“...idle speculation ...”
Referring to my post #63 where I used the phrase “I think...”
Don’t automatically assume that the use of the phrase “I think” means the person is lazy and hasn’t studied scripture. My own point about God being all powerful is specifically based upon Matthew 19:26 “With God all things are possible”. The points about God creating order in the universe and the natural law are specifally found in Genesis where God created earth with a specific order and plan in His mind: the sun, moon. etc. out of chaos.
Just don’t assume someone is lazy and hasn’t studied the bible as a matter of course.
I am not trying to judge but when, presumably, sincere Christians start throwing up trial balloons that are sheer speculation then I wonder whether they really have studied the Bible, ever, especially when their comments are filled with "I think" and "I feel." Because to me they are not intellectually curious about our faith, they just want to hear themselves talk. They don't want to learn and they aren't looking to teach with their comments. They are also, in a sense, violating the Word of God with their speculation.
I am especially sensitive to this as I was raised Catholic and never cracked a Bible until I was 25 years old - just believed what the priests said. Once I became an evangelical Christian, I came to know the joy of studying the Word - a lifetime journey, to be sure. The Catholic church says that understanding the Bible is the duty of priests, and they'll tell you what you need to know. Bull honkey. I am studying it in a group every Sunday and every week I get goosebumps at what is revealed.
Christians should take heed of Acts 17:11, where the Paul cited the Bereans, who "searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." This does not leave room for idle speculation. If someone says Jesus married, then search the Scriptures. It's that simple.
Another example: the NT says in many places that "Jesus loved" someone. If a woman, was it sexual? If a man, was it homosexual? Well, don't spend time reading posts on FR idly saying, "Sure, I think Jesus could've ..." GO READ THE BIBLE ITSELF. Open up a few commentaries and check those as well. Then, you can post on FR something like this: "I was stimulated enough by the post about what it meant when the Bible says 'Jesus loved' so I checked it out. There is no evidence that Jesus engaged in any sexual relationships." NOW you have made a contribution.
Also, in both the OT and NT Christians are cautioned, quite severely, against misleading other Christians. I frankly believe that threads like this one do just that. To wit:
* Romans 16:17-18: "Watch out for people who ... teach things that are contrary to what you have been taught. ... Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests..."
* Proverbs 30:6 "Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you, and you will be found a liar."
* 2 Timothy 4:3 "A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear."
That last citation should make every Christian pause who says, "I think" about Jesus.
To all Freepers who aren't in a detailed Bible study -- do it. Find a couple friends and meet for breakfast once a week, or join a Bible study at your church. Or, if a woman, join Community Bible Study (CBS) somewhere in your city; one equivalent for men is Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), which is nationwide.