That is your opinion and absolutely nothing more than your opinion. And my opinion is you're wrong for it. You seemingly have little biblical knowledge beyond the scope of the one version and one interpretation that your family probably forced upon you. You didn't asked questions. You don't considered other religious thoughts. You read, believed and CONDEMNED others who did inquire or believe differently.
The Bible is an invented tool for control to inflict obedience by fear of what no one can prove or disprove. It was a brilliant concept. It's easy for someone to say there is no God because they can't see him and equally easy for you to come back with they fail to have Faith. It's an impossible argument and leaves both to be right.
Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool
Sigh.
My path to belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God has been far more complex than you think. I've spent a far bigger part of my life denying, avoiding, trying and considering "other religious thoughts" than you might think.
Were they alive, my parents would be amused at the idea that I have kept to the "one version they forced upon" me. They would be pleased that I have spent an increasing amount of time in recent years reading and thinking about the Bible, but they would also wonder what took me so long to "get" it.
As to my current theological stance, I expect my father and mother would each agree with me in part (though probably different parts) and disagree with me in part (also probably different parts).
That I do not have the Biblical knowledge that someone my age should, I freely admit. And so I am always open to correction about
its teachings from those who have more.
And that includes correction which would point out where God says something else should be put in authority over and above Scripture. If indeed anyone can do that. (I don't believe anyone can do this latter, because to my current knowledge he says over and over and over again that we should not do so.)
I am sorry you read what I have said as condemnation. I have neither the desire nor the power to condemn others. I have not the power because, but for the sacrifice of Christ, I am and always would remain, utterly condemned myself. I have not the desire, because condemnation is God's role, not mine.
I have tried, and I will continue to try, to point out where in holy Scripture God condemns particular choices and beliefs, because I believe with Luther and Calvin in the principle of
sola scriptura. I agree with you that the Bible is an "invented tool"; but I believe that its Inventor was God. And I believe it is a tool designed for obedience, but I believe that it is God demanding the obedience and I'm okay with that.
Now. Finally. For it took me a very long time to release that the consequences of the fall and my own sinful and inability to find the way by myself or through any of my fellow sinners, no matter how many books and letters after our names they/I might have. I believe that my own "judgment" is too flawed and too imperfect to trust.
And so I now strive to go to the Bible for all of my own decisions, to find and obey God's directions and to repent whenever I fail to obey. I must admit to mixed success, to falling short far too often. I am far from sanctified and lifelong habits of disobedience are hard to break. As we all do, I have so, so far to go. I like to think I'm getting better, but I also know I'm far, far away from where I should be.
It is not for me to say whether someone has sufficient faith or not. If I did say someone is without faith, then I am sorry for I have overstepped my bounds. Again. In the end, the sufficiency of anyone's faith is going to be God's call to make, too.
I do, however, believe that the Bible is the ultimate tool that we should all be guided by, and so I urge you and everyone else to use it as the final authority. If you don't believe me in what it says, then don't believe me. God knows I get Him wrong all the time. But if you don't believe me, don't believe yourself or Darwin or Einstein or Steve Jobs or Centuries of Accumulated Human Wisdom either. Look to what the Bible says yourself, and then trust God. And, to the best of your abilities, yes, obey its teachings. For in so doing, you obey Him.
And, when you fall short, as you will and as the Bible will also reveal, then repent and strive to obey better.
And feel free to point out whenever you think I need to listen and obey the teachings of His Word better, too.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)