Can a Christian question the authority and infallability of the Bible?

[Hearingheart]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

 

[faroukfarouk]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

Why would someone who loves and trusts the Lord Jesus want to do this?

 

[Steve Petersen]

Why would someone who loves and trusts the Lord Jesus want to do this?

Because God is not trapped in the pages of a book? Nor is he bound by our interpretation of it.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Getting to be pretty common these days but, I would wonder if this person is a Born Again Christian ????

Possibly a false conversion -- there are many, many around these days.

M-Bob

 

[faroukfarouk]

Because God is not trapped in the pages of a book? Nor is he bound by our interpretation of it.

Well, by God's grace, I'll stick with what the Lord has revealed in His Word. I guess I really don't have any more to say.

 

[Adstar]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

If one does not believe the entire Words of God then how can one say they believe God?

Now we can disbelieve someones interpretation of Gods word that we may hear.. Because humans often give false interpretations of Gods Word.. But to reject the Word of God and make up an opposing will of God is to create for oneself an idol .. Part God and part ones own thinking.. Mixing darkness with Light will end up destroying the one who does it..

Yes there are parts of the Bible we all find difficult to handle and understand.. But a person needs to have Faith / Trust in God..

Jesus said::
John 6: KJV
63 "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

If we reject His Words we reject Him..

 

[Hearingheart]

I bring up the question because of a conversation and because I want to explore the subject.

I have had conversations with many who love the Lord and exhibit holy and godly behavior but who are not connected with a church because of what is seen as worship of not so reliable source of writings call the Bible.

Now some of these people have been Christians for many years and actively read and use the Bible, they also give credit to other writings and some used to see it as infallible but have since changed their stance.

God's character doesn't change and the evidence of His creation gives testimony of Him. We have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.

I really need to work this out....thanks all for your input.

 

[Sam91]

I think a new Christian might and it's something they learn as they read it and experience God revealing things to them.

If a more mature Christian starts doubting it then they ought to get straight on their knees in prayer.

Once people start saying there are errors it gives them the freedom to pick and choose what they feel is right and then they have a false license to excuse sin...

I think it's something which a lot of Christians need to hear, that they can't pick and choose what the Bible says and what to follow.

 

[Albion]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

You have a couple of different concepts in that post, Hearingheart.

Yes, the Catholic and Orthodox Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches would say that the Bible is not the "only source available through which God would speak." They also use Church Tradition. They would not, however, deny that the Bible IS God's word given to us.

That said, yes, there are people and churches that would agree that the Bible, although useful and highly valued, is not infallible. Those who are emphatic about it (as opposed to those who make only a technical point about a passage or verse here or there) often are termed "liberal Christian." FWIW, some fundamentalist-type Christians would say that -- in their opinion -- this stretches the word "Christian" too far. Among these theological liberals would be some of the best known of the so-called "mainstream" denominations.

 

[Tolworth John]

I bring up the question because of a conversation because I want to explore the subject.

I have had conversations with many who love the Lord and exhibit holy and godly behavior but who are not connected with a church because of what is seen as worship of not so reliable source of writings call the Bible.

Now some of these people have been Christians for many years and actively read and use the Bible, they also give credit to other writings and some used to see it as infallible but have since changed their stance.

God's character doesn't change and the evidence of His creation gives testimony of Him. We have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.

I really need to work this out....thanks all for your input.

How do you know that God's character does not change, or what is Godly or holy behaviour?
May I suggest you start reading the coldcasechristianity blog/web site, where a dectective has used his investigative skills to anaylise the NT. His conclusion is that it is an accurate and reliable statement of what happened.

So yes a Christian can question the authority and reliability of the bible.
What is more interesting is are they prepared to accept the answer that it is accurate etc ?

 

[SeventyOne]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

Maybe at first. People come to the Lord from a variety of circumstances. As children in the faith they are still feeling their way around and may still hold these views for a while, or even other lies, such as evolution, that they were raised in. This probably isn't the norm. Generally, the accounts I've heard were of people who were born again and instantly understood many of these types of truth's, but I can't say everyone has the same experience.

After all, one of the purposes of the coming of the Holy Spirit is to lead us into truth.

