If you are a believer, at what age did you come to the conclusion that your holy book is the word of god, is true in every way and would dictate your every action for the rest of your life.
I was a believer since birth as it was drummed into me as soon as I could comprehend language. A sad in my pre-teen years woke me up when I realised that it was too contradictory to be believable.
Thanks for the 'comfort' post Naomi. I am not really expecting any answers from believers (except perhaps from Sandy) as it is perhaps as you suggested 'too difficult' and might encourage doubt.
I think I was in my early 50s when I started to appreciate the relevance of the Holy Bible in my life.
If its message had to be distilled down to its pure essence, I'd think it was to be found in The Decalogue. These 10, apparently simple, instructions keep man in harmony with God, his neighbours, and the world.
I hesitate to cross swords with the serried ranks of non-believers who seem to lurk in R&S with the soul intention of giving us believers a cudgeling, metaphorically speaking.
But as I suspect there's a deep yearning for faith hidden behind the facade of disbelief, I feel it my Christian duty to remind you, one and all, of Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Im not sure that is quite true Sandy, Im sure there are more than a few that have asked but not been given. Im sure they just asked for the wrong things :)