Why do some people refuse to do things because "God didn't mention" them in their holy book? [read the rest]

Question

I mean, I can understand if you think God specifically prohibited it, but things like celebrating birthdays, etc., do you think God would really mind? How come they're okay with doing SOME things God didn't mention- like I'm sure God didn't SPECIFICALLY say in your holy book that you in particular had to be a used car salesman or whatever..

Answer 1

Excellent question! Especially since my father is a used car salesman. haha.



Anyways, I know that certain people will not celebrate things like Christmas and Easter because they are not in the Bible, and the reason for this I believe is two-fold. First of all, the Bible actually prescribes a very specific list of holidays that it requires. These are the Jewish holidays, such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Shavuot, among some others. Within this law it is stated that no one may add nor take away from the Law.



Therefore, a strict interpretation might seem to indicate that these holidays, AND ONLY THESE HOLIDAYS should be celebrated, at least as RELIGIOUS holidays.



However, Jews do celebrate some other holidays besides these because they are believed to be "within the spirit" of the Law. For example, the Bible teaches that one should rejoice in the great things that God does in history. So, Hanukkah celebrates a miracle that God performed for the Jewish people, and is considered to be acceptable to celebrate. But it never is given the high status of the holidays which the Bible specifically describes.



On the part of Christians, I think it is noteworthy that Jesus seemed to accept the holiday of Hanukkah, even though it was post-Old Testament. His disciples celebrated it, and Jesus told them to do so.



Most Christians however do not make this connection though I think, because they are not familiar with Jewish custom, and do not realize that Jesus was referring to Hanukkah when he mentions it. (I'll get you a verse if you'd like, just ask and I can look it up).



So some Christians think that no holiday should be celebrated if it is not in the Law. Christmas and Easter and Birthdays are not mentioned therein.



Others would say that birthdays are ok because they are not religious.



Others would say that Christmas and Easter are not permissible because they derive from non-Christian holidays that they believe embraced ideas contrary to their faith.



There are many things which have become custom and the people tend to assume it is biblical, when really, it is not necessarily. Even the idea of getting married in a church or place of worship is not mentioned, and yet many would say firmly that a marriage done in a courthouse is not a marriage "in the eyes of God."



I don't know why they would hold this view except that they must be ignorant of what is in their scriptures and what is not.

Answer 2

AHH I think I know what religious group you are speaking of and while I do not belong to that group, I have done some research on this topic. To address the birthday celebration, they believe this because the first birthday truly celebrated was a pagan king and the gift he received was a death of an important person. therefore,they associate our recent day b-day celebrations with the nastiness of this event. As far as the other beliefs, they have a reason for every belief or non belief for that matter and while they may make sense to them , they may not make sense to others. You have to interpret your holy book the best to your knowledge and respect others for doing the same. I used to have the attitude of thinking they were silly for this but then I realized they probably think the same of me. I want them to respect my beliefs and so I will theirs (even though I may disagree)

Answer 3

God leads us to many stuff that are for our cloth and non secular earnings. He leads us to the Bible for the particular advantages we obtain from analyzing the Scripture. it is authentic that God leads us to his be conscious, yet His be conscious isn't in between Him and the guy. that's a factor of Him that sheds gentle on His intentions for us, delivers us non secular solace, solutions questions or perhaps will advance questions for us to contemplate. His be conscious is even there whilst those human beings who're something under spiritually suitable, or in a disaster of religion, can not pay attention His voice in our consciences and yet choose His be conscious. As for spontaneous authentic action, our consciences, knowledgeable by employing the Holy Spirit, could be very powerful in our decision-making. yet whilst one ponders the sins devoted by employing the honest who, over the centuries, have each and every sometimes grossly misinterpreted what they theory grow to be God's Will, education AND CORRECTION promptly from the Gospels seems to be a necessity. whilst we sense the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Bible turns into an invaluable gadget in telling the version between the choose of God and our very own possibilities and prejudices. it is then that the Bible can help us evade the abuses and sins that are often imputed to Christians.

Answer 4

Christianity really isn't about "religion". Religion is what we must do to earn God's favor. Christianity teaches that there's nothing we can do to earn God's favor -- rather, that favor was earned on our behalf through Christ. Therefore, "good works" come naturally...as a response from our faith. Unfortunately, some people seem to forget that and get hung up on "rules & requirements". I don't question their faith or dedication. I just think they somewhat misunderstand or get side-tracked from what the Christian faith is all about.



Christians who "invent rules and regulations" to be followed are often knopwn as "legalists". Despite the fact that the book of Galatians denounces a legalistic mindset, it appears that those warnings often fall on deaf ears. Legalistic Christians are often the greatest turn-off to non-believers...and sometimes to their fellow Christians as well! I am very familiar with this type of mind-set because my brother is very legalistic in his beliefs. He is rather narrow-minded, and the type of person that most atheists would avoid like the plague!

Answer 5

just follow a good life, happy life. if you have read the ten commendments its all about our lives. if you respect them than you are the good person in God's perspective. its all about morals and good acts.

Answer 6

Selective interpretation and understanding.