Do we Christians interpret the Bible consistently?

[IgnatianPhilo]

When there is division within a religion, as is the case with Catholicism and Orthodoxy, one has to utilize ones futile, and petty intelligence to discern one against the other. Namely, one is expected to “choose” between what is Truth and not-Truth based on ones personal “reasoning” ability (however fine tuned that may be)

Since the differences between these two denominations of Christianity is predominantly metaphysical in nature, one cannot really know for sure that they are in correct relationship with God when a decision is made.

It was only until 1995 that the Baha’i phrase "unity in diversity" was coined in Orientale Lumen that a hope for Truth was visualised…

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This could be said of all religions, even your own. Whose to say your sect of bahai are the true followers of the Prophet? Because your group survived? Because your group didn’t fade into obscurity?

Although I am not sure what your point is.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

In addition to my post about all ‘churches’ claiming to teach the only Truth.

The same can be said of other faiths including Judaism, Islam, Bahais, Hindus etc.

 

[Servant19]

This could be said of all religions, even your own. Whose to say your sect of bahai are the true followers of the Prophet? Because your group survived? Because your group didn’t fade into obscurity?

Although I am not sure what your point is.

The point I am trying to make is that when a religion has major schism as per the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant denominations, (or even in the Sunni and Shiah traditions of Islam) one has to make a choice on metaphysical issues to see if they are affiliated correctly with the Truth. When this occurs, God usually speaks again to “wipe the slate clean” and remove the man-made traditions.

When one decides they wish to become a Baha’i one is not faced with such a metaphysical dilemma. There is only one religion of Baha’u’llah, and all Baha’is know who to turn to for direction.

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[Servant19]

In addition to my post about all ‘churches’ claiming to teach the only Truth.

The same can be said of other faiths including Judaism, Islam, Bahais, Hindus etc.

…therefore one must put up the “deeds” of those claiming to be the Truth to the test.

If the deeds of a Man claiming Truth are placed against a Church claiming Truth, then the decision becomes clearer, from my humble perspective anyway

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[SteveVH]

So which Christian denominations are denying the Truth?

The degree to which any denomination has deviated from the doctrines and teaching of the Catholic Church is the degree to which they are in error. Christ started one Church and gave his authority and the fullness of truth to that one Church. Jesus never promised that some would not deny this authority and truth leave this Church to start their own. That is not a reflection on the Catholic Church, but rather on those who have chosen to leave it.

 

[SteveVH]

The point I am trying to make is that when a religion has major schism as per the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant denominations, (or even in the Sunni and Shiah traditions of Islam) one has to make a choice on metaphysical issues to see if they are affiliated correctly with the Truth. When this occurs, God usually speaks again to “wipe the slate clean” and remove the man-made traditions.

Servant, there is no doubt that division within any institution causes confusion among those who are inquiring. Thus the reason that unity is so important. Division can destroy faith or prevent it from ever taking root. It is a great scandal. It is my contention, however, that one who seriously, with intellectual honesty, explores not only the theology, but the history of the Catholic Church, will find their way home.

As for God speaking again, he has never wiped the slate clean. Throughout salvation history, God made new covenants with his chosen people, the Jews. He did not get rid of the prior covenants because he is always faithful, even if we are unfaithful. He never changed one of his revelations, but rather continually revealed himself in various ways through the prophets, culminating in the final revelation of Jesus Christ who was not merely a messenger, as were the other prophets, but God himself. As the Scriptures attest, there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, therefore there is no other name which we should seek.

When one decides they wish to become a Baha’i one is not faced with such a metaphysical dilemma. There is only one religion of Baha’u’llah, and all Baha’is know who to turn to for direction.

Except for those Baha’i sects that divided. How does one know that they are not more correct than the mainstream Baha’i? When you have answered that question, you will have answered the question you posed to us. The difference is that I would never argue against the veracity of the Baha’i faith based upon the fact that there have been divisions.

 

[SteveVH]

…therefore one must put up the “deeds” of those claiming to be the Truth to the test.

If the deeds of a Man claiming Truth are placed against a Church claiming Truth, then the decision becomes clearer, from my humble perspective anyway

I presume you are speaking of the deeds of those who actually live the faith in question, rather than those who have failed to live that faith. I’ll be happy to put up the deeds found in the lives of Catholic saints against any in the world. Do you really want to go there? In general, please name any other institution, ever, whose members have made contributions to society, in the areas of charity, moral law, science, art, music, health care, education… that is on the same level as those that have been made by the members of Catholic Church? No other institution comes close.

Peace, Servant.

Steve

 

[icamhif]

It is my contention, however, that one who seriously, with intellectual honesty, explores not only the theology, but the history of the Catholic Church, will find their way home.

Are you saying that all those who seriously study the theology and history of the Catholic Church and come to the conclusion that another Church or Religion teaches the truth are intellectually dishonest?

 

[HelenRose]

Only the Catholic Church has the authority to interpret the Bible; it was written by Catholics, for Catholics.

Catholicism is responsible for the New Testament not the Old Testament.

 

[Reuben_J]

Are you saying that all those who seriously study the theology and history of the Catholic Church and come to the conclusion that another Church or Religion teaches the truth are intellectually dishonest?

The Catholic Church is the original church that can be traced back to the apostles. If one inquires about Christianity it comes to reason that the answer would be the Catholic Church, which by the same reason has the fullness of truth.

 

[Servant19]

I presume you are speaking of the deeds of those who actually live the faith in question, rather than those who have failed to live that faith. I’ll be happy to put up the deeds found in the lives of Catholic saints against any in the world. Do you really want to go there? In general, please name any other institution, ever, whose members have made contributions to society, in the areas of charity, moral law, science, art, music, health care, education… that is on the same level as those that have been made by the members of Catholic Church? No other institution comes close.

Peace, Servant.

Steve

Hi Steve, I think you misunderstood me. I refer not to those Saints within Catholicism whom I admire do greatly.

The reason I believe in the Word of Baha’u’llah as the Word of God for today as opposed to the Word of the Church as the Word of God for today is based on the deeds of those who “represent” Jesus within the Church throughout history, as opposed to the deeds of Baha’u’llah.

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