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Tell of several ways in which today’s culture affects the way you view the Bible.
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Today’s culture can significantly impact how individuals view and interpret the Bible. Here are four ways in which today’s culture can influence one’s perspective:
1. In today’s multicultural and pluralistic societies, people are exposed to various religious beliefs and practices. This exposure can lead to a more inclusive and tolerant approach to interpreting the Bible, with an emphasis on finding commonalities and respecting diverse viewpoints.
2. Many societies are becoming increasingly secular. This can lead individuals to question or reinterpret certain aspects of the Bible, particularly those that conflict with scientific or secular worldviews.
3. The language used can affect how you think and interpret the Bible. Most people use the translated versions of the Bible, and the translated language may not match the intention of the original language. As mentioned in the lessons, using different language may affect how you think and interpret.
4. The growing acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights and identities have challenged traditional biblical interpretations on issues such as same-sex relationships and gender identity.
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My culture still holds the Bible in high regard. We see it as the Word of God. There are some who have taken this too far and have come close to worshipping the Bible as if it is God himself.
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Our cultures have impact on how we think. This happens through traditions, the type of economics, language, even weather. I am blessed to live in the Midwest along the Bible Belt. In many local communities your church, denomination, or just location is part of your community status symbol. This was a challenge for me growing up as I viewed religion with status. It took a very long time for me to realize being a Christian was about the relationship with Christ. The local culture impacts everyone’s views individually and not always for the best.
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As a society people tend to bend it to their will, instead of bending their will to it. I believe that science can go hand in hand with the Bible, if you have a biblical worldview but, those who don’t tend to discredit the parts of the Bible often deemed history. In a “gotta have it now” culture if it can’t be proven immediately or shown some sign instantly it loses the ability to retain attention.
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We all observe our world within the context of our experiences. When we read the Bible, this is also true. We read passages that don’t make much sense in a modern context and puzzle over why something was said. We must place ourselves in the world of the writer and reader. Only then can we understand references within that context.