Navigating the Waters of Scriptural Inerrancy
> The Bible, revered as the Word of God by billions around the globe, is not without its complexities and challenging passages. For centuries, scholars, theologians, and laypeople alike have wrestled with sections of Scripture that seem difficult to understand, interpret, or reconcile with other portions of the text. These difficulties raise important questions about the nature of the Bible, its inerrancy, and its role in the Christian faith.
The History of the Orthodox View on Inerrancy
The orthodox Christian view has long held the Bible as inerrant — free from error in all its teachings. This belief is rooted in the conviction that the Scriptures, inspired by God, reflect His perfection and truth. However, as Gleason L. Archer notes in his “Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties,” this position has faced challenges throughout Christian history, especially with the advent of higher criticism in the 19th century. Critics argue that discrepancies, historical inaccuracies, and scientific conflicts within the text undermine its authority and reliability.
Archer’s Position on Inerrancy
Archer staunchly defends the inerrancy of Scripture, arguing that apparent contradictions and difficulties often arise from a lack of understanding regarding the Bible’s original languages, historical context, or literary genres. He posits that a thorough and scholarly examination of the text, with due consideration for these factors, can resolve most, if not all, of these issues. For Archer, inerrancy is foundational to the Christian faith; if the Bible is not entirely trustworthy, the very basis of Christianity becomes unstable.
The Problem of Trustworthiness
If the Bible is not entirely trustworthy, the implications for the Christian faith are profound. Doctrine, ethics, and salvation are all grounded in the teachings of Scripture. Doubts about the Bible’s reliability can lead to a shaky foundation for belief, making it difficult for believers to have confidence in the promises and commands of God.
Critics’ Reasoning and Evangelical Responses
Critics of biblical inerrancy often point to perceived contradictions, anachronisms, or scientific inaccuracies within the text. Some argue from a naturalistic perspective, dismissing the supernatural elements of Scripture as myth. In response, evangelical scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the Bible’s genres, historical settings, and the intentions of its human authors. They also argue for a nuanced view of inerrancy that allows for phenomenological language (describing things as they appear from a human perspective) and accommodates the cultural expressions of the time.
Examples of Apparent Contradiction, inaccuracies, an discrepancies
To illustrate the debate on biblical inerrancy, here are examples of criticisms raised by critics and the responses by defenders of inerrancy:
1. Alleged Contradictions within the Bible
Criticism: Critics often point to passages that seem to contradict each other. For example, the Gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus provide different details regarding who visited the tomb, the number of angels present, and the sequence of events, leading some to claim these accounts are irreconcilably contradictory.
Response: Defenders of inerrancy argue that differences in eyewitness accounts are to be expected and do not necessarily constitute contradictions. In legal and historical scholarship, completely identical accounts by different witnesses are often treated with suspicion, as they may indicate collusion. Diverse perspectives can provide a fuller, more nuanced picture of an event. In the case of the resurrection accounts, defenders argue that the core message remains consistent across the Gospels: Jesus rose from the dead. The differences in detail can be harmonized without forcing the texts, suggesting complementary rather than contradictory accounts.
2. Historical Inaccuracies
Criticism: Critics sometimes claim that the Bible contains historical inaccuracies. For example, some have questioned the existence of certain people, places, or events mentioned in Scripture, such as the Hittites or the census at the time of Jesus’ birth, due to a lack of corroborating evidence from other historical sources.
Response: Defenders of inerrancy have pointed to archaeological discoveries that have affirmed the existence of many people, places, and events the Bible mentions. For instance, the existence of the Hittites was once doubted by skeptics until archaeological evidence confirmed their presence in history. Regarding the census, defenders note that historical records from the era are incomplete, and absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. They argue that the biblical text deserves the benefit of the doubt, given its proven historical reliability in other areas.
3. Scientific Discrepancies
Criticism: Some critics argue that the Bible makes scientifically inaccurate statements, such as the creation account in Genesis, which they claim contradicts the evidence for evolution and an ancient universe.
Response: Defenders of inerrancy often distinguish between different genres within the Bible, arguing that texts like Genesis contain theological truths rather than scientific descriptions. They suggest that the primary purpose of Genesis is to affirm God as the Creator of all things, not to provide a detailed account of the mechanisms of creation. Furthermore, some defenders adopt a framework interpretation or theistic evolution, reconciling the biblical account with scientific understanding, while maintaining that the core theological affirmations about God’s creative work remain true and inerrant.
In each of these cases, defenders of biblical inerrancy emphasize the importance of context, genre, and the intention of the biblical authors. They argue that a careful and nuanced approach to Scripture, along with an openness to harmonizing evidence from various fields of study, can address the criticisms without compromising the belief in the Bible’s inerrancy.
Treating Difficult Passages
When faced with difficult passages that seem to contradict other portions of Scripture, Christians are encouraged to approach them with humility and diligence. The principle of perspicuity — the clarity of Scripture on matters essential for salvation — assures believers that while not every passage is equally clear, the central truths of the faith are accessible. Christians are urged to study challenging texts in light of the whole counsel of Scripture, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the insights of sound biblical scholarship.
Despite the difficulties some passages may present, Christians have the assurance that the Holy Spirit aids in understanding God’s Word. The principle of perspicuity maintains that Scripture is clear in its essential teachings, even if finite humans cannot grasp all its mysteries. This principle encourages believers to trust in the Spirit’s illumination and the coherence of biblical truth.
Conclusion
Difficult passages in the Bible invite Christians into a deeper engagement with God’s Word, challenging them to grow in faith, understanding, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. While the debates on inerrancy may continue, the commitment to Scripture as the authoritative and inspired Word of God remains a cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Share Your Insights:
As believers navigate the complexities of Scripture, they are encouraged to share their insights and discoveries with others. In doing so, they contribute to the edification of the body of Christ, fostering a deeper communal understanding of God’s Word and its application to our lives. Let us approach the Bible with reverence, seeking wisdom and clarity from the Holy Spirit, and sharing the treasure of its truths with the world around us.
