To most Christians, the Bible is like the terms of use for a software license. Nobody actually reads it, they just scroll to the bottom and click "I agree", amirite?
The Bible ends with Revelations. I know it's a joke, but the life of Jesus is told in only 4 chapters (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Also, the chapters pretty much repeat the same stories of Jesus, just from different viewpoints.
Yes, Jesus' life is told in the first 4 chapters of the New Testament, also known as the Gospel. Yes, most of the stories are told in more than one chapter.
Sick of the stereotype that people blindly follow a faith - many people I've talked to online struggle and question the role their religion plays in their life in depth.
But the Bible is the basis for Christianity. If you don't read it in it's entirety, how how can you claim to fully understand God's word as they believe it to be?
You can know. Even in the New Testament, Jesus says what's right and what's wrong, all summed up in these two phrases: "Love the LORD God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength," and "Love your neighbor as yourself." Morality isn't confusing, it's love :) Jesus said so Himself.
He also said that faith means taking up our crosses and following Him every day; being living sacrifices, Holy and pleasing to God; dying to our sinful nature and becoming Alive In Him! (Life in unity with God! it's so exciting!).
Then there's the rest of the Bible outlining what all of that comes from and what all of that means...like not harming others, getting drunk, being perverted, or worshiping anything other than God.
As someone who has read the whole Bible through, I haven't found anything in there that hasn't helped me to be a good Christian, and haven't found a part that isn't the Word of God.
I think this fits nicely with the analogy: people only check what's in the terms and conditions once something happens that we dislike(i.e. "What? When did I agree to turn the other cheek? This is bull!") and then we blame the company and try to find as many loopholes as possible.
@1251712 (Simon): I'd say you're right in that regard. I like to believe that most [strictly] nominal Christians allow Scripture to at least be an underlying theme or influence in their lives, even if they only allow it at a Sunday School level or disregard a lot of it in favour of their own desires. It may help with the formation of identity, but I doubt it has much pull over their conscience.
Did you ever think that, possibly, people are part of a religion because they want to be in it and they believe in it? I know a lot more people who really believe in their religion than people who are in it just because their parents are.
My parents raised me Catholic for the past 16 years, but I was listening in church and decided I didn't believe it.
Most children these days [or at least in my area] are becoming less dependent on their parents for their views. It's just my own little hypothesis, but I think the internet is exposing us to more views so more people are straying from what they were raised to believe.
I'd say it's a fair distribution. In developed countries, especially in the West, it is probably a safe bet to say that most Christians don't read their Bible and almost unanimously the excuses entail something about its length or not being able to find the time to do so, which is tremendously sad in my opinion. In Eastern countries, especially in areas where Islam is dominant, Christians tend to read their Bibles, well, religiously. It's their culture. When someone comes out of a culture where reading and memorizing the Qu'ran is a big deal, transitioning to reading the Bible every day and knowing Scripture is second nature. There's no way to know for sure how many adhere to Christian faiths in those regions, as in some places the Bible and open Christianity simply are not tolerated, but considering the shear number of people in those countries, I'd say it's a significant portion of the Christian population.
Maybe not every verse but I know what every book is about. I'm pretty sure it's not a stretch to say I know all stories and messages within the books as well. I've read it daily for as long as I could read. I know many Christian's who could agree. Poor choice of POTD.
Hmm, that's a good analogy. It'd be interesting to see if all the hardcore Tea Party members who say we have to get back to the Constitutional principles, blah blah blah, have actually read the Constitution.
Although it's a lot easier to read the Constitution than the Bible
i really don't like it when people are like "well according to jonabilationian 29:43 you should give me all of your possessions and your first born child
Holy shit dude, having a Hitler account was the best idea ever - all you have to do is wait til someone mentions Jews, the Holocaust, genocide, etc, then you just comment and get instant loves.
But if they attacked Islam, then it'd really hit the fan. People attack Christianity because it's safe and they can get away with it in our social world.
@1255547 (NiceBoulder): I think it's because Islam has even more stereotypes than Christianity. And they don't necessarily "get away" with it, because they get called out, too. It's just more common to talk about Christianity in America because so many people are Christians and it's a more popular religion in the media.
I'm not attacking Christians here, but I think this is true. Most Christians have not read the Bible. I despise religion and I know more about it than most of my religious friends. I had to inform my Catholic ex-girlfriend when she wasn't supposed to eat meat
I've always wondered if they put some crazy shiz in a software license for like iTunes or something. Now that THEY KNOW we don't actually read it, they're gonna put some crazy stuff in there like, "Every time you purchase a song, YOU MUST DO THE HOKEY-POKEY OR YOU'RE WARRANTY ON YOUR IPOD WILL BE CANCELLED."
Just a random thought.
GameStation. "An April Fool's Day joke by a gaming company in Britain has resulted in the company owning the souls of 7500 customers. The company inserted the "immortal soul clause" into the terms and conditions of the sale to online buyers as a way to prove that no one ever reads the terms of online transactions." Google it for the whole thing.
