"How can I believe anything in the bible?"
Dear Kristine - I am an ordained member of a mainline protestant denomination. This past year I learned a great deal more about biblical scholarship than I ever did while in seminary. Frankly, what I learned upset me. I now know that many of the writers of the New Testament thought that Jesus would return in their lifetime. Of course he did not. That being the case, how can I believe anything else in the bible? Please help. - Call me, "Pastor John."
Dear John : (That's a charming greeting, don't you think?)
Your momentary doubt is a natural evolution of your intellectual and spiritual growth. Embrace it.
Open your heart to the questions; explore them with your clergy friends and the members of your church.
You will find that we live in a community where inquiry is a gift - where your thoughtful consideration of these issues is welcomed.
And remember - Jesus died to take away your sins; not your intellect. Stop beating yourself up for growing, learning and becoming a better man.
Thinking, sinning; get clear about each and don't confuse one with the other.
Dear John : (That's a charming greeting, don't you think?)
Your momentary doubt is a natural evolution of your intellectual and spiritual growth. Embrace it.
Open your heart to the questions; explore them with your clergy friends and the members of your church.
You will find that we live in a community where inquiry is a gift - where your thoughtful consideration of these issues is welcomed.
And remember - Jesus died to take away your sins; not your intellect. Stop beating yourself up for growing, learning and becoming a better man.
Thinking, sinning; get clear about each and don't confuse one with the other.
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