Open Letter to Christians

[Cyberman]

Why do you believe the bible is the word of "God"?

[Lek]

So the nature of God is knowable, through the statements in the Bible, but other than those specific statements, he's unknowable?

We know things about him, but we don't comprehend him fully. He hasn't revealed his full nature to us.

[FatAndFaithless]

So on issues that aren't covered in the Bible, nobody is justified in using God as a justification for their belief?

[Lek]

Why do you believe the bible is the word of "God"?

I've been over and over the strengths of bible, but that's not sufficient to convince you or me. I just believe that I "sought and I found", as Jesus would say.

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So on issues that aren't covered in the Bible, nobody is justified in using God as a justification for their belief?

I have beliefs about certain that are referred to directly in the bible, but I base them on principles which I derive from bible. I also believe many things that aren't referred to in the bible, such as things I've learned from math, science, history, etc. I also learn much just from observing nature and the world.

[FatAndFaithless]

But specifically moral or social issues that are not touched upon in the Bible, many christians will still bring God or the Bible into the discussion as if it were some sort of justification. As the nature of God is unknowable outside of what he reveals in the Bible, what basis do tehy have for asserting they know what God wants?

[Lek]

But specifically moral or social issues that are not touched upon in the Bible, many christians will still bring God or the Bible into the discussion as if it were some sort of justification. As the nature of God is unknowable outside of what he reveals in the Bible, what basis do tehy have for asserting they know what God wants?

They base their justification on moral principles espoused in the bible. We all make decisions based our personal beliefs, including you and me. If I'm running for president, I'm not going to promise to disregard my christian beliefs any more than you would disregard you own beliefs if you were president. The bible doesn't specifically say it is immoral to gamble all your money away, but it does speak of being good stewards of what we've received. Therefore, I believe it is immoral to gamble excessively.

[Neo-Scholastic]

Fine, I relent if you really want serious answers and are not just looking for an opportunity to ridicule or create an infinite regress of objections…

How do you know if god is a) teaching you a lesson b)disciplining you or c) satan is attacking you? Satan is a figurative personification of evil, not an individual.

Why are there so many religions? (free will not accepted) Because each human being and culture receives God differently.

Why is christianity the correct religion? The only required doctrine is Love of God and neighbor as self. To the extent a religion teaches these beliefs, it is the correct religion.
Why do christians fight each other about stuff like baptism, communion or free will v predestiny? Because it is fun to speculate, although some people take minor differences too seriously.

Will jews go to hell? Depends on the Jew.

Why did jesus never write anything down for us? Because He is, in Himself, the teaching.

Why did paul write the majority of the nt when he never knew jesus? Because he was a gnostic.

Why did the people who assembled the bible leave out so many known letters? Because some letters (and gospels) did not support the consolidation of power to the Church in Rome.

if god created EVERYTHING, why did he create sin? or better put satan? God created the paint, we make the pictures.

The creator of the universe created everything. For millions of years, there were no humans. All of a sudden humans just appear not evolve. Does a being capable of all this really desire a relationship with me? Our brief and tenuous existence makes us all the more precious.

If he does want a relationship with me, why does he not want one with the millions of other people who are not mainly european and american? The question is wrong. God wants a relationship with everyone.

[Jenny A]

Some great responses! I do enjoy a good laugh! The sad thing is, I have said this to many people and was serious about it. Feel free to speak for the christians its good for a laugh. (Alex K...I am learning your sense of humor ) But I was looking for better responses from practicing christians as well.

So far the one Christian response appears remarkably like atheist parodies, just less snarky. I guess we know the drill.

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I see I spoke too soon. We have a non-evangelical in the house.

[Lek]

So far the one Christian response appears remarkably like atheist parodies, just less snarky. I guess we know the drill.

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I see I spoke too soon. We have a non-evangelical in the house.

I guess you've heard all the answers already. Do you want me to make up some new ones now? You guys keep talking like you want us to change our minds and then tell you what our new opinions are.

[Cyberman]

@LEK:

You sought and found what? If what you perceive as strengths of the bible is unconvincing to you, why do you cite it? How do the weaknesses of the book affect your stance on its supposed authority?