I take this to mean by most Christians, Oh Chosen One, most Christians as in people who just say they're Christians for a default religion, not people who actually go to church, or discuss actual points of theology. Amirite?
True, but I think if you have the dedication and faith to go to church every week, you're going to know a bit more about the Bible, and take time the rest of the week to read it.
Actually, a lot of Christians DO know what the Bible says, even if they haven't read all 66 books. It is possible to know well the doctrines of a religion without studying it profusely, although you do need to know at least the basics. Which most Christians do, and then some.
I'm not usually one to tell someone what to say, as I have used the word often in the past, but please stop saying "retard." I know I probably sound like uptight, but my new baby cousin has down syndrome and it bothers me a lot when people say it now.
But idiot means someone with a low IQ and dumb is someone who can't speak (I would have expected someone who always achieved A grades to know that). Surely it's ignorant to use those words too? It seems like you're very quick to call names, I don't think a discussion with you will be fruitful.
How do I clearly have a low IQ given that you agree with my definitions? Anyway, an idiot (someone with "very severe mental retardation") most likely wouldn't be able to use a computer or conduct a conversation like I do. You are a troll and obviously a young one too. You're probably 13 or 14.
So let me get this straight. I said that terms such as "idiot" and "dumb" could cause offence because they are medical terms that someone could be sensitive to JUST like the person I was replying to was saying about "retard" (yes I said it sarcastically, but that's beside the point I'm about to bring up). In fact, "idiot" is just a classification of mental retardation.
So... if you agree that calling someone a retard as a generic insult is wrong then why did you call me an idiot? You're either a hypocrite or didn't know what "idiot" meant, which is it?
(Anonymous):id·i·ot   
[id-ee-uht]
–noun
1.an utterly foolish or senseless person.
Or, as YOU YOURSELF defined it (and also how I used it, but I admit you may not be stupid, no matter how ignorant), a person with a low IQ. Which is NOT synonymous with a retard.
Also i hate how people claim we should follow the bible word for word, Like they listen to the part about gay's not being allowed to get married, but theres also a part stating that if a woman speaks in church she should be stoned, dont just listen to the parts you want to.
Old Testament is the strict law that Christ says we do not have to follow (since he saved us and all that good stuff). However, homosexuality IS frowned upon in the New Testament (though unlike the way some think, this is not license to go out and murder gays).
I'm confused, which way do you believe? Cause you said you hate how Christians follow it word for word but then you said don't just believe the parts you want.
It's really too bad. Personally, I think everybody should read the Bible. There are said it; go right ahead and NW me.
The KJV is really one of the most superbly written books in the English language. Even if you think it's a work of fiction, you can't deny that it's poetic and beautifully worded even though it's really old-fashioned.
It's also important because western literature and culture is unbelievably full of biblical references. If you don't understand the Bible, you miss out on all the biblical allusions in literature and trust me, there are tons of them. It's seems like almost all famous European writers from Shakespeare to Jane Austen were heavily influenced by the Bible and included dozens of biblical allusions in everything they wrote.
I certainly don't think everybody should be christian but I do believe that you should read the Bible if you really want a well-rounded education.
By that same logic, I think everyone should read "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. Or "The End of Faith" by Sam Harris. That just isn't realistic though, most people are too lazy and stubborn to read into other people's points of view.
If you're an atheistfag that's gonna be "OMG THIS BIBLE IS SO STOOPID HOW DO PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS?" or a Christfag that gonna be "OMG DAWKINS IS THE ANTI-CHRIST" then don't, but if you're someone who likes objective points of view and doesn't automatically believe everything just because it's in a book, then both The Bible and The God Delusion could be learning experiences.
I don't think people need to read the Bible because everybody should read and love Christianity. I think it's great that people have so many different opinions and thoughts about spirituality. I think people should read the Bible because you can't understand western society, art, history, and culture unless you understand the Bible. It's the most famous and widely published book in the world. I think everyone needs to read the Bible at least once, even if they don't take the religion part seriously and read the whole thing as fairytale.
This can apply to anyone. There are people of every religion, or every political ideology, who don't think for themselves. There's nothing wrong with being religious, and there's nothing wrong with not believing in a god, but you should at least question the system and figure things out for yourself.
But it is encouraged and usually greatly assists in one's faith rather than doing something else. Regular worship or even just reflection with other Christians is much better than a few Christmas services.
Not really. The church, at least from what I understand it was early on and for many people today, it's where people turn for spiritual and moral guidance when they're unsure about something and can't do it on their own.
When they don't know what God wants them to do, they can asl the church to help. That and th church is a house of worship and community for God's people, offering sanctuary and help to anyone who asks the church or is a member.
It also acts sort fo as a school for learning God's laws and such. We may read the Bible on our own, but hearing the sermons and explainations from people who have thoroughly studied Christianity, if you connect well with your preacher, teaches us a lot and let's us hear a different perspective on things.
