The Problem With Scripture

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Problem isn't exactly the right word, more like dilemma. My dilemma. I'm only a flawed human, reading and trying to comprehend God's mind, but the Bible is so woefully inconsistent. Certainly, a huge ton of Scripture is remarkably inspiring and eminently sensible, therefore very useful.

Then, there's occasional Scripture that's crazy, like declaring an adulterer must be put to death, and ditto for gays, death again. Also, less lethal bigotries like men cannot marry divorced woman, that's adultery, too. Huh? Sorry, no way that's God's word or will. So, not every "jot and tittle" of Scripture was Creator inspired. The dilemma becomes separating the "wheat from the chaff", gleaning that which is godly true from negative, man-conceived ideas. 

More ungodly notions include: in Jeremiah, God allegedly commands cannibalism against Israel's enemy. But, wow. In Psalm 137.9 we read: "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." Again God directs this horribly vicious act against the enemies of Israel. Clearly, that Scripture was inspired by its angry human author, I'm guessing for every good reason. Plenty other examples, Leviticus has many.

Aside from unthinkable, some attributions are humorous. In Proverbs 27:14, old King Solomon gets away with mentioning how annoying a quarrelsome wife can be. What? He'd have all his social media accounts cancelled for that today. But, at least it's believable as a dopey mortal statement, yet nothing divine.

So, the Bible, for all that it represents well and wisely, remains both irreplaceable and inexplicable. While the challenge (for me) remains the inquiry, scrutiny, and critical analysis of reason-- a thinking, embracing faith, and indefatigable curiosity.

 


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