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Chrisitanity is SO confusing?
so the christians believe in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.....but that's impossible because the NT completely contradicts the OT...
.like for example the fundamental beliefe of the OT is that there is only One G-d and he rules alone.....but then the NT says Jesus is either G-d himself in human form or son of G-d but it makes no sense according to the OT. Don't you think if G-d was going to have a son, he would've specified it in the OT?
& the Christians don't keep kosher, shabbat, yom kippur, or any of the customs/laws mentioned in the OT (which btw was followed by Jesus). like wouldnt it make sense to follow what the dude you worship followed.....but no.
& when the Jews were expelled from Spain....why would the christians do that if the person they worship was one...like if i were Jesus id be hella pissed.
& how come there are so many sects of Christianity: lutheranism, southern baptists, methodists, jehavaho witnesses, greek orthodox, mormanism.....its like cant they agree one something? like judaism also has several branches (reform, conservative ect..)but they all agree on the principal teachings....
and i saw a documentary on the history channel of books forbidden from the NT....why? so pretty much the NT was put together to make Jesus look perfect....and the believe that Jesus was Messiah...uh HELLO?? Don't you think the jews, who have been waiting for the Messiah for thousands of years, would have recognized him? the Messiah prophecies promised a period of peace (uh, Holocaust, crusades,...doesnt seem like peace) the third temple to be rebuilt (where is it? if jesus was the messiah there would be a third temple) and all the jews would return to israel (why is my jewish neighbor not in israel?)
so if you read the OT and read about the main prophesies for the messiah, you'd see that Chrisitanity makes no sense what so ever.
but the NT contradicts the OT in everyway.
*btw, all these points are made ASSUMING that Judaism is correct.
see i was born and raised Christian, but after reading the OT it makes zero sense.
any thoughts/opinions/rebuttles
*also, i dont mean to upset anyone or bash their religion, im just trying to learn and get other peoples point of view.
*and before all the grammar police ***** at me, i appologize for the grammar and spelling errors.
but OT states that you are to worship G-d and G-d only...no idols. and by worshiping saints and jesus (and the holy ghost or w.e.) and mary you are worshipping like 10 idol...they are not G-d. nowhere in the OT does it say you can worship G-d and several other humans....
& the OT was given to the Jews by G-d himself.....2000 or so people witnessed Moses come down from the mountain (and back up and down)...however, the NT was writen by a bunch of people...and only like what several people saw jesus "resurrect".....what if they lied to changed the story?
the OT however, unchanged if you can read aramaic (which i can).
and even the Oral Law hasnt changed
to My G-d Reigns....what passage in Genesis (trying to look it up).
thanks
In the semetic languages such as Arabic, aramiac, Hebrew.
There are two types of plurals:
1) The plural of number.
2) The plural of respect.
The verse doesn't mean god is a trinity. if you say that then he can't be one he has to be three according to you.
You can't have it both ways, he is either one or three, not both.
This verse and many like it refer to the plural of respect. it only glorifies god.
Like when a king says: "We have decided" or "come join us"
it has much more statues then saying "I have decided". "come
join me".
human sacrifice is forbidden by jewish law.
but jews dont NEED anyone to sacrifice...or spill their blood for their sins. judiam forcuses on the individual relationship with g-d and the relationship with israel and g-d.
every day individual jews say sorry for their sins.....but on Yom Kippur the entire nation does it (well, all the relgious ones) so every day and all the time the jews are forgiven for their sins, but only if they truely believe they are sorry.
& to the dude that gave me the link...question.ok, lets say jesus fulfilled all the prophecies....but what about the big one...WHERE IS THE THIRD HOLY TEMPLE! thats what the jews are waiting for.....and according to judaism, if the messiah has to fulfill every single prophecy or he is false.
so show me where the third holy temple is and i will believe you.
btw, i have read the Tanakh several times, front to back, word for word in the original aramaic...i also read it in modern hebrew, and english.
and i have sat through 14 years of sunday school listening to the NT
21 Answers
- Truth Stands outLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
1rst, ud hv 2 understand the true relationship btwn God & Jesus (click on my ID & read my answers on the Trinity). 4 40 yrs Iv studied the entire Bible, some parts many times. The full truth is present & complete within its pages just as God promised (not 1 dot of the Law is missing). 1 day I realized there is a truth that stands 4ever unchanged which is what God speaks 2 in the Bible. Only 1 God can occupy infinity & that God is the God of Israel (so Allah/other gods dont exist). Infinity is the only place u can rightly claim u dont need a cause 4 ur existence, u can b truly perfect & declare the end from the beginning. Its only fully provable b/c Jesus is the 1 & only true Son of God & He wasnt speaking out of 2 let alone 1000s of the sides of His mouth [emphasis added](He's not the author of confusion - God's fixed order of all things Biblical).