The church is also a place where we can praise God and come together as a people. It can give you strength in the support of your Christian family. So yes, the church is important.
Think exactly the opposite. I've always been unsure about the nature of god and the validity and relevance of scripture but I think religious organizations are great. I've always been impressed by all the things they do like feeding homeless people and helping orphans in Africa.
I do understand community church groups, and I'm not saying they should cease to exist - they are completely beneficial to society.
But on a more personal level, to do with myself only (that sounds rather selfish, doesn't it? oh well) I'd want my own faith rather than one imposed.
I'm sorry, I don't know how to word to convey what I mean - I think churches do benefit many many people, but I'm wondering if they benefit me. There's two that I go to infrequently.
Yes, sometimes the term "Christian" is just a label. They don't have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and just go to church, pray, read the Bible etc. when convenient for them. It is quite sad.
I go to a catholic school. In my theology class there is one person who has read the entire bible, one student, not even the teacher. This probably can't be said for all Christians because from what I know Protestant Christians tend to know more about the Bible than the Catholics.
Where did that come from? The Protestant Reformation was about the average Joe getting the Bible AT ALL instead of having to get it from someone "qualified" (as it were).
The Catholics had usually believed that the priest was just supposed to interpret for them. Actually Catholics weren't encouraged to ever read the bible until the Second Vatican Council in the 60s. There is more to being a Christian than just some dude named Jesus who died. And NiceBoulder is correct.
I know what people say, but I also know that some pastors say that if nothing else, Christians need to know that Jesus died for them and rose from the dead, and that that is the most important thing to know. Oh, and that God forgives us of our sins.
That doesn't mean it's the only thing we should know. And from my experience, that's just some priests. My old preacher stressed the message, "love thy neighbor" mroe than anything else. He always, always, talked about how Jesus loves us and loved the people he knew on earth and how we should do the same. Anyone who went to my church would tell you, he barely talked about all that "Jesus died for you" stuff, though he did mention it, and he definitely talked about God forgiving us, but he mostly emphasized how we ourselves should love and forgive as God as done for us.
But different translations usually have different titles, like the King James Version or the New Living Translation. How do they tell their Bible's apart from other ones without looking inside?
Actually, I know a lot of other people who make it a habit to read at least a little bit of their Bible every night. I used to, until I sadly fell out of the habit. Nowadays I just use the Bible as a sort of guide. Don't steal, be nice to everyone, be generous, blahblahblah...
Ya me too. Forgot that sarcasm doesn't work on a computer. After watching that south park episode, I've been trying to read them but they're SO LONG. I just wanted to buy a $1 app not read a book full of legal terms.
I think this needs to be change from most Christians to most Catholics. I am Catholic and I hate to admit that I don't read the Bible too often. I know a lot of Protestents that know their Bible backwards and forewords, but very few Catholics.
Repost!
But also, sadly that's true. BUT reading the bible everyday or whatever doesint nessisarly get you to heaven. Your relationship with God does. Gods word is the bible so those do go somewhat hand in hand I guess.
Just because someone is an atheist doesn't mean they're going to hell (Being a Christian, I believe there is heaven/hell). I think people really underestimate God's mercy.
I don't understand a lot of the things I read in the Bible. And I find it so bizarre when they talk about the things that happened back then, like the parting of the sea. But I don't doubt it at all. I love reading the Bible. It's interesting.
Here's the thing that many people misunderstand: Just because someone says they are a Christian does not make it so. I agree with this statement completely if you would have said "Most people to claim to be Christians..." A real Christian avidly reads the Bible and lives by the words of God. If you don't aim to read the Bible/commune with Jesus on a daily basis, how can you even call yourself a Christian? And no simply going to church regularly doesn't mean anything either. The main people Jesus rebuked when he was here on Earth were the Pharisees, the 'righteous' men who were at synagogue all the time but didn't truly understand the message of God's love.
Don't condemn us real Christians :)
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
What does it mean to "believe Jesus Christ and His teachings?"
What I mean is, how can you know what Jesus Christ taught apart from reading the BIble? Didn't Jesus say Himself that He didn't come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them?
So not only is Jesus' teaching important, but everything in the Old Testament about the Law and from the Prophets is important.
Of course, all of this reading, knowledge, and teaching pales in comparison to loving God; 1 Corinthians 13 says that without love everything is meaningless. (Yes, they pale in comparison, but obeying the Law and Prophets is how we show God love. John 14:23-24)
I believe in Jesus Christ, therefore I am a Christian. No, I am not fake because I don't read the Bible cover to cover on a regular basis. I pray and I go to church and I believe. That's IT.
First of all, pull out your tampon and don't get ready for an argument because that's useless. I follow Jesus by obeying the words I have read in the Bible (which is all of them, just not on a regular basis). I've prayed to Him every night since I was 5.
Okay, I don't want to argue either. And the truth of the matter is that only you have to stand before Jesus and account for your actions or lack there of.
