I love it when I get people that insist on the inerrancy of the Bible. All I offer them is a little Bible study directly in the New Testament. It all boils down to 12 questions about the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s the new 12-step program. Of course his inerrancy question was just a lead-in for proselytizing; but I like to have a little fun, too.
James Rebuttal #001:
Your website states:
BLAIR: “No matter how you cut it, the Bible cannot be used as proof of God. The Bible is not exceptional proof, it is full of errors, inconsistencies, contradictions and its source is highly questionable (at best).”
I am curious as to why you attacked only the origin (source) of the Bible when it is but one of four things you mentioned. I would like to see some of these things “errors, inconsistencies and/or contradictions” from a King James Bible.
Also, there is a reason that you don’t understand the Bible and seem to find fault in it… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor 2:14 You probably can’t understand that verse either, but in the verse it states why you can’t. Basically, because you are unsaved and have no relationship with Jesus Christ, you are blinded to the truth that lies in the Bible (i.e. you can’t figure it out). I hope to receive a response or a reply on your website. Thank you for your time.
Response to James #001:
JAMES: “I am curious as to why you attacked only the origin (source) of the Bible when it is but one of four things you mentioned.”
Because the contradictions, inconsistencies and errors are obvious. I also discuss these problems in several of my debates, so the information is available. Biblical scholars recognize such as well, so this point is not in contention except with apologists that make up some of the funniest things in order to rationalize these contradictions.
JAMES: “I would like to see some of these things “errors, inconsistencies and/or contradictions” from a King James Bible.”
Let’s do a bit of Bible-study, shall we? I will leave this up to you so that you can see the contradictions for yourself and more importantly, identify them on your own. Below is a list of questions. Answer each question with information from all four gospels. Do not leave out any information or try to blend answers. Leave the answers as they are stated in each gospel. We’ll look at the resurrection of Jesus just for starters:
- What time did the women visit the tomb?
- Which women visited the tomb?
- Was the tomb open when they arrived?
- Who was at the tomb when they got there?
- What did the messenger tell the women?
- Did the women tell what happened?
- Did Mary know Jesus had resurrected when she returned to the tomb?
- When did Mary first see the resurrected Jesus?
- After visiting the women at the tomb, whom did the resurrected Jesus visit next?
- Where did the resurrected Jesus first appear to the disciples?
- Did the resurrected Jesus stay on Earth or depart that same day for Heaven?
- Where did the ascension take place?
Answer those 12 questions and get back to me.
JAMES: “Basically, because you are unsaved and have no relationship with Jesus Christ, you are blinded to the truth that lies in the Bible (i.e. you can’t figure it out).”
Funny, that’s what the Muslims say about you and your inability to understand the Qu’ran.
You’re initial assumption that I was never a Christian is wrong. Every sacred religious text is basically the same when it comes to exaggerations, interpolations, mythology and other nonsense. The only reason that you’re a Christian is because you are a victim of geography. If you lived in India you would be telling me that I can’t understand Vishnu through the Verdi because I’m “blinded”. If you lived in Saudi Arabia you would be telling me that I can’t understand Allah through the Qu’ran because I’m “blinded”. If you lived in Jerusalem you would be telling me that I can’t understand Yahweh through the Torah because I’m “blinded”. The list goes on and on.
You’re a Christian not because of any Biblical truth, but because you were raised in a mostly-Christian environment. You are a victim of geography.
JAMES: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 1 Cor 1:18-19″
Don’t you find it odd that wisdom, intelligence and knowledge are frowned upon in the Bible? It starts at the “tree of knowledge” and is perpetuated from there. I’ve read the Bible many, many times and I’ve yet to find a single verse that embraces intelligence and knowledge. Why is it that your god (read priestcraft) wants you to be dumb?
James Rebuttal #002:
Just wanted to thank you for your quick response. I will be happy to get back to you regarding the Bible study as soon as I get time to do it (I’m in the Navy, going to Bible school and trying to raise a family-which all keep me pretty busy). 2 things I’d like to address right now though…if you’re saved, great.
The Bible (which I know you don’t believe) says even if we deny him, he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself. So if the Bible is right I’ll see you in Heaven and there will be more debate. Also, God does not want us to be dumb, but when a person thinks they’re too smart for God…they’ve learned too much. The verse I quoted was in reference to what I just stated. There are many, many intelligent Christians as I’m sure you can’t deny.
I hope you have a great day and will get back to you regarding the “Bible study.”
Response to James #002:
JAMES: “The Bible (which I know you don’t believe) says even if we deny him, he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself. So if the Bible is right I’ll see you in Heaven and there will be more debate.”
Thanks for pointing out another contradiction. The Bible also states that only those that accept Jesus as The Christ can get into Heaven. Which is it? Does God let all in that are faithful, or just those that accept Jesus as The Christ? They are not the same. There are lots of faithful in the world that do not accept Jesus as The Christ and there are many faithful that do not even believe that Jesus ever existed.
JAMES: “Also, God does not want us to be dumb, but when a person thinks they’re too smart for God…they’ve learned too much.”
Personally, I think you’re wrong about this. There are many references in the Bible that make derogatory remarks about knowledge or the quest for knowledge. You are somewhat correct in saying that some of this is about learning more about God, but not all of them, put into correct context, are talking about learning about God.
What was the Fall of Man about? The very heart of Christian theology is about the repercussions for gaining knowledge. Jesus died for the sins of man because man was inherently sinful since the Original Sin. Adam & Eve gained access to the same knowledge that the gods had and that pissed the gods off. The fact that man had knowledge was abhorant to the gods and so they expelled Adam & Eve from paradise and put in them shame, pain, suffering and humility. God punished them like a child throwing a temper-tantrum (as my daughter once put it).
The very foundation of the Christian faith is the godly wrath over the gaining of knowledge and the punishment suffered because that knowledge was gained.
James never responded.
Blair Scott: Synthentral 