The NT comes from, agrees with, adheres 2 the full purpose that God laid out in the OT & builds upon that. There4, anything any1 claims as the truth from God must fully comply with the truth of both the OT & NT or its not from God & Jesus. No claim can vary even 1 degree from whats written in the Bible. In the OT God states that He never changes (Mal 3:6). In the NT it states that Jesus never changes (Heb 13:8). Since Jesus did exactly what God wanted Him 2 do (Jn 8:28; 5:30) then He didnt change the truth that God revealed from the very beginning (1 reason why the word is sharper than any 2 edged sword).
The reason the 66 Bible Books r included is b/c they all stand on the same purpose in the same mindset on the same foundation/structure & deliver the same message (the Apocrypha or "lost" books dont adhere 2 this framework & contradict the real Bible books so they dont belong in the Bible - just b/c the Bible mentions other writings it doesnt make the book its written in Biblical/valid). The only thing changed thru Jesus is the way 1 achieves abiding by whats in the OT (that which is necessary). That is 1 must go thru Jesus who is perfect & there4, fulfilled the Law of the OT (purpose 4 Jesus' mission on earth so He could b the perfect sacrifice 4 our sins).
Any claim of another testament or different teaching is equal 2 another (false) gospel, not the 1 true genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ. Any1 accepting another gospel, testament, book or teaching cant b a true Christian b/c its not from God (which the FLDS, LDS, Oc, RCc, Cc, JWs, Islam & others dont understand).
Sadly many dont actually take seriously whats stated in the Bible (any revelation/vision must exactly match & reflect the truth that never changes in both the OT & NT or its not from God). Many think/act as if they r smarter than God but God outsmarted man - the Bible is the only 1 that cant be properly understood without going thru Jesus Christ & having true faith in Him (Jn 14:6; 5:39; II Cor 3:14; Is 29:11-12 - If Jewish ppl cant pierce the veil over the OT without Jesus (by His instructions) then 4 sure all gentiles cant). Its why theres many interpretations & many thinking its all fairy tales/a delusion (Jesus came bearing the sword of division).
Its why theres many religions, built on what man wants God 2 b like (many fatal mistakes). I realized they cant all b right (Theres 1 Bible - why so many interpretations? - II Pet 1:**19-21). Religion wont teach u much about God (they cant teach what they don't know). But it doesnt mean God doesnt know what He's doing. Who knows more about a house, the Builder or those moving in later?
Many missed this: Jesus is the only 1 in history who said no1 can find our real God except thru Him (Jn 14:6; 3:3,5; 5:39; 10:1,7; Acts 4:12). This means "the" truth was complete & finished thru what Jesus taught & did (NT reinforces the OT). There4, any so-called new teaching & all other religious beliefs r invalid & cant lead u 2 God. The truth is either the whole truth or its a lie. The truth is the absence of any lie. Either Jesus told the only whole truth or He's just a false prophet among many, whom should b disregarded. This would also mean God must not exist either (He either knows what He's doing or He cant b God).
Jesus couldnt hv done nor said whats written in the NT unless He fully knew the entire OT (NT didnt exist while Jesus was on earth). Jesus couldnt hv known the entire OT unless God was with Him. The Apostles couldnt write the NT unless Jesus allowed them 2 remember & know why He was here (Lk 24:25-27,45) - Only God could cause it.
The Bible severely warns us not 2 trust humans, not even ourselves, clergy/churches/scholars (Jer 10:2-5,23; Is 2:22; Job 12:11; Prov 14:12; Acts 17:11). So carefully think over what I say. Dont just believe or disregard what I write. It might save u from making the same mistake many made, getting caught up in religious beliefs having nothing 2 do with knowing God.
Neither a label, title, name, its history, # of members, amount of time it existed or claims made about them (even persecution) proves anything - its whats practiced (with respect 2 the real Biblical truth) that makes it either the truth or a lie. Calling a dog god doesnt make it God. U can call anything anything - i.e Neither Jesus or the Biblical prophets were muslims no matter what Islam claims).
