Why do YOU believe the Bible?

[Felicity]

In presenting persuasive arguments for the validity of Scripture to unbelievers some of the reasons we give here - although valid and good - do not do much to convince intellect and a mind shaped by reason and education.

There are good answers to give the questioning mind that don't negate faith and experience!

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by OGIA

RD, Christianity is what it is because of one man. That man has been proven with pretty good certainty to have existed. That man died, was buried and was resurrected. We have quite authentic documents to support that. Other than that, what do you want? Christianity does not rest on my proving to you the existence of God or the vailidity of His word. Those are YOUR demands. I don't agree that faith depends on knowledge, other than the knowledge about the man I just wrote about.

Now, your thread is about the Bible. I believe the Bible because I think it has been proven to be authentic, as authentic (or moreso) than any other ancient document. Out of that document, I have experienced the words on the pages.

All that you have said is that Christianity and the Bible might be true. You are going to base your life on a probability????????

[OGIA]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

All that you have said is that Christianity and the Bible might be true. You are going to base your life on a probability????????

It's only a probability to you at this point.


Do you believe Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet?

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Is faith reasonable?

BTW, what do you think Peter would tell someone if they asked him the reason for the hope that is in him?

Would he say the resurrection of Christ? But would that be proof enough for some? Would an eyewitness report be enough? Obviously not for the council that beat him for preaching in the name of Christ.

When Paul said that Christ had been evidently crucified before the Galatians, what do you think he meant by that? Maybe that God confirmed His word that Paul spoke with signs and wonders which gave veracity to Paul's words. Are signs and wonders enough?

Faith is reasonable. God is THE very essence of logic in action. He cannot be illogical.

The evidence that Peter would offer was current and known by people of his time. He was offering testimony as in a court of law.

Signs and wonders are NOT enough. Remember what Abraham told the rich man when he asked for Lazarus to good to his brothers????? "Even if one comes back from the dead".....

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by OGIA

It's only a probability to you at this point.


Do you believe Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet?

There's a strong probably for it. Thank God I don't have to base my life on it.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by OGIA

It's only a probability to you at this point.

You, yourself, stated that Christianity was a probability.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by Felicity

In presenting persuasive arguments for the validity of Scripture to unbelievers some of the reasons we give here - although valid and good - do not do much to convince intellect and a mind shaped by reason and education.

That's not the only reason for apologetics.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

My point is that the majority of Christians do not have a reasonable reason to be a Christian. If I used the same criteria on something else it would be deemed irrational. Knowledge has been divorced from faith and it has become something Scripture never meant it to be. I have not heard one apologetic answer, as Peter commands, and I could easily come to the conclusion that you have no cogent reasons to offer for the truth claims of Christianity.

Peter and Paul had the advantage of being powerfully used of the Holy Spirit with many evident signs of the power of God. We have a history of arguing disagreeing theologians, truth in their apologetics are not coherent nor convincing. I enjoy reading and studying but ultimately it is my personal experience that authenticates my faith. When I read Jonathan Edwards descriptions of Hell, I am convinced of a distorted and non cogent view of God. When I read of Calvin's participation in the murder of those with whom he disagreed I am convinced of the imperfection of man's "apologetics." Do I discount these as men of God, no, God is in the process and He will "redeem" all His creation. Then we will understand, until then we will continue to argue and fuss about what is truth.

BTW I do believe there are powerful evidence of the power of God today, but it is not in the hands of men, it is God working quietly and sometimes not so quietly in the lives of believers.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by crakjak

Peter and Paul had the advantage of being powerfully used of the Holy Spirit with many evident signs of the power of God. We have a history of arguing disagreeing theologians, truth in their apologetics are not coherent nor convincing. I enjoy reading and studying but ultimately it is my personal experience that authenticates my faith. When I read Jonathan Edwards descriptions of Hell, I am convinced of a distorted and non cogent view of God. When I read of Calvin's participation in the murder of those with whom he disagreed I am convinced of the imperfection of man's "apologetics." Do I discount these as men of God, no, God is in the process and He will "redeem" all His creation. Then we will understand, until then we will continue to argue and fuss about what is truth.

BTW I do believe there are powerful evidence of the power of God today, but it is not in the hands of men, it is God working quietly and sometimes not so quietly in the lives of believers.

Let me see if I understand your thought. You don't believe that there are any objective, cogent, 100% fool proof, reasons why Christianity is true......One has to go with their feelings........

[OGIA]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

There's a strong probably for it. Thank God I don't have to base my life on it.

I base my after-life on it, to be more precise.

You, yourself, stated that Christianity was a probability.

No, Christianity is a certainty. The evidence to you indicates probability. Experience to me proves its validity.

And, yet..........we'll both have to die to prove our beliefs......right or wrong.