I don't understand the Bible

[RedDragon94]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?
If so, why are the concepts the Bible presents so foreign? For instance, I was reading in the Gospel of John and the first verse I come to makes a claim that makes zero sense. (John 1:1) How can something or someone never be created yet simply exist?
I read on down to John 1:14. How does the Word become flesh? How does the Holy Spirit come upon the virgin Mary so that she conceives?
I don't like being stupid or kept in the dark about the how of things. Christianity may not be my religion if its God keeps his people in the dark about everything. Don't tell me that I don't have enough faith. If 2 Timothy 3:7 is correct why is it like I keep reading the Bible and nothing it says even resonates. Why am I not learning anything new? I'm starting to hate everything about Christianity.

 

[Thana]

Why not ask how Jesus turned water into wine or how He walked on water?
Or my personal favourite, Why dinosaurs?

 

[Augustus]

Or my personal favourite, Why dinosaurs?

Because otherwise the Jurassic Park franchise would have been pretty dull of course...

 

[Brickjectivity]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?
If so, why are the concepts the Bible presents so foreign? For instance, I was reading in the Gospel of John and the first verse I come to makes a claim that makes zero sense. (John 1:1) How can something or someone never be created yet simply exist?
I read on down to John 1:14. How does the Word become flesh? How does the Holy Spirit come upon the virgin Mary so that she conceives?
I don't like being stupid or kept in the dark about the how of things. Christianity may not be my religion if its God keeps his people in the dark about everything. Don't tell me that I don't have enough faith. If 2 Timothy 3:7 is correct why is it like I keep reading the Bible and nothing it says even resonates. Why am I not learning anything new? I'm starting to hate everything about Christianity.

Hi RedDragon94. I take your questions seriously, and I understand what you are talking about. The Bible does not explain God or any sort of complex things. It doesn't teach you what Christians are and what Jews are or what various words mean, such as 'Holy' or 'Righteous'. It also doesn't tell you anything that you could not figure out for yourself eventually on your own: "Don't kill people." It is a collection of many writings, and each one is different. So don't tire yourself by reading it to learn things like "What does God mean?" You can eventually piece together a concept of what 'God' means by reading the Bible, but the Bible is not intended to teach you that.

The Gospel of John chapter 1 verse 1 is paraphrasing another book, Genesis (or Beresheit depending upon whom you ask). He's framing Jesus whole ministry as if it were like the creation in Genesis. So where Genesis says that the light appears, John is matching that imagery to a counterpart in Jesus ministry -- like an analogy. He makes many points that way. He doesn't take the analogy very far beyond that and doesn't go into talking about day 2, day 3 etc but leaves it to your imagination.

For casual reading I recommend Proverbs. The book 'Proverbs' is fairly short, about thirty pages long. Its a little cryptic but is advice written by various unknown authors. Its a bit like reading Benjamin Franklin's 'Wise sayings' from Poor Richard's Almanac which borrows from Proverbs. Its got lots of interesting cultural phrases and images, and its something you can read and discuss without having to define things right away. Parts of it are cryptic but a lot of people find that its fun puzzling it out, and its a geeky thing to read. Once you've read Proverbs you've read a little of the Bible.

 

[George-ananda]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?
If so, why are the concepts the Bible presents so foreign? For instance, I was reading in the Gospel of John and the first verse I come to makes a claim that makes zero sense. (John 1:1) How can something or someone never be created yet simply exist?
I read on down to John 1:14. How does the Word become flesh? How does the Holy Spirit come upon the virgin Mary so that she conceives?
I don't like being stupid or kept in the dark about the how of things. Christianity may not be my religion if its God keeps his people in the dark about everything. Don't tell me that I don't have enough faith. If 2 Timothy 3:7 is correct why is it like I keep reading the Bible and nothing it says even resonates. Why am I not learning anything new? I'm starting to hate everything about Christianity.

I think you can probably find interpretations that make sense to the modern man. But for me, I think the importance of the Bible is overrated in these modern times. I find so many modern teachers so much more accessible to my mind than the Bible. For me, it is time to enter the New Age that speaks to this age.

 

[outhouse]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?

It is a valid question.

Much of the context is lost and we will never recover it, much we know through study., but context is key.

It was not always read or written to be read literally, and in context it was all rhetorical prose meant to persuade those listening or reading to take part and follow its messages.

why are the concepts the Bible presents so foreign?

Because these people did not live like you do. Most do not have a remote glimpse of how these people lived and survived day to day.

