A Question for Non-Catholics on CAF

[RBK]

If you believe the written Word of God (the Bible) to be inspired and inerrant, can you tell us how you know that to be? I would especially be interested in how you would dialogue with a non-Christian, since they would be likely to argue that other religions have their holy books, which they also claim to be divinely inspired.

For example, the Qur’ an says, "Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)?
Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. Qur’ an 4:82

And finally, I would like to know how you are absolutely certain that the Table of Contents in your Bible is without error since it is, obviously, extra-Biblical.

 

[I_Fortuna]

The only way to know this IMHO is the experience and study I have been involved in throughout my life.

The bible, to me is a living entity, the Living Word, if you will. The bible speaks to me as if Jesus were right by my side. Is this the kind of answer you are looking for? I may have misunderstood your question.

As a former Buddhist for nearly 30 years, I can honestly say that there is little difference in behavior or ideals but a big difference in that in Buddhism there is no Savior.

The sect that I belonged to had much truth in it, but I consider it partial truth as it does not touch upon forgiveness of sins by any particular person or entity. We were expected to save ourselves by becoming enlightened through certain devotions. We had sutras to read as well as texts in English called Gosho. The responsibity lay soley upon us to save ourselves.

If there is any more you would like to know, please let me know.

 

[RBK]

The only way to know this IMHO is the experience and study I have been involved in throughout my life.

The bible, to me is a living entity, the Living Word, if you will. The bible speaks to me as if Jesus were right by my side. Is this the kind of answer you are looking for? I may have misunderstood your question.

As a former Buddhist for nearly 30 years, I can honestly say that there is little difference in behavior or ideals but a big difference in that in Buddhism there is no Savior.

The sect that I belonged to had much truth in it, but I consider it partial truth as it does not touch upon forgiveness of sins by any particular person or entity. We were expected to save ourselves by becoming enlightened through certain devotions. We had sutras to read as well as texts in English called Gosho. The responsibity lay soley upon us to save ourselves.

If there is any more you would like to know, please let me know.

Thank you for your reply. I was posing the question to non-Catholics, particularly to those who believe the Bible alone to be their only source of authority. You are Catholic and therefore I would assume that is not your position.

Your answer, however, is what I would expect from those claiming a belief in Sola Scriptura. That being one based in emotion and personal study of Scripture. I do however, wholeheartedly agree with you that when I read the Word of God, I most definitely feel His presence and enjoy spending a good deal of time studying it as well.

But that being said, my emotions and personal study of it alone are not what have convinced me that the Bible is inspired and inerrant.

 

[to_seek]

If you believe the written Word of God (the Bible) to be inspired and inerrant, can you tell us how you know that to be? I would especially be interested in how you would dialogue with a non-Christian, since they would be likely to argue that other religions have their holy books, which they also claim to be divinely inspired.
All scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, even Catholics believe that surely? How do you know that all the stuff your faith teaches on dogmas, ie traditions, etc are true? You know how I would talk to a nonbeliever, I would talk about why I believe in God, His Son and the Holy Spirit, and how that belief has sustained me. I would use Scripture if the person showed interest in learning more explaining why that is the only book that shares The Truth. I would not load a person down with all the traditions, liturgies etc that the Roman Church has because it is too complicated. A person needs to know about The Lord Jesus and what He did for all of us, then discipleship is also very necessary and time is needed to do this. The simple message is meant to be given to the world so they too can be repent, believe be baptized and be saved. As a ex catholic all the liturgies and traditions that I sat through growing up, and they were and are beautiful, did not teach me about the need for a personal relationship with the Lord. I knew nothing but fear, and I could list all the mortal and venial sins etc etc, bu t I did not learn about love. I still worry about stuff I was taught as a child. How much good would that do to someone else?
For example, the Qur’ an says, "Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)?
Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. Qur’ an 4:82

And finally, I would like to know how you are absolutely certain that the Table of Contents in your Bible is without error since it is, obviously, extra-Biblical.

I cannot say, but I can put the question back to you, are you sure your Bibles Contents ets is without error. And from whose point anyway? Is it not better to reach people and teach people, i.e. disciple people as we all are called to do, in love? All else pales I think whatever the church aguement is, from whatever side. Just a thought, to seek.