Other "holy" books (Koran, Book of Morman, Hindu and Budhism holy books)

LiLJesusFreak · 07-09-2005, 05:43 PM

Is it okay for a Christian to read those just for studies sake and nothing more than that?

Godreignsoveral · 07-09-2005, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiLJesusFreak

Is it okay for a Christian to read those just for studies sake and nothing more than that?

I can't see why it wouldn't be okay... but I can't see why do it either. There's lifetimes times infinity worth of studies within the Christian text alone.

Mark

ddts · 07-09-2005, 06:10 PM

I'm sure it's fine to do so, if it is for the right reasons. And I know that some Christians have studied other religion's books for refutation purposes....but I have also heard stories of people becoming obsessed with it and then converting to the other religion..

TheProdigalModern · 07-09-2005, 06:27 PM

For the sake of learning what other religions believe, it's fine.

Travis · 07-09-2005, 07:08 PM

Absolutely fine. Besides, how are we to defend the faith against these other religions unless we do our homework and know a thing or two about them?

mlqurgw · 07-09-2005, 07:38 PM

The writings of other religions normally will be very misleading in that they are fashioned to put the best possible light on what they teach. If you really want to know what someone believes listen to them talk and ask questions. Of course that goes for Christianity too. If you want to know what people think of God just listen to them talk about Him.

thessalonian · 07-10-2005, 12:07 AM

The first book of John says that if someone comes to your door with another Gospel, do not welcome him. I would assume this goes for other non-christian religions as well. If you are not solidly grounded in your Christian faith I do not recommend such books.

2 John 1
10: If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting;

Blessings

Travis · 07-10-2005, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thessalonian

If you are not solidly grounded in your Christian faith I do not recommend such books.

This is a good point. While I recommend reading the "holy" books of other religions in order to understand them, I also recommend being very strong in your own faith first, as well as reading material against whatever false religion you're studying.

nolidad · 07-10-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

This is a good point. While I recommend reading the "holy" books of other religions in order to understand them, I also recommend being very strong in your own faith first, as well as reading material against whatever false religion you're studying.

This is very true. I spent ten years researching the new age and the Watchtrower and the intense logic and "apparent" rightness of their wording can really lead one astray if not careful

Even the Treasury agents follow the priniciple. They first study realcurrencies so they know them intimately and in great detail. That way when they look at counterfeits they can pick upi the false points very easily.

LiLJesusFreak · 07-24-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vershal

For the sake of learning what other religions believe, it's fine.

But when you are only studying other religious books and you feel an attack on you. then what does that mean? that your not supposed to know about what other religions say?

nolidad · 07-24-2005, 05:16 PM

Quote:

But when you are only studying other religious books and you feel an attack on you. then what does that mean? that your not supposed to know about what other religions say?

No but maybe not at that time or maybe you need to become more familiar with the truth the other book is lying about or twisting to exalt theior false god.

Link H · 07-27-2005, 07:41 AM

I think this is largely a matter of conscience. Some Christians can study other religion's books and be okay with it. Other Christians may not be allowed to do so because their own consciences condemn them or the Holy Spirit does not want them to.

I know people who study the Koran to use in evangelism.

Paul quoteda pagan poet who had some truths about God. Jesus apparently quoted or modified Pythagarus or whoever he was quoting. Of course, by that time, the sayings could have been common proverbs that happened to have been stated earlier by Pythagerus.

For example
Do not cast your pearls before swine.

And
They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in righteous living. (Pythagorus' version)
or
...they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (Jesus' version.)

This distinction is hard to make in Indonesian since the word for 'righteous' is also one of the words for truth. So the Indonesian Bible sounds like both Pythagorus' and Christ's quote at the same time.

Tamar · 07-27-2005, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiLJesusFreak

Is it okay for a Christian to read those just for studies sake and nothing more than that?

For sure, good thing to know other religions. I told myself that I would not read the Quran until I had atleast read the Bible all the way through.

**Ted Logan** · 07-27-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiLJesusFreak

Is it okay for a Christian to read those just for studies sake and nothing more than that?

It's important for Christians to read them so that they can have an answer to the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, et cetera. For example, the fact that I've read the Qur'an (though in English) makes me much more qualified to discuss the falsehood of Islam than someone who just read a book by a Christian about Islam.

However, one should be cautious to do so within the protective umbrella of the Church, with Christian friends and ministers who can help you to understand them.