I agree that there are very few Christians who believe it all literally. Some who believe James literally have followed its instructions (the elders will anoint with oil and pray) and kept the faith until their child died. Er, until their child received their healing in heaven.
Sad.
Ya, that's a good one too. The overall tone and context of James' instructions is not "Use common sense after you pray and see a doctor too!" But that's what even (most) fundamentalists are forced to default to teaching. A few think they solve the problem by quoting Jesus who said "They that are sick need a physician." But that's digging desperately because Jesus was addressing spiritual healing, not physical, in that case.
But let's go with that anyhow, and compare, contrast three opinions about restoring health.
Jesus: "You need a physician."
James: "Pray and anoint."
Paul: "Drink some wine, Timothy!"
Protestant reformer Martin Luther wrote that the book of James is a pantload of hooey and has no business being included in the bible! (my paraphrase.)
Yet the Holy Spirit leads his children into all Truth, right?
. . .
Yet the Holy Spirit leads his children into all Truth, right?
Yes! And "all Truth" is such a mysterious commodity that the Truth one of his children is led to is completely different from some other child's Truth!
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Except that neither I nor (I'm pretty sure) Marc believe they actually exist. But you have missed the point: what is our reason for being kind to others? Is it to avoid an angel's wrath (just in case) or is it to actually help other real humans because they need help?
Some writers of the Bible seem to be empathy-challenged, and seem to believe everyone else is, too.
Correction: the writer of Hebrews may or may not have been empathy-challenged. In fact, it seems he was writing to empathy-challenged people, so he himself was probably fine. He was offering a bit of help to others who perhaps needed some incentive to be good to strangers.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
But let's go with that anyhow, and compare, contrast three opinions about restoring health.
Jesus: "You need a physician."
James: "Pray and anoint."
Paul: "Drink some wine, Timothy!"
No need to contrast, we will simply obey all three.
We will call the physician; while he is coming we will drink some wins, and praying and anointing the sick.
__________________
**Original Matthew 28:19 Restored**
No need to contrast, we will simply obey all three.
We will call the physician; while he is coming we will drink some wins, and praying and anointing the sick.
Hey, don't forget the Old Testament, guys! Go look at the fiery serpent on the pole! Well, it'll work for snakebite, at least.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Linear Mode
