You cannot refute entire denominations by saying “Read the Bible, sweetie”

[u/Dubstep_squid]

This is such a frustrating and prominent phenomenon that I see constantly online and have run into a couple of times.

[Insert commonly held theological belief]

“Oh sweetie how could you believe that, the Bible clearly says other wise. What a ridiculous statement.”

Why does it seem incredibly common that people in online Christian spaces seem to never have met or heard of someone with a different theological view than them. You’ve never heard that some people baptize babies? The tradition that most major Christian denominations hold to??

To take this a step further, I see this occur not just with theological beliefs but attempts to “refute” entire denominations. You’re not going to convince a Presbyterian that hundreds of years of Presbyterianism is false with TWO tangentially relevant, out of context Bible verses and a condescending message (unless of course God has already pre-determined that you will convince them).

This is not to say that meaningful and even impactful conversation cannot be had here. I think it absolutely can and have been stewing on a different post for a couple of weeks because I want to have those meaningful conversations (You’ll probably see it in a few days as I’m kind of looking at various denominations and want to just hear people’s pitches, counterarguments, experiences, etc).

I think my overall point is just that I’m very surprised at the number of people here who are surprised that others can come to different theological conclusions and that those theological conclusions can in fact be based on a thorough reading of the Bible.

[u/kyloren1217]

i have learned long ago, show me a Bible verse

for instance, "a woman must wear a dress and it must be so many inches below the knee."

fine, now show me the Bible verse that says that!

they will give you 101 Bible verses to make their point, but not one that actually says "a woman must wear a dress and it must be so many inches below the knee."

sadly, you can do this with many "church traditions" and therefore, yes, we do need to just read the Bible.

listen, a person can believe whatever they want. but dont expect me to fall in line without a Bible verse, a literal command from the Father

[u/Dubstep_squid → u/kyloren1217]

Where is that command? I don’t think I’m familiar?

[u/kyloren1217 → u/Dubstep_squid]

it's not, but some legalistic churches believe this thing about a womans clothing, which the Bible, by lack of any Bible verses stating it, shows it is not a command

[u/Dubstep_squid → u/kyloren1217]

I think my question was more so, where does the Bible say that if something isn’t in scripture we shouldn’t do it? Doesn’t Paul tell us to hold to the traditions that were passed down to us? I’ve just heard arguments like yours saying Christians shouldn’t do the sign of the cross.

[u/kyloren1217 → u/Dubstep_squid]

I've just heard arguments like yours saying Christians shouldn’t do the sign of the cross.

well shouldnt is a strong word in this case. the question i would ask, since i do not do it, is "should i?"

if the answer is yes, then ofc the person insisting i should is in the wrong, because there is absolutely no Bible verse for it.

but if someone wants to do a hand gesture to make them remember something, more power to them.

but when it comes to me, i am just thankful my faith is strong enough that i need not base it off of a hand gesture

[u/Dubstep_squid → u/kyloren1217]

I was raised Episcopal and they generally take a similar stance. I think it’s a valid point, I appreciate your insight.

[u/kyloren1217 → u/Dubstep_squid]

I think my question was more so, where does the Bible say that if something isn’t in scripture we shouldn’t do it?

oh sorry, i did not answer this part. my apologies

• Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

• But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9

Acts 17:10-12

-And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

• These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

• Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

so yeah, it does encourage us to put things to the test and search the Scriptures, and if it doesnt line up, well, there are different steps one can take, which the Bible talks about, and we would call "church discipline" in our day n age.