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Debunking the Bible - 1
by
Robert Betts
(Age: 61)
copyright 04-29-2004
Age Rating: 10 to 127
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"For the gate is narrow, and the road is hard that leads to life and there are few who find it" Matthew 7:14.
The easy way... that's what many look for.
I am looking a a tract right now. In it is the single verse, under a bold title of 'forgiveness.' It quotes 1 John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." The easy way, again, just a little daily spiritual "bath" and all is ok... or is is?
When I was young, I became so tired of watching "Christians" cheat, steal, be rotten to others and then take their daily spiritual "bath" by confessing their sins that I came to despise religion. I'd bet many others share this feeling, maybe you?
I started with a bible quote. If you look at it and then track it back and read the verses around it, you will find that nothing is really lost by quoting the single verse.
That is not true of the second. In order to see it's true meaning, one must read the preceding verses. Unfortunately, many churches and tracts emphasize the single verse and thereby destroy what the verse really means. Here is the whole passage, from verse 5-10:
"5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."
Wow ! Look at the new "If we's". "If we..., If we..."
Verse 6 & 7 add a lot to the meaning of verse 9. They make it clear that a daily spiritual "bath" by confessing is meaningless, unless you are walking in the light. Walking in the light means following Jesus, being the best you can, making your best attempt not to sin. Your sins should be accidental, not planned, calculated.
Are you in fellowship? Do you do daily prayers. Do you think of Him as you would of any other one who you love? Have you learned to truly love a being that you cannot see? Is He just an after thought or a ritual prayer before dinner? Fellowship... think of it as friendship. Is he a friend you talk to very often? Someone you share your thoughts with?
Moral? Don't believe a scrap handed to you. Look it up. Check out what the context is. Read at least a few verses before and a few verses after. In short? Don't look for the easy way.
May God be with each of you :)
bob
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03-27-2008 Kelley Appleby
I am so happy I decided to "see who Robert Betts is"! :) Wow. The more I live, I am constantly reminded that nothing is by accident, though I grew up thinking that way! I am inwardly pleased I was led, here, too! (to PnP & to your writings)
I read carefully what you wrote. So, here is a comment from a newbie :)
I absolutely believe we can be true Christians and NOT attend a church. Christ knows our hearts. I have studied this subject, however, because I also grew up "feeling" or believing going to church does not make a big difference.
I discovered the Bible tells us to meet together as believers and to *encourage* one another.
Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV)
I would encourage seekers of God, and/or new believers especially, to find a good church, because the Bible instructs us to be in relationship with other believers.
The church is the place where we come together to encourage one another as members of Christ's body. Together we fulfill an important purpose on the Earth. As members of the body of Christ, we belong to each other.
Romans 12:5 "... so in Christ we who are many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (NIV)
I had previously thought, and have since been chastised by "want-to-believers" - that there is this resentment - that God is trying to control us, and dictate what we do with our time... {smiles} Now I get it. It is actually for our own good that God want us in fellowship with other believers. We need each other to grow up in the faith, to love one another, to learn to serve, and to practice forgiveness. Though we are individuals, we still belong to one another.
When you decide it isn't necessary to go to church, are you any worse for the wear? I can simply conclude, now that I go... (2 years now) that life would just be *more* difficult, I am supported immeasurably by my fellow members at my church. My life is still hard at times, - just because I am now a Christian, it did not "magically fix" every problem in my life! :) But, by surrendering to God's will, I am made stronger by letting go & letting Him. If I falter (ha! - when!) I am now lifted up by the body of Christ. (I get it now!) :)
So, does anyone HAVE to go? I still do not think so. But, if you try it, it is truly only for your benefit - God (always knew and) knows your life can & will be made easier. It can affect and/or enhance your spiritual growth, and mental state by embracing the body of Christ.
Well, Robert, to say "Thanks for this website" seems too simple, almost terse, for it is really teriffic -- a wonderful forum. I'd love to hear from you if you ever have the notion.
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09-13-2006 Alysyn Bourque
Bob, I'm well impressed by your effective handling of this topic in such a brief manner. In fact, it has been my experience, as well, that so many believe that a simple prayer is all that is needed to absolve their intentional misbehavior. Truly, it is the consistent fellowship and daily consideration of scriptural teaching which opens the heart up to the leading of the Spirit. And that is the crux, allowing the Spirit to lead, not the will. Many times Jesus speaks of "abiding" in him...not fluctuating in our relationship. Not much different than our responsibilities within a marriage. If we stray in our marriage, we have betrayed our relationship with our spouse...so is it if we consistently stray in our relationship with God we have betrayed in the same manner, and have no place in that relationship.
Thank you for treating this subject so adeptly.
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11-27-2005 Robert Betts
I'm surprised than anyone could mistake my loyalties. I felt it would be obvious that I have strong beliefs in God and the Bible. It's those who say they are Christians that I distrust. Granted some truly are. However, dating back to my youth, I've had a lot of bad and very hurtful experiences with some Christians. I presently have an illness which was severely aggravated, perhaps even caused by a group who laid claim to Christ.
If anyone wonders about me and my beliefs, please read a few more of my articles related to religion. Basically I feel religion is between you and God. He will know who is sincere and who is phoney... incidentally, I believe the greatest sin is lying. Why? Count how many times God speaks out against liars in the Bible. I believe it is the single most referenced sin that God writes about in the Bible..
bob
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11-17-2005 Deborah Thomas
I almost was afraid to read this.. de-bunking? I was afraid I would encounter an atheist at the end of this, or at least someone trying to confuse the sheep.
