[James Hutchins]

Re: Hey There

First of all, I thank you for the respectful question rather than outright attacking me like the others. That's what I was hoping for when I joined here.

Now, it's not that I think they were poorly thought out or incorrect, I just think that people interpret them in many different ways. That's why we have so many different types of Christianity. All Christianity has the same core belief, but its the other things within the Bible that is commonly debated.

See, that is what confuses me. No where in the Bible does it say to interpret it. I read it and it as plain as day, like a newspaper. When the newspaper tells me there was a terrible car accident and everyone died, everyone dies. It does not suggest that there might of been an accident and possibly no one got hurt. The Bible was written in simple words so even the feeblest of minds can understand it.
How can you have different types of Christianity. That is like believing in different Gods. If memory serves, the Bible is very clear on that, some about 'You will have no other Gods but me'. I am no Bible scholar but I can get the passage if you want.

I guess the point I am trying to make is when Biblical law (like secular law too I suspect) you are expected to follow it. All of it. I really do not understand how you can choose what parts to ignore. In my simple mind, that is like playing God. Or deciding that secular laws like paying taxes do not apply to you. How do you resolve this?

I am really enjoying your insightful comments. I look forward to a response.


YIC
JH

[Billy Bob Jenkins]

Re: Hey There

Well, to give you an idea, the book of Revelations is all a big huge metaphor.

[Rev. Jim Osborne]

Re: Hey There

The only time the Bible is metaphorical is Jesus's parables, and only because they are presented as metaphors in context. The rest of the Bible cannot be considered a metaphor. The Bible presents itself as straightforward facts, and for you to even consider it being a metaphor is your own personal (read: wrong) opinion. It's equivalent to taking a historical document, (which presents itself as an accurate, truthful, non-metaphorical work) like The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire and then claiming that the stories are supposed to be metaphors.

When you start going down the metaphorical interpretation road, you are undermining the very essence of Christianity. So if Noah's Ark never happened (because you think the logistics are impossible, and our Loving God would NEVER, EVER destroy the world...), how can you be sure the Gospels are truthful as well? Are they metaphors? Maybe Jesus wasn't really born of a virgin (thus invalidating prophecies in the Old Testament, which throws out any credence that He was the Savior)? Maybe Jesus didn't really perform miracles? Maybe...He never even existed?

If He never existed, how can we even worship Him? You wouldn't pray to a fictional character like Obi Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, would you? No, that would be preposterous. And why should we listen to a metaphorical character? Why should we heed your favorite commandments to love our enemies?

I hope you can see my point, young lady. The Bible can only be understood as a whole. It's God's Word. You cannot be so audacious to receive God's Word and then use a highlighter and scissors to turn it into Octavia's Word. That's just religious plagiarism.

I will sincerely pray that you choose not to ignore our words of encouragement and warning, so that it may not be too late to save your soul from the eternal Hellfire that awaits you by espousing your current feel-good philosophy.

[Jack O'fagan]

Re: Hey There

Well, to give you an idea, the book of Revelations is all a big huge metaphor.

Hi, Octavia

Is the virgin birth a metaphor?

Is Christ's resurrection a metaphor?

These are both unlike events today, if you do not accept all of the Bible at face value what is you mental process for these two events?

Also have you actually read a Bible ALL the way through? If not, why not?

YiC

Jack

[s. warnin]

Re: Hey There

I am indeed here for a purpose.

The internet mocks you constantly and doesn't ever take you seriously. They share links with each other at laughable threads where logic seems to be non-existent.

I came here to see if these claims around the internet are accurate. I came here for intellectual discussion about particular subjects. And so far, there have been only two people were who have treated me with respect.



According to your interpretation, yes, but not according to mine and those of many, many others.



Yes, indeed there are. Catholics and Baptists are two (out of many) that have the same core belief, but different interpretations of the Bible. I am neither of those, but you get my point.



Using this logic I can say that your version of Christianity is one of those "convincing lies". I won't of course. That would be disrespectful to you and the other members of this forum.



Oh, and I do. I just think he is saying different things than you.



I'm not actually sure. My grandpa gave me a Bible a few years ago that I've read, but I'm not sure which version it is.

I don't care about all the rumors on the Godless Internets.

You have been given intellectual discussion as well as respect.

God is clear about His will in Scripture.

Catholics, and "other forms of Christianity" are not True Christians.

You are not sure if you read the Bible? I think you would know it if you have...it's really not like any other book on the market.

Peace be with you...

[Zechariah Smyth]

Re: Hey There

Well, to give you an idea, the book of Revelations is all a big huge metaphor.

How do you reconcile that claim with 2 Peter 1:20?

What parts do you interpret as metaphor and what parts do you take at face value?

Is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" a metaphor?

It seems much easier (and scripturally sound) to simply take the Bible as it was given to us and not try to shape it to conform to our worldview.

YiC,

Zech

[Octavia]

Re: Hey There

How do you decide what is and isn't a metaphor (a word which does not appear in the KJV Bible, by the way)

Well, to give you an idea, the book of Revelations is all a big huge metaphor.

[Octavia]

Re: Hey There

Okay Octavia, you are obviously here for a reason...perhaps, giving you the benefit of the doubt, your heart is in the right place but your head is in your duffle bag. So...once more...

I am indeed here for a purpose.

The internet mocks you constantly and doesn't ever take you seriously. They share links with each other at laughable threads where logic seems to be non-existent.

I came here to see if these claims around the internet are accurate. I came here for intellectual discussion about particular subjects. And so far, there have been only two people were who have treated me with respect.