Now, if someone claims to be a christian for a long time and still buy into these lies, there is good cause for them to question the reality of their own salvation.

 

[Saint Beloved]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

Hi Hearing,

Believers and non believers alike question this so I think it's just a natural human thing to do. God doesn't mind honest questions or anger just disapproves of intellectual scoffing and pride.

Scripture is a tool it's a believers spiritual weapon sharp as a sword but its wisdom is shielded from the hard hearts of scoffers and mockers they'll never be able to appreciate and gain from it. Only God's Spirit can help the reader to understand the deep mysteries it contains it's part of the joy in the growing personal relationship with our spiritual family.

Anyone can intellectually believe in One God, One Crearor and Jesus the Messiah but that's vague. Followers are called to believe in specifics.

What do you believe about them?
Do they know you?
Do they take an interest in your daily life?
Did Jesus actually exist?
Did Jesus personally die for you?
Have you been blessed?
Have you experienced revelations?
Have you been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity?
Have you received the Holy Spirit?
What are you seeking?

I was on the outside looking in once and didn't hold the bible in any great esteem but now I don't want to read anything else, I don't need anything else, everything else is filler, the bible sustains me. I had to spend time with God and a sound bible teacher to appreciate it. Yes, it has many translations and was written by men of faith inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. I had to want it, really want it before anything changed for me no one else could do that for me. God promised to preserve His Word and I believe Scripture is that promise fulfilled and just as when you use different vocab for different age groups all the translations speak to who they're designed for.

No one can answer this for you or pursuade your heart. Only God's Spirit through earnest seeking and prayer.
Good luck and God bless you.

 

[Hearingheart]

I think a new Christian might and it's something they learn as they read it and experience God revealing things to them.

If a more mature Christian starts doubting it then they ought to get straight on their knees in prayer.

Once people start saying there are errors it gives them the freedom to pick and choose what they feel is right and then they have a false license to excuse sin...

I think it's something which a lot of Christians need to hear, that they can't pick and choose what the Bible says and what to follow.

So are you saying there is no evidence that man could have manipulated or tampered with writings to suit a group or organizations agenda?

 

[Bluerose31]

I never know if I'm posting in the correct place....that's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.

Say one believes in One God, One Creator and also Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God and even uses and reads the Bible but sees the Bible as a useful tool as well as other ancient writings without giving it a place of uncontested infallibility.

Understanding that man has a sin nature and throughout history has exhibited the ability to manipulate, maim, murder and steal in order to procure what he wants, how do we know the Bible is really the only source available through which God would speak?

Is a Christian who doesn't hold to the infallibility of the Bible still considered a Christian?

I don't agree with some things in the Bible and I still consider myself Christian.For example, I don't believe in hell and yet I still consider myself Christian.

 

[Saint Beloved]

Why would someone who loves and trusts the Lord Jesus want to do this?

Didn't you ever question it? I know I did.

 

[Saint Beloved]

Because God is not trapped in the pages of a book? Nor is he bound by our interpretation of it.

True He is so much more and beyond our comprehension but thankfully He has provided some useful practical instructions. If everything Jesus said was collected in book form no one could ever read them all in one lifetime. The bible is much easier to digest over a lifetime. A library of 66 books preserved by His Spirit. That's a miracle to me!

 

[faroukfarouk]

Didn't you ever question it? I know I did.

What good would it do?

Hebrews 11.6 says: "He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him".

 

[Saint Beloved]

Well, by God's grace, I'll stick with what the Lord has revealed in His Word. I guess I really don't have any more to say.

A little encouragment goes a long way!
Be patient, did you get to where your steady faith is now overhight? Mine didn't.

 

[FireDragon76]

I think Albion oversimplifies the view of mainline churches and biblical authority.

Is the Bible infallible? In the sense it tells us where to put our faith ultimately, in Jesus Christ, it is... in the sense of an infallible guide to all possible situations? Not necessarily. That's why there is room for theology and common sense in understanding God's will.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I don't agree with some things in the Bible and I still consider myself Christian.For example, I don't believe in hell and yet I still consider myself Christian.

Wouldn't your sin take you there?

 

[Bluerose31]

Wouldn't your sin take you there?

I dont think so. I believe in heaven.