1. This isn't atheist
2. "Either choose POTDs about everybody's beliefs, or don't choose posts about touchy subjects"
-Anthony can do whatever the fuck he wants, because he's Anthony. And he does what he wants.
I probably would, actually. Any good priest would tell you to question your faith and find the answers. It's silly to blindly follow something simply because you're told to. Some of the most faithful Christians I know are ones who really studied and questioned their faith and ultimately "found a relationship with God," as they've told me.
I don't think it was supposed to be a joke.... it's actually true for many people. The more some people study religion the more they realize it doesn't make any sense (to them.) Having said that, seeing as how it's common knowledge that people are sensitive regarding the subject of faith, I do agree it was in poor taste.
No, people manipulating the Bible and God's word for their own agenda's are the number one cause of people disliking modern Christianity - but people are usually theist or atheist regardless of others.
Modern Christians twist the word of the bible, causing the dislike of modern Christianity. Also, the Islamic faith is twisted regularly, and pretty much every other faith. It happens because sacred texts are interpreted in many different ways. Basically, I think there should just be faith and none of this institutionalized religion stuff. Way less hate that way.
I agree, it's a great book. I loved the part when you came back from the dead. You sure know how to give a book a bad ass surprise ending.
The Bible ends with Revelations. I know it's a joke, but the life of Jesus is told in only 4 chapters (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Also, the chapters pretty much repeat the same stories of Jesus, just from different viewpoints.
4 chapters? And some stories are exclusive in each book.
Yes, Jesus' life is told in the first 4 chapters of the New Testament, also known as the Gospel. Yes, most of the stories are told in more than one chapter.
They're books, not chapters.
My bad. Is it really that big of a deal?
Not really. At first I thought it was a simple mistake, but after you said it a second time in I had to correct you.
Like ehh Judas betrayed you with a kiss, I was like "WHAT?!!" Or when Eve ate the fruit, and I was like,"OMG, I did NOT see that one coming
*when. Stupid autocorrect
You must eat up stuff like this.
Some Christians, perhaps, but not the majority.
Sick of the stereotype that people blindly follow a faith - many people I've talked to online struggle and question the role their religion plays in their life in depth.
But the Bible is the basis for Christianity. If you don't read it in it's entirety, how how can you claim to fully understand God's word as they believe it to be?
Respect. You earned it.
You can know. Even in the New Testament, Jesus says what's right and what's wrong, all summed up in these two phrases: "Love the LORD God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength," and "Love your neighbor as yourself." Morality isn't confusing, it's love :) Jesus said so Himself.
He also said that faith means taking up our crosses and following Him every day; being living sacrifices, Holy and pleasing to God; dying to our sinful nature and becoming Alive In Him! (Life in unity with God! it's so exciting!).
Then there's the rest of the Bible outlining what all of that comes from and what all of that means...like not harming others, getting drunk, being perverted, or worshiping anything other than God.
As someone who has read the whole Bible through, I haven't found anything in there that hasn't helped me to be a good Christian, and haven't found a part that isn't the Word of God.
Excellent point. God said it is His Word so it is His Word
I think this fits nicely with the analogy: people only check what's in the terms and conditions once something happens that we dislike(i.e. "What? When did I agree to turn the other cheek? This is bull!") and then we blame the company and try to find as many loopholes as possible.
@1251712 (Simon): I'd say you're right in that regard. I like to believe that most [strictly] nominal Christians allow Scripture to at least be an underlying theme or influence in their lives, even if they only allow it at a Sunday School level or disregard a lot of it in favour of their own desires. It may help with the formation of identity, but I doubt it has much pull over their conscience.
May so, but I still disagree that the majority of people in a religion just go "Well, this all seems legit, I agree to it all".
Did you ever think that, possibly, people are part of a religion because they want to be in it and they believe in it? I know a lot more people who really believe in their religion than people who are in it just because their parents are.
So you know more people that were converted as to those who were raised as it from birth?
i do. most of my friends were raised in a Christian home, but really found their own faith as they grew up.
This happened to me.
My parents raised me Catholic for the past 16 years, but I was listening in church and decided I didn't believe it.
Most children these days [or at least in my area] are becoming less dependent on their parents for their views. It's just my own little hypothesis, but I think the internet is exposing us to more views so more people are straying from what they were raised to believe.
I agree. Usually, whatever your parents are, you are.
I'd say it's a fair distribution. In developed countries, especially in the West, it is probably a safe bet to say that most Christians don't read their Bible and almost unanimously the excuses entail something about its length or not being able to find the time to do so, which is tremendously sad in my opinion. In Eastern countries, especially in areas where Islam is dominant, Christians tend to read their Bibles, well, religiously. It's their culture. When someone comes out of a culture where reading and memorizing the Qu'ran is a big deal, transitioning to reading the Bible every day and knowing Scripture is second nature. There's no way to know for sure how many adhere to Christian faiths in those regions, as in some places the Bible and open Christianity simply are not tolerated, but considering the shear number of people in those countries, I'd say it's a significant portion of the Christian population.