(John 1:1) How can something or someone never be created yet simply exist?

Context context context, and then sometimes we have only educated guesses to pick from.

1:1-5 The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. What the evangelist says of Christ proves that he is God. He asserts, His existence in the beginning; His coexistence with the Father. The Word was with God. All things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our redemption and salvation. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the word,.... That this is said not of the written word, but of the essential word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is clear, from all that is said from hence, to John 1:14 as that this word was in the beginning, was with God, and is God; from the creation of all things being ascribed to him, and his being said to be the life and light of men; from his coming into the world, and usage in it; from his bestowing the privilege of adoption on believers; and from his incarnation; and also there is a particular application of all this to Christ, John 1:15. And likewise from what this evangelist elsewhere says of him, when he calls him the word of life, and places him between the Father and the Holy Ghost; and speaks of the record of the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus, as the same thing; and represents him as a warrior and conqueror, 1 John 1:1.

 

[outhouse]

Without doubt the most whiny and infantile post that I have seen on RF.

Really? hang out a while longer and be amazed.

This post was actually a decent one.

 

[outhouse]

I'm starting to hate everything about Christianity.

Once you see it coming and going, even as a strong atheist you can find value.

There are many free resources that can give you a better understanding if you wish.


But I understand how it goes, I have the same feelings as you towards other faiths

 

[JoStories]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?
If so, why are the concepts the Bible presents so foreign? For instance, I was reading in the Gospel of John and the first verse I come to makes a claim that makes zero sense. (John 1:1) How can something or someone never be created yet simply exist?
I read on down to John 1:14. How does the Word become flesh? How does the Holy Spirit come upon the virgin Mary so that she conceives?
I don't like being stupid or kept in the dark about the how of things. Christianity may not be my religion if its God keeps his people in the dark about everything. Don't tell me that I don't have enough faith. If 2 Timothy 3:7 is correct why is it like I keep reading the Bible and nothing it says even resonates. Why am I not learning anything new? I'm starting to hate everything about Christianity.

There is much of value to be found in the Christian faith. And some things that are rather loathsome. For example, I really like the Sermon of the Mount. Yet, I cannot stomach the writings of Paul. I think it helps if one keeps in mind that much of the entire Bible, both OT and NT, are allegorical and meant not to be taken in the literal sense.

 

[MARCELLO]

I have a sort of similar problem,mine is that; I don't know if I need any kind of bible in order to better my faith or understanding of God?

Will He not love me since I am noway able to choose a path for Him?

 

[Etritonakin]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?
If so, why are the concepts the Bible presents so foreign? For instance, I was reading in the Gospel of John and the first verse I come to makes a claim that makes zero sense. (John 1:1) How can something or someone never be created yet simply exist?
I read on down to John 1:14. How does the Word become flesh? How does the Holy Spirit come upon the virgin Mary so that she conceives?
I don't like being stupid or kept in the dark about the how of things. Christianity may not be my religion if its God keeps his people in the dark about everything. Don't tell me that I don't have enough faith. If 2 Timothy 3:7 is correct why is it like I keep reading the Bible and nothing it says even resonates. Why am I not learning anything new? I'm starting to hate everything about Christianity.

Though the bible contains the truth, it requires an in-depth study to understand it -along with God granting understanding.

It is true that "in Christ shall all be made alive" -but it goes on to say every man in a certain order.

God is very careful about revealing understanding and information. The truth will be revealed to all -but when it is best to do so.

If you take only one verse -and do not add it to others, reference others -you will not understand. Some things will be clear -some will not -when something is unclear, keep reading -by reading something else, the meaning will be made clear -if God allows it at that time.

The taking away in the following refers to information -but it will be given when the time is right

Matt 13
…11Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12"For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.13"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.…

Isaiah 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken

The above essentially reflects your feelings, and the reason for them.

If you desire to understand, you can sincerely ask God to reveal the truth to you.

 

[Robert.Evans]

Why not ask how Jesus turned water into wine or how He walked on water?
Or my personal favourite, Why dinosaurs?

Why not? Do you know the mind of God?

 

[Father Heathen]

You have to keep in perspective the region and time period from which these stories originated. Were talking about ancient tribal people telling stories around a fire, and much of it has to be seen through the cultural context of that era. Such a collection isn't going to be consistent and concise. Of course this does present a problem when it's touted as the infallible word of god.

