Why do christians answer questions with Bible references such as "John 3:16"?

H.P book 1 verse 3.

If you were answering a question on the mechanisms of the brain you would most likely need to become quite detailed to answer the question thoroughly and there would be more than not, a part of the answer that you would like to collaborate with the opinion or findings of another doctor to strengthen your explanation. So it is with those answering questions concerning the Bible. Honestly you wouldn't want a answer on that topic that wasn't deriving the answer from the source of where all this information comes from.and giving the verse is proof that its not the words of the one answering but the words out of the book you took it from.

Because it is convenient. With the reference you can open a Bible and find the corresponding quote, or just google it. In your example if you google "John 3:16" you find the quote "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Now in case you have no interest in the Bible why bother asking. Using the Bible reference is done only because it is useful for those in relation to the biblical text. That is the meaning of the word "reference" you know. It means "referencing" to something, in the present case the Bible.

Good luck on your journey,

respectfully

Sarah's answer reveals it: "the reference is important because its our way of saying we are answering with God's word."

edit: also G's "So the persons they are quoting it to knows they didn't make up the words themselves and that it is coming from the mouth of God."

So, so often they are answering from their viewpoint of the bible as word of God, which would be pretty much fine if they acknowledged that is their viewpoint or opinion, but most often it is given as a settled universal truth, which it is not.

To use it that way with people who do not share the same assumptions is a leap, and one that frequently comes across as arrogant.

To quote the bible when communicating with non-Christians is to opt to use jargon, and that is often a hindrance to communication, not an aid.

Many Christians cannot unpack bible passages and doctrines into day-to-day English. This can indicate that they have not truly understood them themselves.

The ability to precis and paraphrase in your own words is a good check on understanding in wide range of areas and topics.

I guess some people dont think that others dont have/ know how to use/ understand bible references. Personally I always put the text with the reference. But the reference is important because its our way of saying we are answering with God's word.

Perhaps the question relates to the biblical teaching or belief structure?

Edit:

Oh that, Yes I would agree with you. I actually think that is kind of rude. If someone asks you a question, you don't just tell them to read the bible. Sure, reading the bible wouldn't hurt, but there is no reason not to answer the question.

Leviticus 20 13

I followed your link, and I fail to see the problem. The asker inquired about a common Bible reading, and several references were given.

Are you related to Supastar? You both have the same inability to recognize when an answer has been given.

I know what your are saying because not everyone has a Bible and even if they do, not everyone knows how to use it or where to find the cited scripture. It would be nice to see them quoted.

You can't say it "means nothing to anyone else reading it"

because there are possibly a number of people who do get

benefit from looking it up. God's word works that way... if

He is drawing someone to Himself, appropriate texts from

His word are quickened to the person by the Holy Spirit.