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08 Jan 12
1 edit
Originally posted by galveston75No easy answer from me. I think it is your job if you want to teach about the Bible, to be able to assess whether the moment is right for your teaching to be effective and not counterproductive.
Should a Christian teach non Christians about the Bible? This would include athiest.
Edit: this would not preclude you from teaching to anyone. It depends on the situation.
08 Jan 12
1 edit
Originally posted by galveston75I agree with JS357, I think it depends on the situation.
Should a Christian teach non Christians about the Bible? This would include athiest.
Although on the surface of it , it would sound like a bit of a far-fetched question - let alone a JW asking it (lol)- I would be interested in your motives for asking that question. Do you have a take , or are you just "stirring the pot" ? or something else?, or nothing?
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by karoly aczelNo it's simple a discussion point. I know it's been mentioned here by a poster that he personally doesn't discuss spiritual things with athiest and I'm just wanting to know others views of this.
I agree with JS357, I think it depends on the situation.
Although on the surface of it , it would sound like a bit of a far-fetched question - let alone a JW asking it (lol)- I would be interested in your motives for asking that question. Do you have a take , or are you just "stirring the pot" ? or something else?, or nothing?
I don't agree with him but that's his decision...
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by galveston75Do you mean as opposed to teaching the Bible to Christians?
Should a Christian teach non Christians about the Bible? This would include athiest.
Some things can be taught, but I am of the belief that it is the Holy Spirit that teaches the truth of God's Word to the believer.
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by galveston75Ok. You "dont agree". Fair enough.
No it's simple a discussion point. I know it's been mentioned here by a poster that he personally doesn't discuss spiritual things with athiest and I'm just wanting to know others views of this.
I don't agree with him but that's his decision...
I have nothing further to comment upon yet 🙂
08 Jan 12
2 edits
Originally posted by galveston75Speaking as an atheist, never is it the case that I am grateful to hear such teachings from Christians; moreover I'm often inclined to hit back and teach them their beliefs are silly instead (and yes, I'm quite prepared to stand there and debate a random theist if they come knocking at *my* door peddling their magic friend)
Should a Christian teach non Christians about the Bible? This would include athiest.
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08 Jan 12
1 edit
Originally posted by galveston75Well it depends on quite what you mean, and the situation, but I don't see any reason why
Should a Christian teach non Christians about the Bible? This would include atheists.
not to teach anyone about the bible, or any other holy book.
It isn't my area of expertise and I am not a history or politics buff so I haven't studied the
worlds religions or their holy books in any detail.
But I do appreciate that to understand a religion, the people in it, and its effect on the world
in politics, history, or culture, then you need to study among other things the holly books of
the relevant religions.
But I don't know if a Christian is necessarily the best person to go to to learn about the bible.
Certainly getting a believers perspective on a holy book is important, but there are things that
a Christian is unlikely to tell you (or know) about their holy books that are potentially important
to understanding them. So I would want (as with everything) multiple sources of information
about any religion and/or holy book I was studying.
As for whether a Christian should teach a non-Christian about the bible... I don't see why not,
people do switch from one religion to another or from atheism to a religion (there are some on
this site who claim to have done so) and giving information about your religion is far more likely to
be effective than ignoring or refusing to talk to those who don't share your faith.
However I would caution that it's not always going to help your cause, in the case of the bible I
would try to avoid, well pretty much the entire old testament when trying to convert someone to
your religion. Deuteronomy and Leviticus stand out in particular for me.
Also if you are claiming the bible to be literally true I'd avoid genesis like the plague...
anyhow, just my tuppence worth.
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by josephwNo, being taught to anyone..... You are correct somewhat as the Bible says it is God that "makes it grow" but he does use his Holy Spirit to teach but we as Christains have been told that we are to teach the Bible and truths to them as is said in Matt the 24th & 28th chapters.
Do you mean as opposed to teaching the Bible to Christians?
Some things can be taught, but I am of the belief that it is the Holy Spirit that teaches the truth of God's Word to the believer.
2 Timothy 2:2
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Acts 5:42
New Living Translation (NLT)
42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by googlefudgeThanks for your comment...
Well it depends on quite what you mean, and the situation, but I don't see any reason why
not to teach anyone [b]about the bible, or any other holy book.
It isn't my area of expertise and I am not a history or politics buff so I haven't studied the
worlds religions or their holy books in any detail.
But I do appreciate that to understand a re ...[text shortened]... e literally true I'd avoid genesis like the plague...
anyhow, just my tuppence worth.[/b]
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by AgergThanks...
Speaking as an atheist, never is it the case that I am grateful to hear such teachings from Christians; moreover I'm often inclined to hit back and teach them their beliefs are silly instead (and yes, I'm quite prepared to stand there and debate a random theist if they come knocking at *my* door peddling their magic friend)
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08 Jan 12
Originally posted by AgergAh, yes I should have added in my post a bit about 'if they are interested'.
Speaking as an atheist, never is it the case that I am grateful to hear such teachings from Christians;
moreover I'm often inclined to hit back and teach them their beliefs are silly instead (and yes, I'm quite
prepared to stand there and debate a random theist if they come knocking at *my* door peddling their
magic friend)
Trying to teach a random person on the street or worse knocking on someone's door is not likely
to go down well.
Although the last (and only) time JW's turned up at my house they got to enjoy 20 minutes of
me trying to de-convert them, which seemed only fair.
This forum is for people who have chosen to come and talk about religion (and philosophy and
spirituality although I have no idea what that last one means) and thus it's expected that here
will be forceful debates about religion.
However while I debate fiercely here, I don't go around 'picking fights' as it were with theists in
in my area, or go to local churches and try to de-convert people or really often mention religion at all.
Because I respect the fact that people generally like their privacy and it's not pleasant to have a stranger
come up to you and start trying to convert you to their faith position.
08 Jan 12
Originally posted by galveston75The scriptures also say;
No, being taught to anyone..... You are correct somewhat as the Bible says it is God that "makes it grow" but he does use his Holy Spirit to teach but we as Christains have been told that we are to teach the Bible and truths to them as is said in Matt the 24th & 28th chapters.
2 Timothy 2:2
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 You have heard me teach t ...[text shortened]... from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
2 Timothy 2:15a - Study to shew thyself approved unto God,..
It takes work on our part as well. I also believe we grow in our understanding in direct relation to how willing we are to apply God's Word to our lives.