Apologetics

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BIBLICAL ERRORS?


For some people, biblical errors seem to proliferate. While for others, like myself, they seem to be virtually if not completely non-existent. How is one to account for this difference in perspective? Then, as a result, to be able to interact with those in disagreement.
Initially, it seems that one’s predisposition plays a significant role in how we understand the text. For instance, I recall a person who claimed to an obvious contradiction between two accounts in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). In one instance, a single person is mentioned and in the other two persons. Initially, they may not have been a reference to the same incident. This is plausible since Jesus dealt repeatedly with certain issues that arose.
However, if asked whether I thought they were the same instance, I would reply in the affirmative. Given a detailed study of the two accounts. What then? Someone must speak on behalf of a concern shared with others. It is highly unlikely that they spoke in unison. So that it would be accurate to draw attention to the one or both. Consequently, it seems strange to me to insist that this is a contradiction.
I am also reminded of a time when my Old Testament professor in Seminary was about to conclude a not very exciting lecture with a burst of enthusiasm. As he waved a copy of the Greek New Testament about his head, he rhetorically inquired: “Do you mean to say that when I can include all the genuine problems on one page of the Greek text that I should doubt its validity?” It would not seem so, but even one instance might raise suspicion that there are others.
There are other pertinent factors to be taken into consideration. For instance, the fact that theological discourse is characteristically metaphorical. As when a certain young adult faulted God for being jealous, assuming its negative implications. Conversely, Scripture teaches that God is good and does good. So if I were doing a paraphrase translation, it might substitute the term zealous. In any case, one should not suppose that he or she is more righteous than God.
It may help to think of God as reaching down to interact with us. It is a stretch which must be allowed for. Conversely, it alerts us to the fact to we should make an effort to expand our understanding, with divine assistance.
Hyperbole should also be given due consideration. Exaggeration is a literary device, not to be confused with error. Moreover, hyperbole appears to be much more common in Scripture than may be recognized. So that our zeal for accuracy should not be allowed to ignore literary features in the text.
The study of Scripture should also allow for historical considerations. In this regard, the Holy Land is sometimes said to be the fifth gospel, since it provides so much insight into the text. Having led several study groups to the Holy Land, and lived in Jerusalem for four years, this has been a valuable ingredient in Bible study.
Time must also be coupled with space in a more accurate understanding. I have heard it said that to live is to change. But the more some things change, the more other things remain constant. It is a wise person who can tell the difference.
In brief, we are encouraged to learn from the past, live toward the future, and engage in the present. As for the first of these, C. S. Lewis suggested that a person should read a worthy text from the past for every current text. Otherwise, our perspective is severely limited.
Then are we assured, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16). In inspired by God, one would assume it accurate. Not only accurate, but functional. Both to dissuade us from doing wrong, and guiding us in doing what is right.
As such, it has survived the attack of the critics, who seem disposed to silence God. As Friedrich Nietzsche humorously allowed, “I hope there is no God, for then I would not be him.” Apart from humor, it seems to touch on a common human defection.
Meanwhile, I marvel at the new insights and incentives to be gained from the study of Scripture. As an on-going process, which has served me for virtually a life time. While assured that the best is yet to come for those who put their trust in divine revelation.

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