In a continuation of this topic (viewtopic.php?t=39327&start=990), which only discusses one important topic, I present a follow-up....
For Debate:
1) Why didn't Jesus write the NT Himself? Why leave this task up to fallible humans to write what was floating around, only after decade(s) of oral traditions? Wouldn't Jesus know that earnest confusion would soon prevail, and that his true message(s) may get fouled up by human error and/or corruption?
2) Case/point: There exists countless denominations, with opposing belief systems, all in earnest in reading the exact same collection of books. If Jesus' intent is to convey truth, why not assure his message(s) are crystal clear and unified for all?
3) If Jesus also recognizes that many/most were/are illiterate, and/or the many who are literate merely read at a lower grade level, and that differing languages can also blur the message(s), why not write the Bible in a cohesive way in which even the most rudimentary person can understand, in all languages?
This is, in part, the problem of communication....
The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
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The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #1In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #211However you need to get there, get there if you can.Purple Knight wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 11:30 pm
If there is a divine creator, what we would expect is a divine message, which could be a book but it could also be something else. So it's perfectly natural to consider whether a book might be divinely inspired first, before thinking about whether the universe might be created.
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #212Are you saying that you get to determine what Jesus does, and therefore you are right, and everyone who says otherwise is false?POI wrote: ↑Thu Nov 14, 2024 10:03 amIf only Jesus gave direct messaging to all himselfJohn17_3 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 13, 2024 4:52 pm Here is what I said.
The scriptures reveal that God has determined that those unworthy of life will not get it, because they are not deserving, and so, they will remain in confusion.
Those worthy are freed from confusion, because they know how to listen, and they gain freedom and peace.
I believe the context of the last statement is seen from the first, and is not the same as that being discussed at Romans 3.
In any case, I believe the idea that you are presenting, may be what is illogical.![]()
The scriptures reveal that the only ones deemed worthy are the faithful. And yet, many, who are faithful, do not carry the same fundamental beliefs as you. In fact, we have many completely opposing/conflicting beliefs, which all reside under the same collection of writings, which is comprised of the NT. Hence, your statement is objectively false. Why would Jesus be okay with this result? Why doesn't Jesus just give his direct messages to all, like he did with a select few? This way, we would all know exactly what he said, and we would also have the same starting point. Meaning, we would all either accept him, or reject him, based upon the same clear messaging.
If so, you are correct, and what I have said is false... in your imagination. I can live with that.
Last edited by John17_3 on Wed Nov 20, 2024 6:13 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #213Do you understand John 3:16?POI wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 7:00 pm At the end of the day, had Jesus, who you presume is omni, wrote it himself, and assured his message was preserved, and also assured that his message(s) transcended all language barriers, then I never would have raised this topic. I, like some, would be in a position to accept or reject his clearly understood messaging![]()
If no, what don't you understand?
If yes, do you believe/accept it?
If no, then you are rejecting it, and you do so based on your understanding of it.
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #214Are you being too hyper-literal? Let's start with the term "purgatory." Sure, this term is not mentioned in the Bible. But neither is the term 'cross-dressing'. And yet, we can find passage(s) which tell men not to wear women's clothing, and vice versa.1213 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 1:27 am Thank you for the examples. The problem with all of these is, they are doctrines that are not in the Bible. Bible doesn't speak of Trinity, or three persons of God. Bible doesn't say that the salvation is only through Catholic Church, nor about purgatory. Neither Bible tells that the bread and wine transforms to Jesus.
Catholics may cite verses, such as 1 Corinthians 3:1415, Matthew 12:32, and 5:25-26 as evidence to justify a 'purgatory.' If Jesus was to provide direct communication himself, and assure all understand, like he did for some, maybe 1 billion or so Catholics would not be so confused?
Does the Bible mention any other way to become "righteous", besides the expressed necessity to apply faith in Jesus, via Romans 3?
Another prime example as to why the Bible is not clear. You cannot answer the question. Yet again, we are speaking about an event in which millions engage in every year. For the Bible to skip such a large topic leaves the skeptic asking WHY Jesus would skip such as large topic?
1) Is it because he did not know that someday, millions would receive blood products every year?
2) Or maybe, he opted to skip what would someday be both a very relevant and common topic?
3) Or maybe, the JWs are right, and blood products are to always be refused?
Please pick one...
You cannot have your cake and eat it too 1213. You object to Catholic principles, in the sense that the Bible does not directly say something specific regarding their unified beliefs. But then speculate on another topic, in which the Bible also does not directly speak about. And again, this is another prime example of the Bible not being clear, as you admit you are not sure. And yet again, it is odd that Jesus would not care to elaborate on a topic in which may affect millions every year.1213 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 1:27 am I think I already explained it. Bible tells blood carries soul/mind/life, I would not want my family member to get their soul mixed with someone else's. In a way I think family members share the same blood already, therefore it would not be exactly the same. However, it may still be wrong to get blood even from family members. This is only to show the difference.
Let's try another question you cannot answer: Would a 'righteous' person ever donate blood, (yes or no)?
???????
