JUST OPEN YOUR HEART, DAMMIT!

[Athene]

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.

If I may... it means with love. But, there needs to be a desire to know God first. If that doesn't interest you, it won't mean anything to read scripture.

As Christians we are instructed to spread the Word. Whether or not people care, or listen to us is completely irrelevant.

The best we can actually do as Christians, is to be of good example. Unfortunately, and obviously we constantly fall short of that goal.

But then again, we weren't meant to save anyone. Jesus said to look for His kingdom within ourselves. And to ask, and seek.

So, the only thing necessary is just that! There is only ONE Teacher. And ONE Truth. We just need to find it. If we so desire.

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?