Everything that has been quoted to you is accurate

According to your interpretation, yes, but not according to mine and those of many, many others.

There are not "many different versions of Christianity" Octavia.

Yes, indeed there are. Catholics and Baptists are two (out of many) that have the same core belief, but different interpretations of the Bible. I am neither of those, but you get my point.

The father of lies himself invents those "versions of Christianity". They may be hard to discern, for the most convincing lies are the ones with elements of truth.

Using this logic I can say that your version of Christianity is one of those "convincing lies". I won't of course. That would be disrespectful to you and the other members of this forum.

If you are going to claim to be a Christian, you must believe ALL of what God says...every last bit of it

Oh, and I do. I just think he is saying different things than you.

So, have you actually read the Bible, KJV1611 cover to cover?

I'm not actually sure. My grandpa gave me a Bible a few years ago that I've read, but I'm not sure which version it is.

[Zechariah Smyth]

The Bible is full of metaphors. It's hardly ever straight forward.



Let's be a little more mature about this. We aren't in kindergarten anymore.

How do you decide what is and isn't a metaphor (a word which does not appear in the KJV Bible, by the way)?

What part of "Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished" (Isaiah 13:16) is metaphorical?

Yours in Christ,

Z. Smyth

[s. warnin]

Re: Hey There

I have not been an intellectual snob at all, if that's what you are implying. And I never said things are okay just because I think it. I've given a few verses from the Bible that show where my beliefs come from.



In your opinion, and according to your version of Christianity I am wrong. According to myself and many other believers I am not, though.

You'll have to understand that there are many different versions of Christianity because there are many different interpretations of what the Bible is saying.

You have your opinions on what the verses say, and I have mine.

Okay Octavia, you are obviously here for a reason...perhaps, giving you the benefit of the doubt, your heart is in the right place but your head is in your duffle bag. So...once more...

Everything that has been quoted to you is accurate. There are not "many different versions of Christianity" Octavia. There is one Son of God, who says what He says about Himself, you and me, what we are to believe, how we are to worship, how we are saved and why we go to hell. Those things are written in God's Word Octavia. What you think is not important. It is what God says about Himself that is important. Whether you choose to believe what God says or not is up to you; nevertheless, Octavia, it does not change what God says. The different versions that you speak of are lies; albeit, very convincing lies because 2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." The father of lies himself invents those "versions of Christianity". They may be hard to discern, for the most convincing lies are the ones with elements of truth. Don't be deceived Octavia.

If you are going to claim to be a Christian, you must believe ALL of what God says...every last bit of it. You can't be a part-time Christian or a partial-Christian, believing and not believing what you decide. It does not work that way.

Jesus said it best Luke 11:23 "He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth." That's pretty clear to me Octavia. You can't be with Him on some things and not on other things. You are with Him or against him...period...no room for interpretation.

So, have you actually read the Bible, KJV1611 cover to cover?

[Octavia]

Re: Hey There

That's why we just stick with exactly what the Bible says. When you start "interpreting" things, then you start to put certain parts before others and wind up neglecting to follow the whole thing. Our policy is to follow every single word of the entire document.

Doing this, we don't have to worry about how to interpret things. We just do what it says.

The Bible is full of metaphors. It's hardly ever straight forward.

Do you see how stupid your pseudo-Christianity is now?

Let's be a little more mature about this. We aren't in kindergarten anymore.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Hey There

2 Peter 1:20: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

[Billy Bob Jenkins]

Re: Hey There

First of all, I thank you for the respectful question rather than outright attacking me like the others. That's what I was hoping for when I joined here.

Now, it's not that I think they were poorly thought out or incorrect, I just think that people interpret them in many different ways. That's why we have so many different types of Christianity. All Christianity has the same core belief, but its the other things within the Bible that is commonly debated.

That's why we just stick with exactly what the Bible says. When you start "interpreting" things, then you start to put certain parts before others and wind up neglecting to follow the whole thing. Our policy is to follow every single word of the entire document.

Doing this, we don't have to worry about how to interpret things. We just do what it says.

Do you see how stupid your pseudo-Christianity is now?

[Octavia]

Re: Hey There

Hi Octavia. Welcome. I have read most of what you have said and still, one simple question lingers for me as I am merely a country fellow. I am sure you have a simple and clear answer.
How did you decide what parts of the teaching of God did you know were unimportant (I guess you'd call them poorly thought out) or incorrect (I suppose you'd call them lies)? See, I have read the KJV at least once a month, cover to cover for almost all my life. You would think by now, based on your comments, that I would be able to readily identify the parts where God was not 100% serious.
Can you help me, please?

Your new Internet Friend in Christ,
James

First of all, I thank you for the respectful question rather than outright attacking me like the others. That's what I was hoping for when I joined here.

Now, it's not that I think they were poorly thought out or incorrect, I just think that people interpret them in many different ways. That's why we have so many different types of Christianity. All Christianity has the same core belief, but its the other things within the Bible that is commonly debated.

[Deaner]

Re: Hey There

Hi Octavia. Welcome. I have read most of what you have said and still, one simple question lingers for me as I am merely a country fellow. I am sure you have a simple and clear answer.
How did you decide what parts of the teaching of God did you know were unimportant (I guess you'd call them poorly thought out) or incorrect (I suppose you'd call them lies)? See, I have read the KJV at least once a month, cover to cover for almost all my life. You would think by now, based on your comments, that I would be able to readily identify the parts where God was not 100% serious.
Can you help me, please?

Your new Internet Friend in Christ,
James

I am proud to call you a member of our Church Brother James for such a sensitive and well thought out message from Christ. I only wish I had your insightfullness.