Sheep... we are like sheep, as much as we may dislike being compared to such gullible and trusting animals, we still need to realize how easily we can be persuaded to go where the wind blows us. So what you are saying is very true... we need to KNOW our Bible, and know where to look if we sense something is not right in what we are hearing. We need to pray for discernment and actually pick up our Bibles and see every word for ourselves, not just sit on a pew and listen.
I want to know God's word with all of my heart. I am afraid of being one of the weak minded women that can be led astray easily.. I can't bring that scripture to mind at the moment, but it impacted me on the inside years ago. I ask God to keep me close that I can not be led away from Him. Ask Jesus to keep me warm, wrap His arms around me like a blanket when I am cold and alone. Not so much anymore, but I remember and ask still, just to remember what it felt like so many years ago when I needed Him so badly.. and He WAS THERE!
In answer to Roger's comments.. I don't believe you were trying to debunk the Bible at all, rather give all credit to it! To it's perfection and meaning. To bring to light that we need to know the truth, the whole truth, and that it is in THE WORD OF GOD!.
But, please let's give credit also to those small tracts.. they have a job to do, and if we can get them in with a few words, then let them learn and grow into mature Christians. We all have a place in this Body. Even a little tract. A little tract did not get me to go to church, but once I gave my life to the Lord, I remembered a day when someone gave me one. It was a time when God was calling. I think I'll put the rest in story of my own.
I wish you were not so hard on all churches, but I have seen my share of heresy as well.
God be with you and lead you home.
Debbie
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07-24-2005 Roger Crique
Bob, you left me a bit confused here. What is your point exactly? Do you wish to debunk the bible, to debunk Jesus or to simply demonstrate that it is flawed? At the end of your piece, you wished upon us for God to be with us. Do you believe in the power of God, he who is unseen? I am not trying to be facetious here. I just don't really know where you stand according to this work. Are you saying that there is some truth to the word of God, but to take it with a grain of salt or what? Please don't get me wrong, I am not offended by this. I am none denominational, but I believe in God. I just want to know what you're communicating here.
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06-14-2005 Pierre Fortin
Hello Bob,
Your thoughts made me think about what Jesus said at the last supper. He said to "do that in memory of him". Then, he cut the bread and pass it along. Then, he said to drink his blood, figuratively speaking, the wine.
But what did it all mean: to do what he did?
This means to do what he did. But what did he do? The answer came from a dream. To do this in memory of him is to spiritualise the body, to become a spiritual being again.
Pierre
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02-04-2005 James Shammas
Thanks so much for this. I was raised Roman Catholic but have realized that I can easily "talk the talk" and not "walk the walk." Your commentary reminds me of the hard work that real spiritual growth takes and how one needs to stay humble at all times. Once I attach to dogma for the sake of empty ritual, I lose my connection to God.
This reminds me a lot of Thomas Merton, one of my favorite spiritual writers and, icidentally, a poet who also embraced the concept of contempaltive prayer, buddhism, and meditation. He reminds me that as I go inward in the deep darkness of my soul, I find both myself in God, in connection with my fellows. In fact, this is exactly what poetry and art do for me and why I also enjoy your website. You had a great idea with this concept! Thanks very much.
Jim
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01-10-2005 Anthony Lane Stahlhut
A-men. Thanks bob, Anthony
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12-17-2004 Andrew Findlay
This is a very interesting thing you have brought up. It makes me wonder what other things from the bible I may have been taught 'improperly'. I agree that some people go to church just out of habit or to 'cleanse' themselves...only to sin intentionally again as soon as they walk out the door. I am a Christian and I am by no means perfect.I've done my share of sinning in my life.
I don't go to church because it seems they just go on and on about the same old things, never really saying anything to inspire us. Not all churches are like this of course, but this has been my experience. I also believe that God is everywhere, and we don't have to be in a church for Him to hear us. I think if we are truly repentant of our sins, that we are forgiven whether or not we're wearing a fancy suit in a church. Also, and this may upset a few people, I don't think you have to be a Christian to gain God's acceptance. I think if you are a good person that God will love you no matter what your religion is. I believe that God is more interested in our souls and not what Religion we happened to be born into. Just some of my thoughts. Please e-mail me if you would like to respond to any of these comments.
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12-07-2004 David Pekrul
When I was going to Bible College we were instructed to take notes of every sermon we heard, then compare it with scripture to see that it lines up.
It was good advise; if we don't do that we end up following "every wind of doctrine."
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10-05-2004 SamiJo Mcquiston
Wonderful!
Totally true.
That was great.
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08-10-2004 Doreen Reynolds
Great but not easy. The way is always hard.
Doreen
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07-30-2004 Mary -BrytEyz- Ball
Kudos for your honesty and integrity! Even JESUS himself told his listeners to look up what he was saying. He backed everything he said up with other scripture because it's all one message and needs to be heard in its entirety. Yes... it's all needed together, all as one... yes... yes.. .yes. I nodded yes throughout the entire work. Yes! And thank you.
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07-22-2004 Kevona Somerville
This is spiritual in not only a religious way, but in a humanistic way as well. Great work.
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05-13-2004 Nancy Pawley
Too many people don't want to take the time to find out the truth for themselves, but rely on what others say is true. Informative and insightful write, Bob.
Nancy
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