Is it possible to answer without quoting scriptures?

If the question is about Christianity then to quote scripture is always appropriate. However most of the time I personally don't throw a bunch of the Bible at people right off the bat.

I tend to give the broad strokes and lay out the arguments with out scriptures. If they want more of an answer they will press you for it. Too often scriptures are taken out of context and are distorted from their original topic. There are cases where as a believer, that part of my world view will come from the scriptures even though the question does not directly involve religion. God did give us a brain to use, but he also gave the scriptures as His way of communicating with us.

I somewhat agree. Whether you agree or disagree with the bible I think anybody can get something useful out of it. If not for faith, it's a good book that will help you lead a better, more wholesome life. I don't like quoting scripture because I have a terrible memory. I can never remember the books and the verses. But on top of a book of faith, it is also a history book. Jesus existed. That's a fact. So even if you discount the miracles in the bible there is plenty you can get from it. But I agree that you also have to show you can think for yourself without looking like you've been brainwashed by a book. My father-in-law is a preacher and his whole family will say "the bible says this, this is true" without thinking about why the bible would say that. They don't understand that you don't have to take everything literally and that everybody might get something different from a verse but ultimately they will arrive at the same conclusions.

First of all the Bible is the inspired word of God. One of the major reason this Country is having so many problems now we want to do things MANS way. You need to go back and read your History of how this Country was founded when it left England. and how United States was dedicated to God. and read about the founding fathers of this Country. And what does the scriptures say about a Christian? He is the salt of the world, you brother are suppose to let your light so shine that men will see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven. Now if a person don't know he'll ask Question right? whether he or she believe or not at least a seed has been planted.

I quote scriptures when I think it's needed. If someone asks me "where in the Bible does it say ___" or "why does your faith think ___", then yes, I will use scripture to start my point. I will always add my own thoughts and explain more. I don't just type in a verse and say, "okay, I'm done." I think using scripture and only scripture is foolish. People need to see that we can think beyond a Bible andd we truly know what it means. We need to be able to answer questions of our faith without saying because the Bible says so.

I only quote scriptures from the Bible when I know the person will appreciate the scriptures. If an athiest (as you are suggesting) or someone else will not appreciate scripture quotes I don't bother quoting them. I will just say things like "this is what I believe or this is my view".

You are telling me that you are a Christian and you are against using the Bible to convert someone?

This is a Religion-Spirituality site where people seek information about Religion, therefore, its appropriate to use the Bible.

Isn't the Bible the word of God? Inspired by God?

Millions testify to the Bible's life-changing power. For those who open its pages with fear, doubt, or anxiety; the Book speaks with incredible power and comfort.

James 1:21 "Humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you"

The same Holy Spirit who inspired the writers of the Bible also guides those who read it and who preach it.

THE BIBLE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! USE IT!

Continue using those verses for they are the Word of God.

As for atheist, they are the ones who have to choose, whether they believe or not.

"Some Books contain fragments of eternal truth-The Bible is the essence of truth" M.Finley

As for me, I will continue using the Bible, and I encourage everyone else to do so.

I agree with you 100%!

What is more annoying, when Christians quote pages of scripture or just references to scripture, e.g. Romans: 5678, hut, hut, hike?

I mean do Christians really think we're going to read through 10 pages of mind-numbingly boring and irrelevant bible quotes? Or worse have the desire to track down every bible quote reference to see what the heck their argument was? It's like they expect us to go on some biblical treasure hunt just to figure out what their point was. Well, I guess God does work in mysterious ways after all..

Thanks for this! I'd recommend that anyone who answers 'no' take a long hard look at Acts 17. There we see Paul addressing Greek philosophers who do not view the Jewish Scriptures as authoritative. So what does he do? He doesn't quote the Bible. He knows that it wouldn't make sense to do so. Apparently lots of Christians don't know the Bible well enough to understand that there are times when it is unhelpful to quote it! :-)

Well, as an atheist I quote scriptures when I am answering questions involving biblical contradictions or the nature of the characters in the Bible. In those cases it is difficult to discuss the topic without providing examples.

i dont always quote scripture myself, but i am a Christian, but sometimes i do it because it comes straight from God. sometimes it is better quoting scripture or talking yourself depending on the situation. but sometimes it is best to give a quote from the Bible and them give advice with your own words. quoting from the Bible is like telling the person exactly what God said. so, it just really depends on the situation. good luck and God be with you.