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This article originally appeared in the October 2003 Edition
Present
Attitudes Toward the Bible
Stan
Cox
Editor's Note: The
following Communicator article was written by brother Stan Cox, who
is holding our meeting for us in October 2003.
In contrast to the heritage of Christians, we would like to examine in this article some prevalent present day attitudes expressed concerning God's word. The following quotes will help to reveal these attitudes. They are taken from an article which appeared in the Life section of the Ft. Worth Star Telegram on August 14, 1999. The article was titled Neglecting the Good Book.
"According to one religious research firm, two-thirds of Americans don't regularly read the Bible or know the names of the Four Gospels. More than half of Americans surveyed can't name even five of the Ten Commandments. And the majority say they find the Good Book irrelevant.
"'We still hold the Bible in high regard, but in terms of actually spending time reading it, studying it and applying it -- that is a thing of the past,' said George Barna. The reasons cited range from changes in American culture to the intrinsic difficulty of the text itself."
Regarding changes made in the text by various versions to make the Bible more palatable to Americans, notice the following quotes:
"Other translations reflect attempts to bring the ancient Scripture in line with modern realities and political sensitivities. Whether God, and people in general, should be referred to as 'he' -- a debate over what's known as 'inclusive language' -- is the hottest translation controversy today within both Judaism and Christianity.
"In the 1995 translation known as The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version, for instance, the classical phrase 'Son of Man' is changed to 'Human One' and the Lord's Prayer invokes 'Our Father-Mother in Heaven.'"
In documenting the troubles Bible publishers and religious groups are having in getting people back to reading the Bible, note the following.
"For starters, the book carries some pretty deadly baggage. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible, for instance, bluntly acknowledges the reader's possible 'ghosts of Bible studies past.' These include 'droning priests, pulpit-pounding pastors, knuckle-rapping nuns, or sermons that seemed hours long.'
"In today's religiously diverse environment, more people are exploring other wisdom traditions and finding the Bible wanting.
"And there is no getting around the fact that the Bible is simply a difficult book.
"The problem is exacerbated by a striking phenomenon: People are discouraged by the Bible's perceived difficulty, yet millions of Americans still prefer a version (KJV, Stan) that is beyond the literacy level of most of them, Barna said."
Ft. Worth Star Telegram, 8/14/99
Oh me, where to start! Articles such as these are so frustrating to read for several reasons.
1) They make no attempt to argue, pro or con, about whether or not the Bible is the inspired word of God. Such statements as "more people are exploring other wisdom traditions and finding the Bible wanting," indicate that people seem willing to disregard God's wishes, and do what they please regarding His will. This despite the claims the Bible makes for itself.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).
2) The quotes indicate a willingness to bend the will of God to a changing culture, rather than conforming our culture to the unchanging words of the Almighty. This despite the following passages:
"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away form the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18-19).
"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:18-19).
3) The quotes indicate an inaccurate perception of the gospel. While there are indeed some difficult passages of God's word which some "twist to their own destruction"(2 Peter 3:16), the good news is by and large simple, and the "common people" heard Jesus gladly. For example, there is nothing difficult to understand about the following passages of scripture:
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Regardless of the world's attitude, the Bible is God's word. It is worthy of our respect and study. We can't "hold it in high regard", and yet not read it. Such paradoxes simply show that the world is under the sway of the wicked one. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
Your Invitation To A Gospel Meeting
October 26-31, 2003
Sunday - Friday
Theme: "The Sanctification of Man"
Sunday morning Bible Class 9:00
Sunday morning assembly 9:50
Sunday afternoon 4:00
Weeknights 7:30
Special Tuesday a.m. class 10:00
-
Sunday Class: "Vanity of Vanities" A Survey of Ecclesiastes
- Sunday a.m.: God’s Holiness
- Sunday p.m.: The Sanctification of Man
- Monday: Lost Religious People
(Religious, But Not Holy)
- Tuesday: Modest Dress (A
Demonstration of the Sanctified Life)
- Wednesday: The Sanctified Home
- Thursday: Fellowship & Romans 14
(Protecting the Integrity of Sanctification)
- Friday: The Great Reward (The End of a Sanctified Life)
Special Tuesday Class
10:00 a.m.
"A Pandora's Box:The Danger of the Unity-In-Diversity Movement"
What are the results of the current effort to embrace unity-in-diversity? Can we know for sure? Does history tell us anything? Do the current practices of brethren teach us anything?
Should we embrace "contradictory teachings on important moral and doctrinal questions?" What are the limits (if any) to our fellowship with those with whom we disagree?
Hear this timely lesson, followed by a question and answer session that will allow the audience to participate.
Bible study on the internet:
www.soundteaching.org
www.reasonforhope.org
Before
You Go...
Stan Cox
One preacher recently responded to criticism that he had been on lectureships where false teachers appeared and "said nothing to expose them." He wrote:
"It is more effective to use courteous, reasoned exegesis of Scripture to correct error than to excoriate, shout epithets and multiply pejorative adjectives."
This is certainly true, though I daresay that his characterization of others' behavior in dealing with error is a bit extreme and lacking in accuracy.
However, a "reasoned exegesis of Scripture to correct error" falls short in its purpose when those who are being corrected are not aware that its application is for them. Whenever teaching is done, the application must be made. Too often these men preach on their subjects in such broad and inoffensive ways that the listener goes away without ever knowing that the admonition was directed at them!
Nathan taught the principle to David that it is wrong to defraud another of his possessions. But he did not leave it to David to make the application on his own. He said to him, "You are the man"! (cf. 2 Samuel 12:7).
It is certainly possible to present a "reasoned exegesis of scripture" and identify those who need the lesson. Paul called it "preaching the truth in love" (Eph 4:15).