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The Bible is quite easy to understand, as long as context is taken into account

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PrinceOfDorkness:
I think Christians believe the Bible -- especially the Tanach -- is hard to understand. Rather, if we look at the cultural and historical contexts of the writings, they are generally quite transparent, particularly if we pay attention to sources, authors and different theologies present in the passages.

Bob:
You made it over here fast  ;D
Welcome I'm going to be a little impolite I'm afraid, I'm going to get ready for dinner and will be gone most evening. But I will be back to discuss this topic, it appropriate and it looks interesting.

PrinceOfDorkness:
Not impolite at all, Enjoy your dinner, I look forward to your reply. Have a good night.

Bob:

--- Quote from: PrinceOfDorkness on December 23, 2013, 06:34:54 pm ---I think Christians believe the Bible -- especially the Tanach -- is hard to understand. Rather, if we look at the cultural and historical contexts of the writings, they are generally quite transparent, particularly if we pay attention to sources, authors and different theologies present in the passages.

--- End quote ---


Sorry for the delay and I thank you for your patience.

You made a comment on the other board about the number of denomination in the Christian religion. I would correct you that not all these denominations are  Christian even know they may call themselves that. Many of these denominations are separated because of one or two minor disagreements in doctrine or theology but nothing critical.

I tell you little bit who I am and where I'm coming from so you won't have to muddle through the different Christian teachings that are out there. I do not read Hebrews or the Greek and I leave the translations of the old and the New Testament to those who do. I am a Calvinist this is not to say that I do not believe that Arminians are not members of the body of Christ, I just have a different belief in how we came to that point than they do.   I also believe that a lot of people out there that call themselves Christians are not Christians. Salvation does not come through sacraments, or by belonging to a specific church. Charles Spurgeon, probably one of the greatest Calvinist preachers, said that he doubted that more than 10% of his congregation were Christians. Christ preached repentance which requires not only the asking for forgiveness but in redirecting your life to glorify God.

I do not believe in replacement theology, it is totally un-biblical and it is calling God untrustworthy. It came about because a weak Christian church ccould not explain why Israel had not come back together as a nation for almost 2000 years. They were proven wrong in 1948 but they still exist today in large numbers.

 If I was going to identify someone as a Christian I would first ask if he believed in the deity of Christ, this would leave out both Jehovah's Witnesses and latter-day Saints. Both will say that they believe that Christ was a god but he was not part of a Trinity or a Godhead saying only that he was a god or Michael the Archangel. I do not believe that a person can receive his salvation from the works of another man including the administering of sacraments or being given absolution for their sins from another human being.I do not believe that a person can work his way to heaven by what is referred to in the Bible as good works. In fact the Bible tells us exactly the opposite, and I find it very prideful to assume that one could accomplish this on his own.

Now back to your post. I agree with you that many Christians make the Bible out to be much harder than what it is. The fact that they can't accept that their eternal salvation is being handed to them as an active grace, a free gift, from their creator seems to them to be too easy and therefore unbelievable. There are parts of the Bible, both new and Old Testaments, that will remain mysteries to us until the appropriate time of God's choosing. But for the most part what God expects from us is simple and uncomplicated.

Now if you would, I like to know what you believe concerning the accuracy of the Scriptures, both old and new.

Fat:

--- Quote from: PrinceOfDorkness on December 23, 2013, 06:34:54 pm ---I think Christians believe the Bible -- especially the Tanach -- is hard to understand. Rather, if we look at the cultural and historical contexts of the writings, they are generally quite transparent, particularly if we pay attention to sources, authors and different theologies present in the passages.

--- End quote ---

Merry Christmas to all.

Concerning the Gospel being brought forth to the Gentiles by the apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus a Pharisee), do you believe he was chosen because of his unique position within the hierarchy of the Jewish leadership? After all didn't the Pharisees claim Mosaic authority over their interpretation of the Jewish law?

P.S. to Admindude: this Christmas theme is slowing down this website something terrible.

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