Rightly dividing the word of truth January 10 2010
In the past, as a Christian attending the Revival Fellowship, I would have immediately dismissed the contents of this website as “foolish questions… and contentions” or “vain babblings” and would have thus labeled them “unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:16).
However, the New Testament encourages Christians to rationalize or defend their beliefs; which I initially set out to do.
For example, Paul, urges Timothy, “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Similarly, Peter challenges his readers to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15)
How is one to rightly divide the word of truth
- if only ever exposed to one side of the argument?
In the vein of these two prominent figures in Christiany history, I challenge you to actually think about these questions and formulate an answer for the hope that is within you. Ask yourself, honestly, what do the discrepancies, irresolvable differences, and contradictions in the Bible actually mean. Ask yourself, ‘What are the implications of an erroneous Bible?’
As briefly outlined in the introduction, my journey has involved the rejection of creationism, Jesus as God, the Bible as divine and inerrant, tongues as a sign and the existence of a personal God (specifically the God described in the Bible).
Below are five books that I found very useful in gaining perspective on these five topics other than assuming the Revival Fellowship’s as the default.
| Bible | Creation* | Jesus# | Tongues | God§ |
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It’s one thing to emotionally reject this site and these questions because they contradict what you “know” is true – but it’s another to actually reject these questions intellectually after examining the issues raised. And surely more satisfying? You will emerge a better informed Christian with a much stronger faith.
Finally, think of Paul’s criticism to the men of Athens who were superstitious and worshiped their God in ignorance (Acts 17:22-23).
* This book is written by a Christian author from a Christian perspective and is a really good place to start. You can get it from Koorong for $20 at the moment. # If you were to read only one single book – this would have to be it. This review persuaded me to buy it. § Although a bit of a ‘trashy’ read – it was this book that made me consider I could actually be wrong. A good starting point and a really good Do-I-Really-Believe-That? catalyst.
Hi, good article. One of the (many) reasons I convinced myself the church I attended for the first 25 years of my life up until 18 months ago was wrong is because they forbade exactly this – allowing members to do the research, to test assumptions and come to their own conclusion about truth rather than taking someone else’s word and interpretation. People were put out of fellowship for asking questions that demonstrated their faith was waning … when in fact they were simply looking to strengthen their faith.
Some interesting-sounding resources there, I might check some of those books out – thanks for sharing.
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I just pre-ordered John W Loftus’ new book The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails on Amazon. I will post a mini review here once it arrives. Thanks for recommending his first book.
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Hey Nathaniel and Darren
Valid point Nathaniel, education should be a central tenet to any paradigm worth it’s weight in gold. Darren, that book looks interesting, I may check it out myself. Check out Humanism, it’s real, tangible and good.
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