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About Jesus - Steve (Stephen) Sweetman Dealing
With Problematic Bible Passages Dealing
With Problematic Bible Passages I have
always said that a good Bible study, whether individual or corporate,
should answer some questions but in the process raise more questions.
Since being a student of the Bible for fifty five years, I've had
many questions answered, but now in my seventies, I have more Biblical
questions and issues to be resolved. So
I take 1 Corinthians 13:12 seriously and admit I know in part and what I
do know is a dull reflection of what is to be known.
I also admit that there
are various Biblical issues that are problematic, including discrepancies,
that theologians over the
centuries have not sufficiently solved.
I also believe that in recent years, due to updated knowledge of
history, ancient cultures and languages, theologians have found solutions
to some Biblical problematic issues. Attempting
to answer these valid questions and problematic issues has caused many in recent
years to deconstruct their faith in Jesus.
That's not me. Being young in
1950's Evangelical Christianity, I got the impression that some
were not excited about a seminary education.
They thought it was dangerous.
Questions and issues raised in these institutions of higher
learning could tempt a young person to backslide.
I understand their fear. The
Evangelical church in the first half of the twentieth century was battling
the liberal church's "higher Biblical criticism" of the late
1800's and early 1900's, among other things, removed the supernatural from the Bible,
often called "demythologizing Scripture."
There must be some in
the church who can legitimately address the critical analysis of our
atheist critics. At least to a
degree, we are all to give a reasonable explanation for our faith in Jesus
(1 Peter 3:15). I realize that
not all are heavy-duty theologians. That
being so, a simplistic approach to Scripture is fine for many, maybe most,
but is not fine for the health of the church. It's
why Jesus appoints teachers to church leadership (Ephesians 4:11).
With all of the above in
mind, including yet to be resolved Biblical issues and discrepancies, I suggest we admit to
what we don't know and not be overly dogmatic about what we think we know.
We should be honest and admit to what appears to be valid Biblical problems.
We should not use what I call "manipulative
interpretation" to solve a problematic issue.
We must be aware of our personal and religious presuppositional
biases as we try to resolve outstanding issues.
Most importantly, we must be born again of the Spirit, newly
created people due to God's Spirit within us.
He and He alone is able to keep us from deconstructing our faith in
Jesus in the midst of our unanswered questions. When it comes to our
critics, we state what we believe we know, and let the Lord do the needed
convincing in their hearts. We
may or may not be able to influence their intellect but only Jesus can
influence their hearts. Scripture
References 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see
only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I
know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1
Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts
revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"
Ephesians 4:11 "So Christ himself
gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers," John 3:3 "Jesus replied, 'Very
truly I tell you, no one can see the 2
Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new
is here!"
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