A church thats very serious about finding the Biblical truth, understands what being Born Anew is about, might b able 2 help u but no1 can save u except Jesus (Jn 3:1-14 - note: Nicodemus was very religious but Jesus flat out told him he had missed the 1rst most important step, that he must b Born Anew or no matter how religious or good he thought he is he couldn't go 2 Heaven (Jn 3:3,5; Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12). No1 can live without breaking God's Law = sin - separates us from God (why we need 2 b Born Anew the right way).
Whoever seeks Jesus Christ, the true Son of God, with all his heart & soul will find our real God & His Kingdom (u shall know the truth & it'll set u free). U can lead a horse 2 water but u cant make them drink. Why should God want u 2 live with Him 4ever if u dont want 2 know Him His way (reason 4 free will - Jn 1:12-13)? The truth of God remains 4ever unchanged while things of man dies with him, including his religions & gods, created in his image.
On 1 hand, God hates us b/c of our sins - neither being a good person as judged by men or religion can save u. On the other hand, God loves us dearly enough 2 send His Son 2 die 4 our sins - so that thru Jesus our sins could b 4given if we sincerely turn 2 Him - Theres eternal hope only in Jesus Christ & His Bible.
voyc4rmwldrns
Source(s): The Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, God's Holy Spirit, the Bible, careful research & observation & 40 yrs of personal experience provided by the Most High - He who has the Son has the Father also but he who doesnt hv the Son doesnt know the Father either - it shall b sheer terror 2 understand the real message - God doesnt respect any man or his religions. It comes down 2 do u want 2 know who our real God is? Theres many ways that seem right 2 men but its end = death (theres only 1 path [not many] 2 God & thats thru Jesus). Biblical knowledge in & of itself wont save u. Borrowing true knowledge from others wont help u - if u hv a good meal poisoned with arsenic adding better quality food (patching it) wont cure the problem but it may prolong ur inevitable death but it'll b death nevertheless - its still part of the poisoned tree. Its useless 2 try 2 patch a tire thats full of holes (adding a little truth [usually stolen] 2 a lie only makes it a bigger lie). ***If Jesus came from God as His only Son as stated in the Bible then the Quran (doesnt agree with the Bible), the Book of Mormon (no such thing as "another testament"), JWs (rewrote some Bible verses - New World Translation) & other religions r wrong about Jesus b/c they demote Jesus 2 just a prophet or good man (1 way or another). If Jesus Christ isnt God's Son (false prophet) then the Bible & all others r wrong. We cant hv it 2 ways. Theres only 1 Jesus & there can only b 1 true Gospel (II Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6,9; I Tm 6:3). If Jesus is whom He says He is then Muhammad (muslim follower of Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormon = Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, LDS), Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs = Watchtower, Awake), most Catholics, many Protestants, Ellen White (7th Day Adventists), Mary Baker (Christian Scientists), the moonies (Unification church - Rev Moon), Church of Scientology (Dyanetics - L Ron Hubbard), Buddhism, Hinduism & others presenting other teachings/practices r the false prophets & teachers & must b disregarded. But I can assure u the truth is in the Bible (where Jesus was coming from in everything He did & said). Many (see above par.) claim they believe Jesus is the Son of God (however, even the devil knows who Jesus is) but having read the entire Bible (some parts many times) I state with authority that many dont know God or Jesus. If ur foundation of teaching is wrong it cancels out all ur other claims - u can call anything anything. Calling a dog god doesnt make it God. Jesus wasnt speaking out of 2 let alone 1000s of sides of His mouth [emphasis added] (He isnt the author of confusion - God's fixed order of things Biblical). Religion is about a generic god (spirit of religion) not what Jesus taught about our real God. He who would b wise gets away from all religion & seeks the 1 who came from God. Again, many ppl make the mistake of trusting a church "authority" over the Bible (where God & Jesus wrote the actual truth). If u dont know whats actually written in the Bible u cant tell if the church is on or remaining on the right path. A church is a house but if its not built on the right foundation (the truth in the Bible) it has no value 2 God - the mistake many churches hv made 4 centuries. 