Maybe not every verse but I know what every book is about. I'm pretty sure it's not a stretch to say I know all stories and messages within the books as well. I've read it daily for as long as I could read. I know many Christian's who could agree. Poor choice of POTD.
This metaphor also applies to most Americans and the Constitution.
Hmm, that's a good analogy. It'd be interesting to see if all the hardcore Tea Party members who say we have to get back to the Constitutional principles, blah blah blah, have actually read the Constitution.
Although it's a lot easier to read the Constitution than the Bible
i really don't like it when people are like "well according to jonabilationian 29:43 you should give me all of your possessions and your first born child
That made me think of Unwind.
Haha, I always wondered what they would do if they had less than ten kids.
Yeah, let's go after a religious group that's never been prosecuted or stereotyped before, like the Jews.
I'm in
Holy shit dude, having a Hitler account was the best idea ever - all you have to do is wait til someone mentions Jews, the Holocaust, genocide, etc, then you just comment and get instant loves.
Or a God account, all you would have to wait to somebody mentions the bible and then you got more instant loves.
Somebody said my name.
Not cool man, not cool.
No kidding
Awkward...
And Muslims. lolbomb
I'm not Muslim, but my uncle is, and that's offensive. My uncle was a great man. Here's a portrait of him:
(Sorry guys, I just wanted to use that pic.)
I really am Muslim. haha. My cousin recently passed though, maybe your uncle knew him? http://ctrlv.in/25935
GREAT GOING! NOW HITLER IS COMING BACK FROM THE DEAD TO CAUSE WW3 CAUSE OF YOU!!!
But that's not all!
But if they attacked Islam, then it'd really hit the fan. People attack Christianity because it's safe and they can get away with it in our social world.
@1255547 (NiceBoulder): I think it's because Islam has even more stereotypes than Christianity. And they don't necessarily "get away" with it, because they get called out, too. It's just more common to talk about Christianity in America because so many people are Christians and it's a more popular religion in the media.
I'm not attacking Christians here, but I think this is true. Most Christians have not read the Bible. I despise religion and I know more about it than most of my religious friends. I had to inform my Catholic ex-girlfriend when she wasn't supposed to eat meat
I've always wondered if they put some crazy shiz in a software license for like iTunes or something. Now that THEY KNOW we don't actually read it, they're gonna put some crazy stuff in there like, "Every time you purchase a song, YOU MUST DO THE HOKEY-POKEY OR YOU'RE WARRANTY ON YOUR IPOD WILL BE CANCELLED."
Just a random thought.
I've never seen the whole your/you're thing misused THAT way before.
In one company's term and conditions, they added that by agreeing they'd own your soul... just to see if people were paying attention.
Which company was this?
GameStation. "An April Fool's Day joke by a gaming company in Britain has resulted in the company owning the souls of 7500 customers. The company inserted the "immortal soul clause" into the terms and conditions of the sale to online buyers as a way to prove that no one ever reads the terms of online transactions." Google it for the whole thing.
You will give all your money in your debit card to us. Click Agree to continue. :D
I take this to mean by most Christians, Oh Chosen One, most Christians as in people who just say they're Christians for a default religion, not people who actually go to church, or discuss actual points of theology. Amirite?
Yeah, kind of like that. "Going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than going to the garage makes you a car."
True, but I think if you have the dedication and faith to go to church every week, you're going to know a bit more about the Bible, and take time the rest of the week to read it.
I go to church every week and have never tried to read the Bible.
Actually, a lot of Christians DO know what the Bible says, even if they haven't read all 66 books. It is possible to know well the doctrines of a religion without studying it profusely, although you do need to know at least the basics. Which most Christians do, and then some.
And the rest just sparknote it
REPOST!!
RETARD!!
Oh shit that's embarrassing.
and yet somehow my "repost" comment is still negative and his is positive. hmm....
I don't give a damn if something is a repost, dont post it. It's annoying. Thus the word "Retard".
I'm not usually one to tell someone what to say, as I have used the word often in the past, but please stop saying "retard." I know I probably sound like uptight, but my new baby cousin has down syndrome and it bothers me a lot when people say it now.
I apologize. I was in a bad mood yesterday.
So I'm guessing we can't call anyone an idiot or dumb either, right?
You're an idiot. I agree with MyUsernameSucks. It's ignorant to use the word retard in that way.
But idiot means someone with a low IQ and dumb is someone who can't speak (I would have expected someone who always achieved A grades to know that). Surely it's ignorant to use those words too? It seems like you're very quick to call names, I don't think a discussion with you will be fruitful.
Yes, but you clearly HAVE a low IQ, which is why I (correctly) used the term "idiot". You didn't see me calling you dumb, now, did you?
How do I clearly have a low IQ given that you agree with my definitions? Anyway, an idiot (someone with "very severe mental retardation") most likely wouldn't be able to use a computer or conduct a conversation like I do. You are a troll and obviously a young one too. You're probably 13 or 14.
