proof of that persons experience. You want to know: what, where
and how. But the true method to understanding God is "WHY"!

This is the wonder of God! And once you understand "why"... then the whole picture develops. The real question is why. That's the beginning of the journey to Him.

[*Deidre*]

While my view is an atheist one, I'm not closed off to the possibility that a god may exist. No one knows for certain one way or the other. I just know...it's not the Christian 'version.' Or any of the Abrahamic 'versions.' But, if you wish to follow the Bible ...that is entirely up to you. I used to sound very much like you do, when I was religious and believed that the Bible had truth to it.

[Godscreated]

Non-theists are often accused of not reading the Bible (or any holy book) with an open heart. Do theists understand what they're asking of atheists when they suggest this? I'm sincerely interested in understanding what reading religious texts "with an open heart" actually means to theists. Non-theists as well. Thanks.

I try not to say to atheist to read with an open heart, instead I say with an open mind or to not limit themselves to just one passage and then pass judgement on a subject or entire Bible. I often say to atheist to study the Bible or actually a subject within the Bible before they condemn what the Bible says on a particular subject, then what do I hear, tell me the verses, that's me doing their study and yet if I were to do that they would still deny what the scriptures say about a subject without ever studying and probably without reading what I had to say, very illogical for those who claim to have a logical mind. Logic is a big part of understanding the scriptures. Some subjects in the Bible will not become clear without reading on the subject in both the NT and OT, yes just like studying a subject in school the answers come from actual study, to cherry pick a science book or the Bible means one cares little for what either has to say and will always bring condemnation from the cherry picker. A non-believer or Christian who ties to understand the deeper meanings that only God can reveal will never get it unless the Holy Spirit reveals it, the Christian should understand this and the non-believer seems to believe there is no deeper meaning, I've seen different.
I will always say to a Christian to read the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and keep your heart open to what He has to say, why, because they should be looking to the spiritual for a deeper and/or greater meaning than can come from a surface reading and understanding of scripture, they are to be looking to grow in a relationship with God, unlike non-believers who should be searching for God.

GC

[Jackalope]

So I took the OP's advice and opened my heart. It was actually easier than I thought it would be - a good sharp kitchen knife is a blessing, you know?

Anyhow.... There's.... Quite a bit of blood.....

I'm starting to feel a little light headed... Do you think that's the Holy Spirit?

[ignoramus]

Shouldn't there only be one way to read anything?
It doesn't matter "how" you read any science journals, the answer is always the same!
Facts don't change depending on mood swings...

Doesn't this disclaimer (read with an open heart) automatically tell us to "not" take it as factual?

[*Deidre*]

So I took the OP's advice and opened my heart.  It was actually easier than I thought it would be - a good sharp kitchen knife is a blessing, you know?

Anyhow.... There's.... Quite a bit of blood.....

I'm starting to feel a little light headed... Do you think that's the Holy Spirit?

lol and you are still able to post this to us all. you are remarkable. 

[*Deidre*]

Shouldn't there only be one way to read anything?
It doesn't matter "how" you read any science journals, the answer is always the same!
Facts don't change depending on mood swings...

Doesn't this disclaimer (read with an open heart) automatically tell us to "not" take it as factual?

yes, when i read a math book...i read it with an 'open heart' so that 2+2 will always equal 4! if not, it might equal 5.
only when it comes to 'holy books' must we have an interpreter on hand, and open our hearts to 'understand' it better.