1 Lord, 1 faith, 1 baptism is regarding true Born Anew believers in Jesus (true body of Christ in Spirit & truth) not religious nonsense rituals & traditions of man (no matter what label they use) that Jesus emphatically stated r abominations b/c they rnt in accordance with Jesus' Biblical instructions (even a machine can b programmed 2 do rituals - God doesnt want robots). Whatever is loosed on earth is loosed in Heaven still must adhere fully 2 the Bible truth, what Jesus taught & 1 must hv right belief in Jesus 4 it 2 mean anything (what the Cc & others dont understand - The same is true with respect 2 Jn 20:31 - whatever, wasnt written in the Bible (deliberately left out) would still hv 2 adhere 2 the same foundation/structure & message or its not Biblical (the reason the Apocrypha/lost books dont belong in the Bible - also Jesus is the only High Priest [God is the only 1 allowed 2 b called "Holy Father" so theres no valid priesthood/rituals after Jesus' resurrection] - when the OT covenant ended [many try 2 keep the OT format - like the Cc] - NT is about God's Spirit & the physical relationship with the full Spiritual truth of righteousness [NT reinforces/explains OT & OT shows NT validity] not mechanical type religious rituals/practices & human traditions). Many dont know that God is well aware many would [un]intentionally twist & pervert His Word so He invented a system in the Bible that will never change (Just like God & Jesus - more visible in word 4 word [with right usage of the literal method] versions of the Bible). Regarding Bibles I recommend the English Standard Version (ESV) as its an easy 2 read but more accurate version than what others will suggest. Its very important 2 understand the most accurate Bibles r those that r word 4 word or a combination of word 4 word + the right amount of literal translation (4 readability). Presently, theres 30+ versions of the Bible (generally popular 1s). Only a few r translated close 2 whats in the original text. The ESV adheres 2 the word 4 word method while making it easy 2 read (literal method) - the best accurate Bible 4 the younger crowd - but its good 4 parents, children & others 2 b reading the same Bible 4 good communication (get 1 with verse references so u can easily look up related text). Many well-meaning ppl will suggest using the King James Version (KJV), claiming its the only "authorized" version (authorized by a human king not God). The trouble is that the KJV (& all Old English versions) is in older English (which was good in its day) thats not been spoken 4 over 130 yrs so its obsolete (u almost hv 2 learn a new language, why many stop reading it - using older English only helps promote Biblical ignorance). Other versions add in their own style/ideas or rewrite sentences obscuring the truth & the power of God such as the AV, ASV, DR, RE, NEV, [NASB], NKJV, NRSV, GNB, CEV, NCV, HCSV, NCV, NJB, NIV, NIRV, NLT, Living - the Way, Message & Paraphrased (click on my ID & look 4 questions about Bibles & my answers 4 more info). - 1 decade ago
Alright, first of all, your are not "born" Christian. Being a Christian means a lot more than believing in God.
And yes I agree it is confusing I don't understand everything myself, but if we understood everything we would be God. There is too much to understand and if we knew it all our heads would explode.
Have you read all the bible? I have read it three times and understand it pretty well and I must say that the NT does not contradict the Old Testament. The best way I can answer your questions about all the laws is that, when Jesus followed the laws, he did it because he loved God. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins it was like a get out of jail free card. But the thing is in order to get to heaven we need to accept we are sinners, that we do wrong. And to accept God as our savior. If you truly love God you will follow his laws because you love him. Just as Jesus did.
The trinity is one of the hardest things to understand because it basically says that God is three different things and that is really weird. I do admit, but I know I am only human and will never understand it on Earth.
The NT and OT are so different because one, the OT, Jesus did not die for our sins so we had to be forgiven for EVERY SINGLE SIN. Because since Heaven is perfect it cannot allow evil in it. But in the NT Jesus paid for our sins and we were all forgiven. God does give hints in the OT that he would have a son, but unless you know exactly what youre reading you wouldn't even know
Sry it is so long
- 1 decade ago
Good honest questions-I commend you
Christianity can be confusing because many Christians are confusing and confuse other people with opinions that aren't Biblical.
There is a right and wrong way to read the Bible. It takes years of prayerful study to get a glimpse of the true nature of the Bible.
Contrary to popular opinion there are no contradictions in the Bible in its original languages and intent. We don't know all of it but we know enough.
The Old Testament is a collection of writings-most historical in nature. The purpose of the OT is to reveal the truth about creation, God, and mankind. Without revelation from God himself we would never know ultimate reality.
Some of the books of the OT are indeed 'boring' to read but every book isn't meant to be read like a novel. The continuity of the OT is really amazing. The entire OT weaves together a glimpse into how and why God set aside the Jews to be his revelation to all of mankind. The New Testament is that revelation.
The prophecies of Jesus in the OT are confusing but they are real. It takes a knowledge of Hebrew to really see how real they are.