 

[Brickjectivity]

What the evangelist says of Christ proves that he is God. He asserts, His existence in the beginning; His coexistence with the Father. The Word was with God. All things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our redemption and salvation.

outhouse, you aren't a fundamentalist believer, but you always seem to present a fundamentalist twist. I think that you constantly frame everything in whatever way makes it seem the most ridiculous. I think you view all the religions as a burning oil rig, and you are trying to blow it all at once with fundamentalist dynamite. I usually count on you to put 'Bible' topics in the very worst light possible. Sometimes that adds light to discussions. I'm not saying you're wrong, but always presenting fundamentalism as the only approach is not helpful in my opinion nor is it the only genuine and original approach. Its a confusing (and violence inducing) approach and assumes the worst of people.

Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ.

I don't recognize this and don't think its part of the passage in John 1, and why are you speaking as if you are a believer in a God being when your religion description says 'Atheisticly'?

In the beginning was the word,.... That this is said not of the written word, but of the essential word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is clear, from all that is said from hence, to John 1:14 as that this word was in the beginning, was with God, and is God; from the creation of all things being ascribed to him, and his being said to be the life and light of men; from his coming into the world, and usage in it; from his bestowing the privilege of adoption on believers; and from his incarnation; and also there is a particular application of all this to Christ, John 1:15. And likewise from what this evangelist elsewhere says of him, when he calls him the word of life, and places him between the Father and the Holy Ghost; and speaks of the record of the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus, as the same thing; and represents him as a warrior and conqueror, 1 John 1:1.

You somehow have turned a document about a peace movement into the diary of a warlord.

 

[dust1n]

Is Christianity supposed to make sense?

It is full of interest. It has noble poetry in it; and some clever fables; and some blood-drenched history; and some good morals; and a wealth of obscenity; and upwards of a thousand lies. -- Mark Twain

 

[outhouse]

outhouse, you aren't a fundamentalist believer, but you always seem to present a fundamentalist twist. I think that you constantly frame everything in whatever way makes it seem the most ridiculous. I think you view all the religions as a burning oil rig, and you are trying to blow it all at once with fundamentalist dynamite

Then you don't know me or even understand me at all.


I pulled a couple of quotes from bible hub to offer a few explanations so OP can see different opinions.


So if you think it was ridiculous you could take it up with biblehub.


There ae many places as I already stated, that we don't know the context, we make educated guesses. Bible hub offers some decent explanations and multiple opinions, you should read the whole link not just what I posted top show different methods.

 

[outhouse]

I don't recognize this and don't think its part of the passage in John 1, and why are you speaking as if you are a believer in a God being when your religion description says 'Atheisticly'?

There is actual history here, but it is in context, theological history. If you don't understand the authors theological motives, you cannot understand the text.

Because I don't believe, does not mean the original authors did not. So I AM posting others opinions based on their understanding of their theology

Did you even read the context above the quotes I used. I will repeat it for you.

Context context context, and then sometimes we have only educated guesses to pick from.

 

[outhouse]

Look at the bottom of my quotes.

Here is the link to the page.

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...ligiousForums.com#post-4500371&txt=1 John 1:1

 

[Brickjectivity]

Then you don't know me or even understand me at all.


I pulled a couple of quotes from bible hub to offer a few explanations so OP can see different opinions.


So if you think it was ridiculous you could take it up with biblehub.

Its true that I don't know you nor do I have your mastery of languages. The quote I mention appears to be a bit of John with other sentences pasted onto the end, presented as John's work -- in particular this "The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ" is some kind of mutant creature and not a translation. Its extremely dynamic. Thanks for pointing out Biblehub. I hadn't heard of it before (or I forgot about it), but you are the champion of that resource not me.

There ae many places as I already stated, that we don't know the context, we make educated guesses. Bible hub offers some decent explanations and multiple opinions, you should read the whole link not just what I posted top show different methods.

Yes, and you also said to RedDragon94 "But I understand how it goes, I have the same feelings as you towards other faiths", and you have many times pointed out your particular antipathy towards all religions. That is stating your position honestly, but its still confusing to mix historical and fundamentalist interpretations and then present the result as a historically informed one.

Did you even read the context above the quotes I used. I will repeat it for you.

Sorry, outhouse; but you are too well read and too well informed to be held to low standards. Your post was confusing.

 

[outhouse]

Sorry, outhouse; but you are too well read and too well informed to be held to low standards. Your post was confusing.

That's because John 1-1 is also confusing.

Please read the whole page http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...ligiousForums.com#post-4500371&txt=1 John 1:1

And see if this will shed some light on my post and J1-1