Human Reason and Christian Denominations

[John V]

What's interesting to me about all the different sects of Christianity is that it is a prime example of humans using their own reason to create a belief system. Look at how varied some denominations are. Some will allow a homosexual to lead a church while others will not let a known gay person through the door. They all use the same Bible but use their own reason to decide what parts to emphasize and how to properly interpret scripture. It's not like some supernatural being is communicating them to tell them exactly what to do. If some Christians here believe that is the case then feel free to provide evidence of your communication with this being.

Are there different interpretations? Sure.

Are they all equally valid? Nope. There's a reason that atheists tend to disparagingly say that the bible is against homosexuality. The reason is that that is by far the best interpretation.

[Neo-Scholastic]

Yup, when someone says to me, "I'm a Christian", I assume nothing more than they call themselves a Christian. Their religious beliefs could be literally anything, and I'm not going to correct them.

What does it mean to be a Democrat? Usually it is not wise to judge any group by it's most extreme members.

---

Are there different interpretations? Sure.

Are they all equally valid? Nope. There's a reason that atheists tend to disparagingly say that the bible is against homosexuality. The reason is that that is by far the best interpretation.

Seems to me that the prohibitions against homosexuality are the most pressing and problematic issue for skeptics. You'd think that was the only thing they cared about and the only thing motivating them to reject the Bible. Look at the first couple responses in this thread. Everyone has issues with sin in their lives. One thing about Holy Scripture is that it is difficult to read without becoming painfully aware of one's own sins - from pride and selfishness to vanity and gluttony. For some people it is easier to reject the bible than reflect on the effects of sin on their lives. Take that back...it is easier. Some of these teachings seem very hard and not unique to sexual orientation. But for some reason it seems like the unwillingness to accept any limits on sexual expression is the main objection.

[vorlon13]

Glob...

Look At Jesus' personal ministry. Did He command the same level of understanding from everyone? or did He soetime just put a parable out there for those mature in faith to understand and let everyone else apply it as they could?

Here's an example the parable of the talents (A talent being a measure of gold equal to that of a year's wage for a laborer)

A land owner gathered his three best servants to the best he gave 3 talents to invest any way he wish to the second best servant he was given 2 talents to invest any way he wish and to the third he was given one talent to invest on behalf of the land owner any way he wish.

Some time went by and the land owner returned eager to see how is servants did with their investments.

The first did very well and double what he was given, and the land owner was very pleased.

The second also doubled what he was given and he was very pleased!!

The third returned exactly what he was given, because rather than risk an investment he buried what was given to Him... Citing that he knew the land owner to be a harsh man reaping where he had not sown. What was given to this man was taken away and given to the man who had 6 bags of gold. then he was cast out side the master's lands left to fend for himself.

(More or less/i paraphrased the message) 

What was the lesson here?

IF Jesus demanded we all meet a certain understanding or common base line with the law then why wasn't a common law ever issued as with the Jews?

Would you say some denominations are not interpreting scripture properly because they don't understand it properly? Most denominations accuse the other of not getting it quite right. They use their own reason and try to figure it out. Is there a booming voice coming from the sky telling them how to interpret certain passages?

How the hell they gonna 'interpret' this ??

Mark 14 (KJV)
22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.


Luke 22 (KJV)
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

[GrandizerII]

To believe in sin, one must believe in God. We're not in denial of our sins. It's just that sin is not a real thing to us.

[Neo-Scholastic]

To believe in sin, one must believe in God. We're not in denial of our sins. It's just that sin is not a real thing to us.

Substitute "personal short-comings" for "sin". For most people, they are functionally equivalent.

[GrandizerII]

To believe in sin, one must believe in God. We're not in denial of our sins. It's just that sin is not a real thing to us.

Substitute "personal short-comings" for "sin". For most people, they are functionally equivalent.

Shortcomings relative to whom/what? To people I love and care about? Sure. To a functionally non-existent being, I dont give two shits about my shortcomings toward it.

[Bahana]

Yup, when someone says to me, "I'm a Christian", I assume nothing more than they call themselves a Christian. Their religious beliefs could be literally anything, and I'm not going to correct them.

What does it mean to be a Democrat? Usually it is not wise to judge any group by it's most extreme members.

---

Are there different interpretations? Sure.

Are they all equally valid? Nope. There's a reason that atheists tend to disparagingly say that the bible is against homosexuality. The reason is that that is by far the best interpretation.

Seems to me that the prohibitions against homosexuality are the most pressing and problematic issue for skeptics. You'd think that was the only thing they cared about and the only thing motivating them to reject the Bible. Look at the first couple responses in this thread. Everyone has issues with sin in their lives. One thing about Holy Scripture is that it is difficult to read without becoming painfully aware of one's own sins - from pride and selfishness to vanity and gluttony. For some people it is easier to reject the bible than reflect on the effects of sin on their lives. Take that back...it is easier. Some of these teachings seem very hard and not unique to sexual orientation. But for some reason it seems like the unwillingness to accept any limits on sexual expression is the main objection.

     I just used homosexuality as a clear example of how different views on morality some Christians can have.  It seems pretty clear the Bible is against it to me as well but I can also understand why someone could use their own reason and reinterpret things to try to have their church be more accepting. Christians have changed a lot over the years and things adapt to the times. Rejecting the Bible really has little to do with how it makes one feel guilty. If you actually read the whole thing as a rational human being, and ask questions, I suspect there would be some doubt. Sadly, critical thought is not encouraged when you make faith some great virtue.

[Neo-Scholastic]

If you actually read the whole thing as a rational human being, and ask questions, I suspect there would be some doubt. Sadly, critical thought is not encouraged when you make faith some great virtue.

[Godscreated]

If you actually read the whole thing as a rational human being, and ask questions, I suspect there would be some doubt. Sadly, critical thought is not encouraged when you make faith some great virtue.

 My pastor encourages questioning what we are unsure of so we can study and find the answer. 

GC

[GrandizerII]

If you actually read the whole thing as a rational human being, and ask questions, I suspect there would be some doubt. Sadly, critical thought is not encouraged when you make faith some great virtue.

To be precise, you mean faith above reason? Reason only matters once the faith part has been fulfilled.