(Anonymous):
I am someone who shares opinions on a site for sharing opinions.
So let me get this straight. I said that terms such as "idiot" and "dumb" could cause offence because they are medical terms that someone could be sensitive to JUST like the person I was replying to was saying about "retard" (yes I said it sarcastically, but that's beside the point I'm about to bring up). In fact, "idiot" is just a classification of mental retardation.
So... if you agree that calling someone a retard as a generic insult is wrong then why did you call me an idiot? You're either a hypocrite or didn't know what "idiot" meant, which is it?
(Anonymous):id·i·ot   
[id-ee-uht]
–noun
1.an utterly foolish or senseless person.
Or, as YOU YOURSELF defined it (and also how I used it, but I admit you may not be stupid, no matter how ignorant), a person with a low IQ. Which is NOT synonymous with a retard.
http://www.amirite.net/310009
inb- fuck it, it's useless.
fuck it, it's useless
Also i hate how people claim we should follow the bible word for word, Like they listen to the part about gay's not being allowed to get married, but theres also a part stating that if a woman speaks in church she should be stoned, dont just listen to the parts you want to.
Old Testament is the strict law that Christ says we do not have to follow (since he saved us and all that good stuff). However, homosexuality IS frowned upon in the New Testament (though unlike the way some think, this is not license to go out and murder gays).
I'm confused, which way do you believe? Cause you said you hate how Christians follow it word for word but then you said don't just believe the parts you want.
Im sorry, i worded that wierdly, I meant that i dont like it when people only follow parts of the bible that they want to
Like Cafeteria Catholics.
It's really too bad. Personally, I think everybody should read the Bible. There are said it; go right ahead and NW me.
The KJV is really one of the most superbly written books in the English language. Even if you think it's a work of fiction, you can't deny that it's poetic and beautifully worded even though it's really old-fashioned.
It's also important because western literature and culture is unbelievably full of biblical references. If you don't understand the Bible, you miss out on all the biblical allusions in literature and trust me, there are tons of them. It's seems like almost all famous European writers from Shakespeare to Jane Austen were heavily influenced by the Bible and included dozens of biblical allusions in everything they wrote.
I certainly don't think everybody should be christian but I do believe that you should read the Bible if you really want a well-rounded education.
By that same logic, I think everyone should read "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. Or "The End of Faith" by Sam Harris. That just isn't realistic though, most people are too lazy and stubborn to read into other people's points of view.
I see no harm in reading all three.
If you're an atheistfag that's gonna be "OMG THIS BIBLE IS SO STOOPID HOW DO PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS?" or a Christfag that gonna be "OMG DAWKINS IS THE ANTI-CHRIST" then don't, but if you're someone who likes objective points of view and doesn't automatically believe everything just because it's in a book, then both The Bible and The God Delusion could be learning experiences.
I don't think people need to read the Bible because everybody should read and love Christianity. I think it's great that people have so many different opinions and thoughts about spirituality. I think people should read the Bible because you can't understand western society, art, history, and culture unless you understand the Bible. It's the most famous and widely published book in the world. I think everyone needs to read the Bible at least once, even if they don't take the religion part seriously and read the whole thing as fairytale.
Well does knowing the Torah count? Because that's similar to the Old Testament
Sure, understanding the Torah is really important to understanding Western (and Middle Eastern) society.
Torah is essentially the old testament.
The Torah is part of the bible (the first five books of the bible, I believe). There is more to the bible than one book.
Wow, this is actually REALLY clever! I salute you, sir. You and your vast wit.
This can apply to anyone. There are people of every religion, or every political ideology, who don't think for themselves. There's nothing wrong with being religious, and there's nothing wrong with not believing in a god, but you should at least question the system and figure things out for yourself.
Some do yes, and it is very sad.
They're the ones that just go to church on holidays and claim that their Christian whenever anyone brings it up anyway. It is really sad...
You don't have to go to church to be religious.
But it is encouraged and usually greatly assists in one's faith rather than doing something else. Regular worship or even just reflection with other Christians is much better than a few Christmas services.
I still wonder about the role that churches play in religion.
Like, would it be preferably to have faith without the institutions involved?
Not really. The church, at least from what I understand it was early on and for many people today, it's where people turn for spiritual and moral guidance when they're unsure about something and can't do it on their own.
When they don't know what God wants them to do, they can asl the church to help. That and th church is a house of worship and community for God's people, offering sanctuary and help to anyone who asks the church or is a member.
It also acts sort fo as a school for learning God's laws and such. We may read the Bible on our own, but hearing the sermons and explainations from people who have thoroughly studied Christianity, if you connect well with your preacher, teaches us a lot and let's us hear a different perspective on things.
The church is also a place where we can praise God and come together as a people. It can give you strength in the support of your Christian family. So yes, the church is important.
I understand the community and family bit, but something I do reckon it would be better to have faith in God without organised religion.
