How can you read and study the Bible closely and still claim to believe all of it?

It's easy if you've been brainwashed to.

How can you read and study the Bible closely and still claim to believe all of it?
There are a lot of apparent contradictions and inaccuracies in the Bible. I've wrestled very honestly with a lot of that stuff. Most of the time the confusion comes from having a wrong perspective - the Bible isn't usually concerned with questions of science or exact numbers - the original readers didn't need to know how old the earth was, but who God is.
Reply:I will say many things in the Bible are confusing at first, but really, they all make sense-it's all part of God's plan. He uses these things (things told, but not seen) to test our Faith, and to see if we're going to shut him out just because we've never "seen him". To be honest, I believe we as humans, and this earth are both living proof of an awesome God. Not to mention the blessings he gives us and the miracles he works in peoples' lives. You have to pray for understanding. God Bless.
Reply:some might like to argue that perhaps the whole Bible isn't literal... maybe it is, maybe it isn't...





But whether it's literal or not, to me, is besides the point... it's what you take from it... like Fables... clearly they aren't true stories... but still... "the moral of the story is..." is what you take and learn from. ;)
Reply:modern revelation from God through a prophet of God and modern revealed scripture.





As Joseph [Smith] said in his letter to the Saints: “As well might man


stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or


to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge


from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]” (D%26amp;C 121:33).
Reply:The Bible is unlike any other book I have read. The more you read, the deeper the understanding. And then, the more is revealed. Those who generally speak ill of the bible, have never read it, or understood it.
Reply:Because it makes sense. Especially if you study it in context. What are you having trouble with? I'll try and help, email or edit your answer and I'll try and respond
Reply:Easy, the Spirit of truth.





Gods' Word is seed sowed in your mind (soil).





First it has to germinate, be watered, then grow.





It helps to cultivate the soil too, and root out any weeds.
Reply:You need to pray that the Lord opens your eyes and heart to understand. You need to develop faith in His word. You need to accept the truth when you hear it.
Reply:It's called in depth and exhaustive studying. Not just cherry picking pieces that some don't understand and try to make an argument of "see there I told you so".
Reply:The Holy Spirit will guide you if you ask.





You have not, because you don't ask.
Reply:To know God is to love Him. His Word is perfect.
Reply:It's easy to believe truth if you see it.