Originally posted by FMFWe are not affiliated in any way with any other religion, Christian or otherwise.
You claim to be a Christian and your denomination is part of that disunity.
We are unique and the only religion that honors God's Name to the best of our understanding.
One day we will know the correct pronunciation of that Holy Name.
Until then, we have confidence that God speaks English as He
originated all languages.
Originally posted by roigamBut the "understanding" that you "gain" is an interpretation. All Christians who study the Bible seek to gain understanding. These various understandings are interpretations. And if I understand correctly what you mean by "imperfect men", all members of the JW organisation, now, that have ever been, and that will ever be, and every single one who has striven to "gain understanding" are all "imperfect men (and women)", right?
No, we don't interpret. We study to gain understanding.
Originally posted by roigamYes, as you pointed out in your OP, there has been a proliferation of some 41,000 different Christian denominations. If you identify yourself as a Christian, then you are part of that.
We are not affiliated in any way with any other religion, Christian or otherwise.
We are unique and the only religion that honors God's Name to the best of our understanding.
One day we will know the correct pronunciation of that Holy Name.
Until then, we have confidence that God speaks English as He
originated all languages.
Originally posted by roigamAnd 41000 other groups make the exact same claims!
We are not affiliated in any way with any other religion, Christian or otherwise.
We are unique and the only religion that honors God's Name to the best of our understanding.
One day we will know the correct pronunciation of that Holy Name.
Until then, we have confidence that God speaks English as He
originated all languages.
Originally posted by FMFYou are correct!
But the "understanding" that you "gain" is an interpretation. All Christians who study the Bible seek to gain understanding. These various understandings are interpretations. And if I understand correctly what you mean by "imperfect men", all members of the JW organisation, now, that have ever been, and that will ever be, and every single one who has striven to "gain understanding" are all "imperfect men (and women)", right?
We are all imperfect.
We are not wise.
That is why we continue to study the Bible and
it reveals to us (and to all who seek it) God's viewpoint and wisdom.
(Matthew 11:25, 26) At that time Jesus said in response: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. 26 Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved.
Originally posted by roigamThe issue seems to me whether or not God was truly involved at all with the writings in the Bible. I would think that if the Creator of the Universe gave us humans a book that could guide us, and help us, both here on earth, and how exactly we are to get to Heaven, then this book should be crystal clear in its meaning to every single human that reads its words. The fact that there are thousands of interpretations and/or opinions of what any given verse means brings God's involvement into question for me. For such serious matters as living properly, not sinning, and making certain that one does what is 'required' to obtain everlasting life, the writings should not be that of a mystery novel.
(Ephesians 4:4, 5) One body there is, and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord,.....,,,,, one faith........., one baptism;
So why are there some 41,000 different Christian religions?
What makes you (roigam) think that you have successfully understood the Bible? And, doesn't it make sense that if you are correct with your 'faith', that every person on the planet should be a Jehovah Witness?
Originally posted by chaney3Hey Chaney. Have been holding your place in the queue at the atheist buffet.
The issue seems to me whether or not God was truly involved at all with the writings in the Bible. I would think that if the Creator of the Universe gave us humans a book that could guide us, and help us, both here on earth, and how exactly we are to get to Heaven, then this book should be crystal clear in its meaning to every single human that reads its wo ...[text shortened]... you are correct with your 'faith', that every person on the planet should be a Jehovah Witness?
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Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeLol, lol. I have been thinking about those buffets for months now. That's why I did not put in my application for your Spiritual Arch Nemesis. 😉
Hey Chaney. Have been holding your place in the queue at the atheist buffet.
On a serious note.....this issue of Bible interpretation and who is 'correct' with their understanding of it, is top on my list of doubt.
Originally posted by chaney3I agree.
The issue seems to me whether or not God was truly involved at all with the writings in the Bible. I would think that if the Creator of the Universe gave us humans a book that could guide us, and help us, both here on earth, and how exactly we are to get to Heaven, then this book should be crystal clear in its meaning to every single human that reads its wo ...[text shortened]... you are correct with your 'faith', that every person on the planet should be a Jehovah Witness?
What men have done with the Bible is similar to what men have done to Shakespeare.
Thinking our own opinion of what words say seems to be a fx of our imperfection.
How about reading the Bible without interpreting?
Would we not get a clearer pix of what He is saying to us?
btw, the Bible is so uncomplicated that anyone can understand it, regardless of level of education. That seems to be necessary if it is for all people.
Personally, I'm still learning and my hope is to learn on into eternity.
(Romans 11:33) O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!
Originally posted by chaney3Perhaps think of the bible as a sign post pointing the way, rather than as a destination in its own right.
Lol, lol. I have been thinking about those buffets for months now. That's why I did not put in my application for your Spiritual Arch Nemesis. 😉
On a serious note.....this issue of Bible interpretation and who is 'correct' with their understanding of it, is top on my list of doubt.
When I order a Chinese takeaway I don't worry too much about getting a perfect understanding of the menu, as long as the food that arrives taste good.
Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeThat is too simplistic Ghost. My very point is that the sign post is pointing in thousands of directions, and most people believe that ONLY they know the correct path. When it comes to the Bible, it would only make sense that ONE version of it is correct, and the fact that it's not the case leads me to wonder if God was involved at all.
Perhaps think of the bible as a sign post pointing the way, rather than as a destination in its own right.
When I order a Chinese takeaway I don't worry too much about getting a perfect understanding of the menu, as long as the food that arrives taste good.
If I'm not mistaken, it is DUE to the Bible that you are an atheist? That you would be open to a 'God', but not the God portrayed in the Bible?
Originally posted by chaney3I guess I was really saying (as an atheist) that rather than treating the bible as a divinely inspired book and trying to find the 'true understanding' (which let's face it is like looking for a needle in a haystack with the thousand of interpretations out there) just cherry pick the parts that speak to you on a personal level and give you a sense of direction. Even as an atheist I acknowledge there is some solid stuff in the bible and a morality that (if he exists) could still lead you to God, even if he had nothing to do with its construction.
That is too simplistic Ghost. My very point is that the sign post is pointing in thousands of directions, and most people believe that ONLY they know the correct path. When it comes to the Bible, it would only make sense that ONE version of it is correct, and the fact that it's not the case leads me to wonder if God was involved at all.
If I'm not mista ...[text shortened]... you are an atheist? That you would be open to a 'God', but not the God portrayed in the Bible?
Originally posted by roigamThen how do you explain the thousands of religions and beliefs in the world? Is it man's fault.......or is it because God was not clear in His writings? You said that God gave us a Bible that limited intellect is required to understand and interpret, yet if YOU are correct in your understanding, then ALL on the planet should be in exact alignment with you.
I agree.
What men have done with the Bible is similar to what men have done to Shakespeare.
Thinking our own opinion of what words say seems to be a fx of our imperfection.
How about reading the Bible without interpreting?
Would we not get a clearer pix of what He is saying to us?
btw, the Bible is so uncomplicated that anyone can understand it, regardle ...[text shortened]... nd wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!