John 3:14-18 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
I believe the first question is: are the Gospels reliable?And unfortunately, many historical, Biblical and archeological studies tell us that they are not.
What’s your sources? There are plenty of books that cover the historical reliability of the gospels, and even talk about miracles. I could name 2 books right now if you want. Also, archeological evidence has confirmed the biblical narrative many many times, go look at ExpeditionBible (on RU-vid) the archeologist: Joel Kramer, goes into the evidences. You’re conjecture doesn’t hold water.
gabriel menzies - As a former skeptic myself, who hid behind a veil of religiosity, I hear where you're coming from bro! Before you dismiss everything you can't get your head around in the Bible, I suggest you start with the person of Jesus Christ and work backwards to the Bible. Look at the historical evidence and the philosophical outworking of Jesus's life, alongside the Gospel of John. Ask Jesus sincerely if He is who He claims to be, and I pray (and know), you will not be disappointed. Concerning scripture not standing up to scrutiny, I highly suggest you move to that after seeing the case for Jesus, because being Christian is not predicated upon being well versed with the scriptures (although it's a means of knowing Jesus and hearing God); you're a Christian if you believe in Jesus's life, death and resurrection. One resource that's been helping me is the Apologetics Study Bible. Well-sourced characterizations of apparent (but not true) failings of the Bible. Also suggest checking out Josh McDowell's body of work. The Bible stands up to scrutiny very well. Blessings!
Samuel Stephen I appreciate that you wrote all that, but I was raised Christian, and followed Jesus seriously for many years( because when you’re young you don’t really know what you’re doing) and then one day I started asking questions, and what really go me was that fact that questions like, Why does God say Homosexuality is a abomination, when it literally never hurts anyone(if between two consenting adults)? And the fact that there is no way that there was a flood on this earth, or why did god not condemn slavery?
I was raised Christian too! But like I said, pretended to be religious, but really wasn't. I just wanted people to see me as pious and in my culture, where I grew up, piety was respected. A study of the Biblical Jesus changed my worldview completely. Those are loaded questions, and I understand the weight behind your words brother. Concerning the flood, and God's position on slavery, the resources I suggested helped me greatly, because specific verses associated with those issues were addressed. I want to resist responding fully on a comment section, because much can be lost in translation and by omission. Homosexuality is another loaded issue that I do not want to denigrate with a simple answer. I will say two things however: - I do not agree, as do many (not all) professing Christians that identifying as a homosexual is inherently sinful. Nor do I readily agree that some kind of therapy can truly change one's sexual orientation. I don't think that's a good response because it undermines the existential struggle of an individual and God does not advocate for that. Homosexual behavior, is, however a sin because... - ... God's natural order/law (not natural instincts, because the line is blurred there) exists for a reason. Apart from the physical complementary natures of heterosexual marriage, the Bible explicitly points to the idea that a woman was created to complement a man psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, etc., and vice versa. To violate that purpose is a sin, plain and simple. But homosexuality is not the only violation - fornication, pornography, adultery are equal violations in the eyes of God, even though when those are done with consent, and in secret, they don't hurt anybody. The ultimate purpose of marriage is to mirror Christ's love for the church, as a bridegroom loves his bride. Anything other than a covenant marriage between a man and a woman is sin. It's a lot more than I intended to say, but I hope it's the start of an answer for you. One thing I know is that apparently harmless things the Bible does not condone has harmful effects that we will not likely see today, tomorrow, in a few years, or in this lifetime even.I don't think I have even a fraction of the answers to any such difficult questions, but God does, and I know that when I meet Him, He will explain it all to me. He offers that to you too!
Samuel Stephen Look man, that, that right there is the problem. Like you said there is a lot of “loaded” questions to the Bible that the answer is “Beacause God said so, or it is in the Bible” that isn’t good enough for me, because how is the Bible any different from the Quran or Torah. All ancient “holy text” that supposedly were written through man by god, there is no proof of god outside of his holy book,
Thank you, Alan. A question: if everything you said were dismissed as meaningless, would you still be a happy animal? I stress the word "everything" in that question. I gently suggest that the fact that you typed a reply has a reason that prompted it. If you were perfectly happy in self-containment, perhaps you wouldn't be posting meaningful comments on here looking for someone to engage with them? You might not have been looking for a written response, but surely by writing it you were looking to convey something meaningful, perhaps even persuade?
Dismissed by? My state of happiness can only be experienced by me as an animal. My writing purpose is simple. It's to show that there is NOT a universal belief.
Hi Alan. Are you not capable of happiness beyond your senses? As a non-believer in God, I suppose not. However, there is a much more profound joy and peace to be experienced beyond one's circumstances, surroundings and senses. I shall briefly give you my life-changing experience; read on if you will. In my youth I constantly asked God to show Himself; I was eager, at times nearly desperate, to know if He exists, and to know Him in His existence. Then my life came to a crisis point in my teens, and then I did cry out in desperation. Then He came to me in a blaze of golden light and I have never sensed such love, acceptance and security. I went from suicidal to totally at peace in seconds. Jesus was smiling at me! Since that day I have lived in the knowledge of His existence; and to some extent in the knowledge of His love (to my shame, I too often let life's circumstances get me down). And when I reach the end of my tracks, I know He will be there for me; I understand when Paul wrote "to die is gain." Now you may dismiss me as a liar, or bonkers, or the victim of a trick of my evolved mind; but for me it was an undeniable encounter with the Living God. And it has brought me far more happiness than just the one experienced "as an animal". May these words move you so you turn to seek Him yourself. I wish you very well. Donaldo