Think exactly the opposite. I've always been unsure about the nature of god and the validity and relevance of scripture but I think religious organizations are great. I've always been impressed by all the things they do like feeding homeless people and helping orphans in Africa.
I do understand community church groups, and I'm not saying they should cease to exist - they are completely beneficial to society.
But on a more personal level, to do with myself only (that sounds rather selfish, doesn't it? oh well) I'd want my own faith rather than one imposed.
I'm sorry, I don't know how to word to convey what I mean - I think churches do benefit many many people, but I'm wondering if they benefit me. There's two that I go to infrequently.
I see. There are many paths to salvation. I just chose the path of churches because they have free donuts.
I partially agree with you. But you do not need to listen to the father every Sunday to be faithful.
I did not say that, I said it was encouraged and assisted in one's faith.
I know that, and I kind of agree with you. I did not mean to seem argumentative.
It was the "But."
You'll want to go if you are.
No, but if you are a Christian it is implied in the ten commandments....
*they're
Do they actually? Im Jewish and I just voted YYA cause of mob mentality
JEW-FIVE!
D-W-I-G-H-T
K-U-R-T
S-H-R-U-T-E is Jewish......
alright man, whatever you say.........
Lighten Up a little man. Jeez
Yes, sometimes the term "Christian" is just a label. They don't have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and just go to church, pray, read the Bible etc. when convenient for them. It is quite sad.
Im Jewish but I havent read the torah
I'm athiest but I haven't read anything by Darwin
I'm black and I've never had KFC.
Me. I was kidding.
I know people who read the terms and conditions.
I go to a catholic school. In my theology class there is one person who has read the entire bible, one student, not even the teacher. This probably can't be said for all Christians because from what I know Protestant Christians tend to know more about the Bible than the Catholics.
Protestant Reformation was based around the people getting the Bible as opposed to the preachers, so this is no huge surprise.
I don't think Christians believe you have to know the entire Bible. Just the part about Jesus dying.
Where did that come from? The Protestant Reformation was about the average Joe getting the Bible AT ALL instead of having to get it from someone "qualified" (as it were).
Well, I meant to reply to thirtythree.
The Catholics had usually believed that the priest was just supposed to interpret for them. Actually Catholics weren't encouraged to ever read the bible until the Second Vatican Council in the 60s. There is more to being a Christian than just some dude named Jesus who died. And NiceBoulder is correct.
I know what people say, but I also know that some pastors say that if nothing else, Christians need to know that Jesus died for them and rose from the dead, and that that is the most important thing to know. Oh, and that God forgives us of our sins.
That doesn't mean it's the only thing we should know. And from my experience, that's just some priests. My old preacher stressed the message, "love thy neighbor" mroe than anything else. He always, always, talked about how Jesus loves us and loved the people he knew on earth and how we should do the same. Anyone who went to my church would tell you, he barely talked about all that "Jesus died for you" stuff, though he did mention it, and he definitely talked about God forgiving us, but he mostly emphasized how we ourselves should love and forgive as God as done for us.
Martin Luther took out some books.
Yea, he took out 7 books in the Old Testament: Siruch, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Tobit, and Judith.
I thought he only took out James? Or am I misinformed...?
I just looked at a NIV edition, and James is there. The only Bible that contains those 7 books is the Catholic, I believe. James is in every Bible.
The Catholics have their own Bible? What's it called?
It's the same bible that Protestants use, but just plus 7 books. It's not a whole different bible
But different translations usually have different titles, like the King James Version or the New Living Translation. How do they tell their Bible's apart from other ones without looking inside?
The version of the bible is usually written on the cover, or somewhere inside.
I know, but what would it be called?
Catholic Holy Bible, or something like that.
Actually, I know a lot of other people who make it a habit to read at least a little bit of their Bible every night. I used to, until I sadly fell out of the habit. Nowadays I just use the Bible as a sort of guide. Don't steal, be nice to everyone, be generous, blahblahblah...
I think it's a bit ignorant to like the world's largest religion to part of installing a music-downloading software.
I believe the word you're looking for is "compare."
I actually meant liken, but compare probably works best.
ummm... it's not the worlds largest religion (not sure how to say that without sounding like a jerk)
http://www.adherents.com/Religi...Adherents.html ...Just sayin'
LOL "Judaism 0.22%" These are the guys who secretly control all media and caused 9/11?
Not only that, but we spit in your food when we give it you and that lemonade you just had wasn't lemonade. MUAHAHAHAHA
Islam has actually increased since I took my world religion class last semester. It's also apparently the fastest growing religion.
I love how Judaism is an insignificant little sliver on that pie chart
Who doesn't read the terms & conditions...
raises hand
Ya me too. Forgot that sarcasm doesn't work on a computer. After watching that south park episode, I've been trying to read them but they're SO LONG. I just wanted to buy a $1 app not read a book full of legal terms.
When I read this I thought of South Park, remember that episode?
