Bible–God’s Word or just another book?
I believe the Bible is God’s Word. I believe it is inerrant or infallible. When I study it, I believe it will bring me closer to God. I don’t worship the Bible, but I do worship the God that inspired its writings. Recenly, I have been amazed at the how believers choose what times they will follow exactly what it says or try crafty interpretations. I think this is dangerous. Either it is God’s Word or it is just another good book.
I read today that the United Church of Canada’s Toronto branch announced a boycott Thursday of Israeli products and companies that do business with the Israeli Army. You can read about it here. (THIS POST HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR BOYCOTT)The United Church of Canada is the largest protestant church in Canada. I wanted to see what they believed so I read their statement of beliefs and was amazed at what they had to say. Read what they believe here. Here is what they say about the Bible.
‘We often refer to a passage as “the Word of God.” By this we mean the writer was inspired by God. Yet we also know the various books that make up the Bible are the stories of two ancient communities trying to be faithful to God under difficult circumstances—ancient Israel and the early Christian movement—and some of what was experienced and written then doesn’t fit with today’s world. We don’t condone slavery, for example, or stone those who commit adultery. Nevertheless, in its stories and teachings the Bible has a mysterious power to inform our lives.”
So do I understand this right? If it doesn’t fit with our world today, then they don’t believe it? The Episcopal Church is allowing homosexual ministers. The Presbyterian (USA) is changing the name of the Trinity. This is scary. As an evangelical Christian and a Southern Baptist, I take the Bible seriously. I believe it is God’s word and is without error. This also means we shouldn’t add to the Bible either. That is what the Pharisees did. Sola Scriptura!
Kevin,
I’m not sure that I see the connection here. Are you saying that they are boycotting Israel becuase they do not believe the Bible? While I think the US should support the modern state of Israel for various geopolitical reasons, I do not base that support upon theology. In other words, one can disagree with the modern state of Israel and believe the Bible at the same time.
It has been said many times, the bible is not a Ryan’s buffet. You can’t pick and choose what you want!
Taran,
I’m sorry. No, Israel has nothing to do with what I’m saying. After reading the article I wanted to see what the Church of Canada believed. When I read their beliefs it was amazing to me that the largest protestant church in the country didn’t even believe the Bible. The SBC is the largest in the US and we could be there too some day.
My bad. I misunderstood. I’m agree with your larger point. Thanks for taking a moment to explain.
Taran,
Thanks for your post because I didn’t make sense.
I have corrected!
Kevin,
You made a profound statemnet when you said, “I don’t worship the Bible, I worship the God of the Bible.”
Far too many evangelicals (of which I am one) have “worshipped the Word” more than the “God of the Word.”
Their relationship is then established with the paper and ink, instead of the Creator of the Universe.
Now this is not to downplay bible study, devotional reading, and most of all obedience.
But we must know the GOD of the Word for that same WORD to bring change in our lives.
Thanks for a great post.