The battle within

Originally posted by @romans1009
Before passing judgment, we ought to acknowledge we don’t know what the world was like before the flood (how evil it was,) and the “talking snake” was simply demon possessed. A famous case on Lindley Street in Bridgeport, CT USA had a talking cat that was witnessed by firefighters and police officers who responded to the house due to unexplained phenomen ...[text shortened]... ath on the cross to save mankind can’t be as bad as one would think - just the opposite in fact.

Irrespective of famous allegorical talking cat stories from your home town, I cannot in my own mind accept the drowning millions of people as being morally acceptable. Any more than I can accept the burning in hell for eternity of billions of people as being morally acceptable. Nor can I find it in myself to acknowledge that the stoning to death of homosexuals or female adulterers is morally acceptable.

You do, that’s your choice.

Originally posted by @divegeester
My faith.

Faith in what? It appears you don't believe what the scriptures say, based on your OP.

Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

Originally posted by @secondson
Faith in what? It appears you don't believe what the scriptures say, based on your OP.

Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

I've yet to have come across a Christian who does not do exactly that. Though most refuse to admit it, they pick and choose the verses and passages that support their beliefs and dismiss those that don't and often do so in a most disingenuous manner.

The Bible is what it is. The Bible is steeped in metaphor, is widely open to interpretation and contains inconsistencies, discrepancies and outright contradictions. As such, there is no alternative to picking and choosing what parts to believe. Those who claim that they do not pick and choose are disingenuous at best.

Originally posted by @secondson
Faith in what? It appears you don't believe what the scriptures say, based on your OP.

Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

"Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?"

We have no choice but to believe those things that agree with our particular view of reality.

Originally posted by @secondson
Faith in what? It appears you don't believe what the scriptures say, based on your OP.

Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

Faith in Jesus. What is your faith based on?

Originally posted by @divegeester
As opposed to fake advice?

I thought you wouldn't , but its always best to ask

Originally posted by @romans1009
Maybe you should listen to and act upon your own advice.

Like what? I live my advice and I wouldn't ask anything of anyone I wouldn't do myself

Originally posted by @thinkofone
[b]Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

I've yet to have come across a Christian who does not do exactly that. Though most refuse to admit it, they pick and choose the verses and passages that support their beliefs and dismiss those that don't and often do so in a most disinge ...[text shortened]... hat parts to believe. Those who claim that they do not pick and choose are disingenuous at best.[/b]

"the bible is steeped in metaphor "

Yes. This is the way to understanding life.

Originally posted by @karoly-aczel
"the bible is steeped in metaphor "

Yes. This is the way to understanding life.

Only those who selflessly seek truth will understand the intended meaning.

The others will find a self-serving meaning.

Originally posted by @divegeester
Faith in Jesus. What is your faith based on?

SecondSon?

Originally posted by @divegeester
These two positions are not mutually exclusive, however the first i now reject out of hand. Like most religious people I was “brought up” (loosest meaning) to believe x y z, or I have bec9me aware that a b c is believed by other Christians. I have decided to make my own mind up and I reject a lot of what other Christian believe, or have themselves been ...[text shortened]... rder does not fit with my moral code either.

God has not told me to believe in these things.

What HAS he told you to believe in?

And who delivered the message? God himself?

Originally posted by @secondson
Aren't you going to accuse divegeester of mouth worship?

Dive is not one of the mouth-worshipers on this site.

Originally posted by @secondson
What makes a real Christian, in your opinion?

A real Chrsitian is one of Christ's sheep:
- they hear his voice
- they follow his commandments
- he gives them eternal life.

Other types of Christians [goats]
- hear the voice of other preachers
- they dont follow his commandments
- they dont get eternal life

Originally posted by @thinkofone
[b]Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?

I've yet to have come across a Christian who does not do exactly that. Though most refuse to admit it, they pick and choose the verses and passages that support their beliefs and dismiss those that don't and often do so in a most disinge ...[text shortened]... hat parts to believe. Those who claim that they do not pick and choose are disingenuous at best.[/b]

"The Bible... is widely open to interpretation and contains inconsistencies, discrepancies and outright contradictions."

No. You are.

Originally posted by @js357
"Is it faith to pick and choose to believe only those things that agree with your particular view of reality?"

We have no choice but to believe those things that agree with our particular view of reality.

"We have no choice but to believe those things that agree with our particular view of reality."

Or you can choose to believe God.