The Bible is a collection of stories, poems, letters, and teachings that have evolved over centuries. The idea that it is a literal, inerrant text is not only historically inaccurate but also overlooks the rich, diverse, and beautiful history of these writings. The inerrancy of the Bible is a myth that does a disservice to the depth of the texts and of God.
A History of Edits and Changes
The Bible wasn’t handed down from heaven in a complete form. It was written, edited, and compiled over many centuries by countless authors and editors. The Old Testament was written between roughly 1200 and 165 BCE. The New Testament was penned in the first century CE, but it took several hundred years for the books we now recognize to be canonized. And the books that ARE canonized depends on your particular Christian denomination.
The Old Testament
The Torah, the first five books of the OT, was edited and redacted over centuries. Scholars believe the Torah was finalized during the Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE. Other books, like the Prophets and Writings, also saw additions and revisions. The process was anything but straightforward.
The New Testament
The NT consists of 27 books, but this was not always the case. Early Christians revered many other writings, like the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Shepherd of Hermas, which were later excluded. The canonization of the New Testament was influenced by various councils and leaders, each with their own specific theological and political agendas.
The Influence of Politics
Political forces have always played a role in shaping the Bible. The Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, convened by Emperor Constantine, was pivotal in defining Christian orthodoxy and influencing which books were included in the New Testament. During the Reformation, Martin Luther questioned the inclusion of certain Old Testament books, moving the Apocrypha to a secondary status.
The Myth of Literal Inerrancy
Most Christians do not know that the idea of biblical inerrancy – that the Bible is without error in all its teachings – is a recent development. This idea gained traction in the 19th century, a time of rising modern biblical criticism and scientific discoveries. It was a reaction to a changing world, an attempt to cling to certainty.
Historical Context
For most of history, theologians and scholars did not view the Bible as a literal, inerrant text. Early Church Fathers like Origen and Augustine understood the Bible in allegorical and metaphorical terms, recognizing its human authorship and historical context.
Contradictions and Variations
The Bible is full of contradictions and variations that challenge the notion of inerrancy. The Gospels offer different accounts of Jesus’ life and resurrection. The Old Testament has multiple creation narratives and conflicting genealogies. These inconsistencies reflect diverse perspectives and traditions.
Embracing the Bible’s Humanity
Acknowledging the Bible’s humanity doesn’t diminish its sacredness. It enhances our understanding and appreciation. The Bible’s evolution mirrors the dynamic relationship between the divine and human, showing how communities over centuries have sought to articulate their experiences of the sacred.
Moving Beyond Literalism
By embracing the Bible’s complexity, we can move beyond literalism and engage with its deeper spiritual truths. The stories, poems, laws, and teachings can inspire, challenge, and guide us – not as a rigid rulebook, but as a tool in our quest for meaning and connection with the divine.
The idea of literal inerrancy oversimplifies what is a beautiful tapestry, and reduces the Bible to a rigid, rulebook, often used as a weapon to justify oppression, marginalization and other great harms. By embracing the truth, we reveal the Bible’s humanity, and find relevance and inspiration.
This is why we focus on deconstructing religious baggage that comes from false teaching like this – to free our hearts from religious trauma. Then we can embrace a more profound, compassionate understanding of the Universe, and recognize the divine presence in the beauty that is in us, and all around us.
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