mike rhodes

Yes! Great response. Thank you. If it is inspired by the Spirit, it takes the Spirit to interpret it. A literal, or reductionist interpretation as if it were an instruction manual...is not employing the nuance of Spirit.

How do you guys interpret what Peter was saying? That every word is from God, or that God inspired the people to write it - but since people wrote it - it is still somewhat human? Is this passage saying, "you have to take this entire book literally" or is it saying, "there is truth in this book that comes from God's inspiration, we didn't just make it up". I tend to think this latter version is what was meant - not that every word is literal.

Hey everyone! I consider myself a progressive christian. I understand the Bible as a collection of books that chronicle a people group's experiences with, and understanding of, God. I do not take the Bible literally, but I do think it contains truth. Recently an atheist pointed out to me that this view is incompatible with what Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1: 20-21. "Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God." So I have to kind of think....yeah, this basically lays out a take it or leave it approach that doesn't really allow me to think it is a book driven by human understanding at all. What do you all think of this? How do you all interpret this? I am interested in all opinions on this. Thanks!!!

Thanks for the responses guys! I am hung up on it because I am wrestling with this dilemma: Was Jesus saying that following him is the only way? Because I have to think that God works through all religions and will meet us where we are if we are devoted to him. I tend to think that there is probably more than on way to God, but It seems like Jesus is claiming exclusivity here, outright.

...by what he said in John 14:6? "Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." I am very interested in your opinions on this, it is something I am stuck on.... Thanks in advance, Mike

I'm giving up. I just can't believe in this stuff anymore. Dress up Christianity as if it's progressive if you want. The bottom line is that it's just not congruent with forward thinking. Morality predates religion. God is made up. I can't get around it anymore. Christianity is a nice warm fuzzy to hope in because it is a man made defense mechanism to a cruel and uncertain world. I can't buy in anymore.

Just interested in people's opinions. 1) what is the true origin of human morality and empathy? Is it God? Is it an evolutionary construct built in based upon the idea of social living? 2) Did Jesus ever truly experience doubt like we do? For hours and days on end?

I believe in almost everything the progressive christian movement stands for, especially equality and social justice. But I still believe Jesus died for my sins. I believe in this atonement. Does this disqualify me as a progressive christian? Because I don't necessarily agree with Spong and Borg? I thank you for your feedback in advance!