From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihnp4!ihuxa!cfiaime
Newsgroups: net.misc
Title: RE: Matters Religious
Article-I.D.: ihuxa.186
Posted: Fri Jan 28 07:35:39 1983
Received: Mon Jan 31 08:51:16 1983
Reply-To: cfiaime@ihuxa.UUCP (Jeff Williams)

In a recent article on the net, the question was raised as to why
some of us use the Bible to support our belief and discussions about
God.  This particular discussion suggested that instead of utilizing the
Bible, we utilize original thought.  The article was written as a flame,
but this reply is meant as my opinion, an is in no way a flame.

First, to deny the Christian the use of the Bible as a source for 
arguments or discussion is somewhat akin to discussing evolution
but not being able to use Darwin.  Remember, the Bible is the foundation
of our faith, the final authority as to all matters religious.
Certainly, a Christian should read other commentaries on the Bible.
A studied Christian will be able to quote Luther, Calvin and John-Paul II,
if not in exact wordings, then in concept.  

Second, each person must make up his or her mind as to the validity of
the Bible.  To be a Christian means to accept Christ as shown in the
Bible.  There is no magic formula which says that a person stops thinking
after accepting the salvation which is offered by God through Christ.
Indeed, the Christian must continue to examine the very faith which
he/she professes.

I have a copy of the New Testament at my desk, not that I am going to
argue religion based only on the Bible, but that the Bible is a constant
source of strength, information and comfort.  In reading the Bible,
I can reflect on the wonderful message of salvation, and better accept
myself for what I am.

Jeff Williams
BTL - Indian Hill