Ask a Bible college Student

[ApeNotKillApe]

Would you not agree that reading is inherently interpretation?

I would agree. People can make the Bible say anything they want, if they take it out of context. That is part of the reason why there is so much hypocrisy and hate coming from so-called Christians. When I read the Bible, I consider both the context of the passage in light of the rest of Scripture, as well as the historical context of the writing. A historical document should be read as just that- a historical document.

Those "so-called" Christians as you call them, whether their rhetoric is unpleasant or they simply have differing ideas from yourself, also believe they have the correct context and claim to confirm it by the Witness. How are you certain your particular context is the right one?

Second, do you believe historical documentation (particularly the ancient sort) is overall a trustworthy source of unbiased information?

[Whateverist]

Well, got to get busy now. I salute you for thinking carefully about some of the questions we've thrown your way. If I believed in personal god, I wouldn't give it up on the basis of it's lack of empirical fit. I do however think there is reason to give up on a literal, out-there sort of God which not only interacts with the objective world but creates it at its whim. Your option to believe in a big god of course. Happy travels.

[abaris]

Why would you spend your time on atheist forums discussing ideas? Probably because its something that resonates with your identity and beliefs.

Major difference here. An online forum is a place to hang out in your spare time. A college (usually and in my understanding) is something to build a career on. And I hope to not have to explain the difference between believes and disbelief again.

You will notice, provided you hang out a little longer, there's next to nothing we all agree upon. Aprt from not believing. Again - not believing, based on scientific evidence and earth's history, isn't the same as believing in the supernatural, based on a single book.

[Doubting Thomas]

My question is why do Christians always come to an atheism forum and offer to answer any questions we might have about Christianity or the bible? Many of us used to be Christians, so we know about it already, and if someone were truly curious they could go to a Christian forum and ask. I just don't understand why so many Christians think that atheists have so many unanswered questions about their religion.

Please tell all your Christian friends that this is a really shitty way to try to break the ice on atheist forums.

[brewer]

If you don't mind, could you provide us with your definition of god? 

Oh, and which particular sect of christianity do you belong.

And still waiting for your career path ideas. 

Thanks.

[Crossless2.0]

What Bible college do you attend? And what denomination to you belong to?

[Alex K]

That was my first question. Why would you spend three years at a bible college?

Why would you spend your time on atheist forums discussing ideas? Probably because its something that resonates with your identity and beliefs. I choose to study at Bible college because I strongly believe in the Bible and want to know everything I can about the revelation God has given us. I want to grow in my understanding, and build relationships with people who believe the same thing as me. Its not just my religion, its my lifestyle. That doesn't mean I hate those who don't believe the same. It doesn't mean that I'm going to spend my life condemning those who do things that I don't agree with. It means that for me personally, I want to know my creator and live according to His Word.

Interesting - but when you say you strongly believe in the bible, do you mean all of it? Because it's full of gruesome and brutal things, and I don't see how that squares with the ideals of Christians today.

[ApeNotKillApe]

Not to mention a lot of it is very clearly allegory and fable. Genesis makes two accounts of creation the details of which not only contradict each other but the things they do agree on are logically impossible and scientifically inaccurate. And the Bible cannot possibly be inerrant simply by way of its own use of language, let alone what the narrative is actually trying to claim.

[Aegon]

Why do you believe the bible is true?

I believe the Bible is true because I believe in the God spoken about in the Bible. I have experience the power of God, and He has transformed my life. There is a verse that says that all Scripture (the Bible) is God-breathed, which means that it is inspired by God. 

Wait, so you believe the Bible is true just because it says so? 

Do you also believe literally every other book ever is true?

[Faith No More]

If God asked you to kill your first born son, would you do it?