As previously mentioned, the Bible contains errors that Christian scholars agree upon. In dealing with this problem the “solutions” might sound something like:
In my view this is proof of an honest system checking and verifying the perfection of the Bible. We have families of manuscripts and when we put them altogether we can find the copyist errors. Therefore this is actually proof that the Bible is perfect.
Sounds like a decent explanation, right? Don’t get fooled with these fancy words and explanations (it is like a police investigation to verify the facts, they say). First and foremost the Bible itself says it is from God:
• "For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21)
And, the Bible says God is perfect and His works are perfect (my emphasis):
• "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him" (2 Samuel 22:31)
• “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30)
Therefore, there should not be any error in the Bible – but, there is. Christian scholars agree that there are errors in the Bible. The fancy explanations they give are excuses for God (may Allah protect us from this form of disbelief) since the Bible itself says it is God’s flawless word – Christian scholars can avoid dealing with this fact by making up big worded and long winded excuses but at the end of the day there is a major problem here: The Bible has agreed upon errors while at the same time claiming to be the flawless word of God.
4 comments:
Salaam,
This is where one cuts hairs, the errors are not in the Bible itself, they're in the copies of the Bible. Theres a major difference there, as the Chicago view of inerrancy holds, the original manuscripts are what is considered inspired by God, the copies are just copies.The same could be said about the Qur'an, as there were many versions before the Uthman translation was universalized.
Hi Brooks,
First, about the errors: As the post mentioned, God says His works are perfect. Now you are saying that humans are able to alter the perfect word of God (copyist errors) - so in your view who has more power and ability? Of course God, His word should be without copyist error; not simply because I say so but because God says His works and His words are perfect and flawless (see above). These errors should not exist according to the contextual consistency of what the Bible has presented. By stating that humans (God's creation) have the ability to overwrite and alter God's perfection (words and works) you are offering an argument that really calls into question who has the real power and ability.
Second, what you have said is not correct. This is not like the Qur'an nor did Uthman universalize a translation. If you are referring to adding a system of punctuation this is something different entirely and was not anything to do with meaning but rather people were accepting Islam whose first language was not Arabic and this system assisted them in pronunciation and also to ensure that these later generations would not misunderstand any of the meanings. Among Muslims and across all sects and time there is only one Qur'an with no variation and this has been unchanged.
I wish for you sincerity in your quest for the truth friend.
"First, about the errors: As the post mentioned, God says His works are perfect. Now you are saying that humans are able to alter the perfect word of God (copyist errors) - so in your view who has more power and ability?"
If I copy the Koran and make an error, will you recant your faith? I doubt it. Copying errors are the fault of the copyist, not the original author.
4simpsons,
Thanks for the comment.
Great. Of course, if you changed our text we would not believe the Qur'an to have a mistake. The difference here being that the earliest manuscripts known of the Bible contain these errors. And, for thousands of years these errors were accepted and taught. Still today, Christian scholars acknowledge that there are errors within the Bible.
The Qur'an however has not changed. And, if you were (as you gave the example) to change a word - an eight year old child would be able to correct you as many millions have memorized the text from the first letter to the last. Even if you were to throw every written version into the ocean there would be millions across the world would bring it back because it has been so widely memorized (literally by millions of people alive today. And, this is the only text where this can be done.
Hope to hear your thoughts.
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