Why yes I do
umm http://www.amirite.net/457674
Nobody has to know about this... O.o
I think this needs to be change from most Christians to most Catholics. I am Catholic and I hate to admit that I don't read the Bible too often. I know a lot of Protestents that know their Bible backwards and forewords, but very few Catholics.
Repost!
But also, sadly that's true. BUT reading the bible everyday or whatever doesint nessisarly get you to heaven. Your relationship with God does. Gods word is the bible so those do go somewhat hand in hand I guess.
Just because someone is an atheist doesn't mean they're going to hell (Being a Christian, I believe there is heaven/hell). I think people really underestimate God's mercy.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
That kind of tells us what happens to those who deny God's existence.
Matthew 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven
I guess that means that the world will end on October 21 then
I don't understand a lot of the things I read in the Bible. And I find it so bizarre when they talk about the things that happened back then, like the parting of the sea. But I don't doubt it at all. I love reading the Bible. It's interesting.
Here's the thing that many people misunderstand: Just because someone says they are a Christian does not make it so. I agree with this statement completely if you would have said "Most people to claim to be Christians..." A real Christian avidly reads the Bible and lives by the words of God. If you don't aim to read the Bible/commune with Jesus on a daily basis, how can you even call yourself a Christian? And no simply going to church regularly doesn't mean anything either. The main people Jesus rebuked when he was here on Earth were the Pharisees, the 'righteous' men who were at synagogue all the time but didn't truly understand the message of God's love.
Don't condemn us real Christians :)
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
A "real" Christian does not have to avidly read the Bible. A Christian is just a person who believes in Jesus Christ and his teachings.
What does it mean to "believe Jesus Christ and His teachings?"
What I mean is, how can you know what Jesus Christ taught apart from reading the BIble? Didn't Jesus say Himself that He didn't come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them?
So not only is Jesus' teaching important, but everything in the Old Testament about the Law and from the Prophets is important.
Of course, all of this reading, knowledge, and teaching pales in comparison to loving God; 1 Corinthians 13 says that without love everything is meaningless. (Yes, they pale in comparison, but obeying the Law and Prophets is how we show God love. John 14:23-24)
I believe in Jesus Christ, therefore I am a Christian. No, I am not fake because I don't read the Bible cover to cover on a regular basis. I pray and I go to church and I believe. That's IT.
First of all, pull out your tampon and don't get ready for an argument because that's useless. I follow Jesus by obeying the words I have read in the Bible (which is all of them, just not on a regular basis). I've prayed to Him every night since I was 5.
Okay, I don't want to argue either. And the truth of the matter is that only you have to stand before Jesus and account for your actions or lack there of.
Is this not a site about opinions?
You said not to chose posts on touchy subjects, but aren't touchy subjects the most debatable?
How is this an atheist POTD? Tons of Christians agreed with it, you can read their comments above...
I don't really see how this is "atheist" at all.
1. This isn't atheist
2. "Either choose POTDs about everybody's beliefs, or don't choose posts about touchy subjects"
-Anthony can do whatever the fuck he wants, because he's Anthony. And he does what he wants.
well anthony's an atheist and it's his site, so good luck with that.
hi there
religion is a waste of time
Blindly following a book. Christian stereotype #12!
No, you shouldn't beleive it simply because it's written in the bible. It's natural and even encouraged to ask questions and learn about your faith.
You go take it up to my priest. Have fun with that.
Just because someone is a priest doesn't make them a modle Christian.
I never said he was a model Christian. I just said you should try telling my priest that.
I probably would, actually. Any good priest would tell you to question your faith and find the answers. It's silly to blindly follow something simply because you're told to. Some of the most faithful Christians I know are ones who really studied and questioned their faith and ultimately "found a relationship with God," as they've told me.
If you go to church, you read the Bible.
If you pay attention is church, you read the Bible.
FTFY
Out of curiosity, are you Christian?
I've been to church but haven't read the bible.
No... Just no. That was the worst joke I have ever heard in my entire life. Not only because it had to do with the Bible, but because it SUCKED.
I don't think it was supposed to be a joke.... it's actually true for many people. The more some people study religion the more they realize it doesn't make any sense (to them.) Having said that, seeing as how it's common knowledge that people are sensitive regarding the subject of faith, I do agree it was in poor taste.
No, people manipulating the Bible and God's word for their own agenda's are the number one cause of people disliking modern Christianity - but people are usually theist or atheist regardless of others.
On that note:
Modern Christians twist the word of the bible, causing the dislike of modern Christianity. Also, the Islamic faith is twisted regularly, and pretty much every other faith. It happens because sacred texts are interpreted in many different ways. Basically, I think there should just be faith and none of this institutionalized religion stuff. Way less hate that way.
did anyone else think 'click' said 'dick' at first :/
...
Do you need to see a specialist?
haha I'm good, but thanks for concern bud :)
Just you and Sigmund Freud.
I confess. I thought that too xD
Thank you, but I'm starting to regret my confession ha
ya, i did