In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #215Sure, I understand John 3:16. If this was all the Bible said about the topic of 'salvation', you would have a good point. But it ain't. Is belief alone enough, or not? Assuming it is not, because then the "devil" is also accepted, then you need a little more than this one verse now, don't you? Commence with the confusion
Again, even the devil can believe and accept that Jesus died, rose again, and did so to atone for human sin. Is belief that it happened all that is required?
Insufficient communication may very well be why I reject it. Alternatively, if information was presented in a way in which I did understand, I would be in YOUR position, where I infer it really did happen. I would then be given the same opportunity as you. I would then know Jesus did actually rise again to atone for sin. I would then be met with the applied compulsory proposition, knowing that rejecting him would alternatively result in my eternal demise. I am not currently given this option because I doubt this proposition even exists in actual reality. And this may very well be due to Jesus's lack in providing proper communication.SiNcE_1985 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 6:07 am If no, then you are rejecting it, and you do so based on your understanding of it.
Jesus assured you know he exists, why not assure all understand, like you and the devil?
In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #216Nope. I'm making a basic observation about your rationale, and then question that rationale. Here is the ignored response again.
1) The scriptures reveal that the only ones deemed worthy are the faithful. And yet, many, who are faithful, do not carry the same fundamental beliefs as you. In fact, we have many completely opposing/conflicting beliefs, which all reside under the same collection of writings, which is comprised of the NT. Hence, your statement is objectively false.
2) Why would Jesus be okay with this result? Why doesn't Jesus just give his direct messages to all, like he did with a select few? This way, we would all know exactly what he said, and we would also have the same starting point. Meaning, we would all either accept him, or reject him, based upon the same clear messaging.
In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #218Ok, fair enough.POI wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 9:21 am Sure, I understand John 3:16. If this was all the Bible said about the topic of 'salvation', you would have a good point. But it ain't. Is belief alone enough, or not? Assuming it is not, because then the "devil" is also accepted, then you need a little more than this one verse now, don't you? Commence with the confusion![]()
Yeah, the devil believes in the existence of Jesus, but the devil doesn't believe/accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior.
See the difference?
Now, I can provide CLEAR scripture for the necessity of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.
It will be as clear as the sun in Phoenix on a hot summer day.
You'll have your clear scripture, and you'll have a choice to accept or reject this clear scripture.
So, you will have what you claim is lacking...so then what?
More goal post moving?
Again, I'll provide CLEAR scripture on the acceptance of Jesus needed for salvation.Insufficient communication may very well be why I reject it. Alternatively, if information was presented in a way in which I did understand, I would be in YOUR position, where I infer it really did happen. I would then be given the same opportunity as you. I would then know Jesus did actually rise again to atone for sin. I would then be met with the applied compulsory proposition, knowing that rejecting him would alternatively result in my eternal demise. I am not currently given this option because I doubt this proposition even exists in actual reality. And this may very well be due to Jesus's lack in providing proper communication.
Jesus assured you know he exists, why not assure all understand, like you and the devil?
It will be clear, so clear that all groups who call themselves "Christian" will agree...so no conflict here.
So now what, are you ready?
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #219I believe you misunderstand the point of this thread. I may or may not agree with you, regarding what the Bibe states about "salvation". But this is not my over-all point. The point is that many earnest believers believe differently than you do. Which means one of you two, even if such a scenario truly exists, is objectively wrong. Is Jesus okay with this result, being that many earnest followers got the wrong message? Does he apply conditional grace to any of the ones which do not adhere to the correct set of rule(s) for salvation?SiNcE_1985 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 11:52 am Ok, fair enough. Yeah, the devil believes in the existence of Jesus, but the devil doesn't believe/accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. See the difference? Now, I can provide CLEAR scripture for the necessity of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. It will be as clear as the sun in Phoenix on a hot summer day. You'll have your clear scripture, and you'll have a choice to accept or reject this clear scripture. So, you will have what you claim is lacking...so then what? More goal post moving?
When you look at the other aforementioned thread, which is the reason this topic was created, you will see that many earnest Christians do not agree. And I wonder.... If such a Jesus exists, why would he not care, unless knowing the real way to salvation is not a deal breaker?
See the other thread, as mentioned in the OP thenSiNcE_1985 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 11:52 am Again, I'll provide CLEAR scripture on the acceptance of Jesus needed for salvation. It will be clear, so clear that all groups who call themselves "Christian" will agree...so no conflict here. So now what, are you ready?![]()
In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
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Re: The Bible's Biggest Problem(s)?
Post #220I addressed your issues, but ... you are not accurately representing what I said.POI wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 9:36 amNope. I'm making a basic observation about your rationale, and then question that rationale. Here is the ignored response again.
1) The scriptures reveal that the only ones deemed worthy are the faithful. And yet, many, who are faithful, do not carry the same fundamental beliefs as you. In fact, we have many completely opposing/conflicting beliefs, which all reside under the same collection of writings, which is comprised of the NT. Hence, your statement is objectively false.
2) Why would Jesus be okay with this result? Why doesn't Jesus just give his direct messages to all, like he did with a select few? This way, we would all know exactly what he said, and we would also have the same starting point. Meaning, we would all either accept him, or reject him, based upon the same clear messaging.
I don't know what to say here. So, take care. Leaving this thread. Bye, and have an enjoyable day.

