Re: Outdated customs -- Tithing

First, we have to define our terms because human language is used so sloppily that many words and terms have meanings that are different to many people and are contextual (used both in-context and out of context in the same conversation) without distinguishing the difference.

BIBLE- word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 and Ephesians 1:13). The term is irrefutable, but the validity of the literal application (the bible as "truth") among humanity is rightfully questionable and will be questioned only by mavericks/independent thinkers who are brave enough and sincere enough to do so (you). The New Testament was originally written in Greek. The Old Testament was originally in Hebrew and some Aramaic. Throughout the centuries, there has been alot of transition in interpretation and, no doubt alot of modification of interpretation from culture to culture. All throughout history, MANY people didn't know how to read. In 16th century Ireland, farmers used to worship The Lord by facing their sheep towards the east because that is all they could understand from the bible (they recognized the word "EWE" and "EAST"). Would not The Lord accept that as worship? Of course He would. The preservation of LITERAL interpretation of SPIRITUAL truth is not likely (not that it would be valid anyway, Romans 2:29, "real circumcision/devotion is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal"). Many bible translators (different versions) actually CHOOSE their own interpretations of some verses (TRUE). Interpretations of anything (from language to language) lose alot in interpretation, for some things, there is no direct translation, more so from the "God" language to a human language. According to humanity, the spirit of the creator "HOVERS" (as a UFO or helicopter, hovercraft or something with levitation devices, Genesis 1:2) because there is no direct translation (uhhh, did you say "truth"?). So, it might be easier to say that the bible was MEANT to contain ONLY truth and be interpreted in a truthful manner, but the reality is that it does not always represent STRICT truth. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all scripture was INSPIRED by God, this is true, but it has been preserved and interpreted/modified by man (the spirit does not "hover" like Casper the friendly ghost.

We HEAR the words of God when God's Spirit (Holy Spirit) speaks to our heart teaching us to be Godly (if we are dedicated to being a good student of GOD, not MAN).

Christianity is the heartful DEVOTION to God through acceptance of Christ. I would define (making the distinction) CHRISTENDOM as MAN'S partisan allegiance to the INSTITUTIONS that pretend to represent Christianity (you see the trouble here, the bible was preserved/interpreted/modified throughout history by CHRISTENDOM).

The bible has been interpreted all throughout history in many ways so as to be convenient and justify whatever people want to do. Supposedly, Hitler used it, survivalists use it, the KKK use it and the Catholic church has always used it to justify torture and the Inquisition, etc. (Pilate said to Jesus "What is truth?", John 18:38). By nature, MAN doesn't seem to value truth, so, obviously, truth is not considered COMPLETELY relevant to human rationality. Nevertheless, I believe that scripture has been preserved as God would want it to be and the only thing to be questioned about scripture is our interpretation (human truth).

There are a number of Christian groups that claim to "prove" that God exists. I don't agree with them in their efforts to win hearts to Christianity by "proof". It's not just that Christianity is based on FAITH/trust, but that TRUE faith is based on LOVE. Romans 1:20 makes it very clear that common sense "proves" that God exists. A loving Creator/God would send someone in His name to purify our souls so that we would be eligible to return to Him after we pass away, and He wouldn't stop there. He would leave "a spirit of righteousness and peace" to teach us how to live in peace with each other so that we could remain purified. That spirit would teach us to love (not just prefer) everything that is good and right and true (Ephesians 5:9) so that we would actually develop a disgust for evil and feel that evil is illogical. Beyond this point, proof diminishes faith.

You make alot of assumptions that are simply not true because you address me with pre-conceived notions. You say:

"You, too, insist that your way is the only correct way to read it. And, like a lawyer, you've got it down to contract-like precision"

but I quote again "...that God may be everything to everyone", 1 Corinthians 15:28.
There is no standard devotion, it is a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus that must be sought.

I say emphatically that the bible is not the word of GOD (it could be said to be the WRITTEN word), it is the word of TRUTH.

You say "Now, you don't interpret the Bible that way, but do the majority of Christians share your views?"

I say......the majority, NO. but do not be a majority, God wants a PERSONAL relationship.