[AD from SpringBay]

What I find is the unbelievable amount of difference between denominations.

You bring out some valid points. The very device that was included to help us access God's Word (the inclusion of Chapter and verse divisions) has through time given Christians a dangerous nearsightedness. We Christians like to take the different chapters and verses as though they were Legos(tm) and build whatever we want - instructions notwithstanding. Think context whenever you read the Bible. Read an entire letter and think upon it - don't use one sentence to build an empire.

[joesbucks]

Here's the problem. Because of the divisions of denominations, it is difficult to, even by reading to come to a sound conclusion. First there is one bias. Second there is bias from pastoral leaders. Then there is bias among our peers within the church. That is a ton of pressure to overcome to get to the truth. And even worse, each of the above can show you chapter and verse likely where they are supported by scripture.

[lupie]

The very device that was included to help us access God's Word (the inclusion of Chapter and verse divisions) has through time given Christians a dangerous nearsightedness. We Christians like to take the different chapters and verses as though they were Legos(tm) and build whatever we want - instructions notwithstanding. Think context whenever you read the Bible. Read an entire letter and think upon it - don't use one sentence to build an empire.

That is so true. Good analogy about the legos. I see people just leaning on a verse here and there without having a clue what the context of that verse was. Although I believe I verse/phrase can very much stand on its own especially through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I think it is dangerous when people don't know the context and then begin to build an empire on it, as you said. And yet, it happens all the time.

[scripter]

Think context whenever you read the Bible. Read an entire letter and think upon it - don't use one sentence to build an empire.

Excellent. I'm always saying: Context is everything. Unfortunately many folks don't understand the concept of context. Many insist a verse says something it doesn't say at all and getting them to look outside their bias or thoughts can be a challenging task. I hope you read that in context. ;-)