Your observations of all the mess people have put Christianity into should be confirmation to you of how truth the Bible really is. People are a mess and need heart transformation and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Don't give up- keep at it- Begin with what you do know and what does make sense and build on that. You'll get there if you want to.
take care
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Okay i'll try to answer these the best i can.. in order.The OT doesn't Contradict the NT.. just After Jesus came and Died on the cross certain things changed. There is only one God but there is three parts to Him.. Father,Son,And Holy Ghost. I don't think anyone can fully grasp the concept.. But one way of describing it would be like our bodies.. you always hear of the three main parts Body,Mind, And Spirit.. but its All one body.. not 3 separate things. As for following all the laws and such from the OT.. When Jesus Died on the cross for us we were redeemed from the curse of the law. "Christ purchased our freedom (redeeming us) from the curse (doom) of the Law( and its condemnation) by (Himself) becoming A curse for us, for it is written (in the scriptures), Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified)." -Galatians 3:13. There are so many Denominations of christianity.. because as You said.. people can't agree.. But we all do believe the same basic principles :That Jesus Died on the cross For our sins and Rose again 3 days later. and that he is our Savior and the only way to get to Heaven. Jesus Was perfect, yes there are some books that aren't technically in the Bible.. originally all the scriptures were on scrolls not all together in one book.. man Put the book together.. but you can still go and read them. The prophesies for the messiah did come true. i'm not a Bible scholar and don't claim to be.. but if you can Give me a reference to A prophecy that didn't come true that was supposed to happen when the messiah was on earth i will be sure to take a look.
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- Natal SharkLv 41 decade ago
I dont fully understand it myself, but just because we read the OT doesn't mean we must still follow the practices from the OT. The OT does say that the Messiah will come, and it's the starting storyline to the NT. Reading the OT gives you the history of what happened and then moves into the NT. When Jesus came, he cleared out all the old practices.
- 1 decade ago
Christians believe that there is only one God. To think that Jesus is a separate God from his father is to misunderstand the concept of the Holy Trinity. One God, three individuals that make up one God.
Christians believe that the OT was fulfilled in the New Testament. That doesn't mean either one is supposed to be read literally.
- Janet WLv 61 decade ago
The old testament is history. It is still important because it tells us where we come from and before Jesus died on the cross there had to be other means in which to access the throne of God. Things were different then. It doesn't mean that there are contradictions. In the new testament Jesus made the way for us to come to the father in the old testament that hadn't happened yet. If you understand the bible and the history and the origin, etc. you won't be confused at all. It's different rules for different times.
- Anonymous5 years ago
What do you mean by "it saved me". The real thing you need to be saved from is being on the wrong side of God's eternal judgement. Only Jesus Christ can save you in this regard. It is not easy being a Christian in this crazy world, though. But, God will give you the strength to get through anything if you ask and allow Him to. Start by reading the New Testament. You'll get to know Jesus/God there. You'll discover that He is the only way to eternal salvation. It doesn't matter what other religions may offer you, because only what He has will last forever and count in the end. Everything else is just temporary and fades away sooner or later.
- HatikvahLv 71 decade ago
Great questions. Keep asking!
When Nobel Prize winner Isaac Rabi was asked to what he attributed his success, he said he always remembered that every day when he came home from school his mother would ask him, "Did you ask any good questions today?" What he imbibed was that we ultimately gain more from questions than answers. Answers bring a subject to a close; questions open us up to ever more profound and deeper understanding. That perhaps more than anything else may explain Jewish genius. From youth we explore the Torah, Talmud and commentaries with inquisitive minds encouraged to ask even when no clear response is in sight. To do otherwise would be to imply that our faith cannot withstand scrutiny, that our commitment to God is so tenuous that it is afraid of critical analysis.
In Judaism, we are taught to think, to ask questions, and to be skeptical; we are encouraged not to accept things on faith, but to look for proof. This constitutes one of the biggest differences between Judaism and Christianity. While faith plays a vital role, Judaism places great emphasis on learning and education.
Bertrand Russell, British philosopher says “Many people would sooner die than think. In fact, they do.” For Russell, faith is definitely not a virtue because it silences questioning.
The Book of Proverbs reminds us that “Zeal without knowledge is not good.”
He that cannot reason is a fool;
He that will not is a bigot;
He that dare not is a slave.
.
- 1 decade ago
Yes it is confusing. First God is holy and perfect. God created us for His glory. God wants a relationship with us but we are sinners (not holy and not perfect). In the Old Testament God gave us the law to identify sin. God showed us as humans that it is impossible to follow the law without breaking them. The good news (gospel) is that we can have a relationship with God because Jesus shed his blood for our sins. This is explained in the New Testament. Christianity, therefore, is a relationship with God through the understanding that we as humans can not follow a set of laws without breaking one. This relationship is by God's grace through our faith in Jesus Christ.