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  • Can Your Christianity Be Disproven?

    What if your faith is more fideism?

    The link can be found here.

    -----

    Are you open to the possibility of being wrong? Let's plunge into the Deeper Waters and find out.

    Let me state it right at the start. I am not doubting Christianity. I am not writing from a position of doubt. I am convinced that God exists and that Jesus rose from the dead. Despite that, I should always be open to being wrong. This hit home again for me reading Zondervan's*Five Views On Biblical Inerrancy.*

    Al Mohler has the first chapter and in it, he pretty much equates inerrancy with the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, or CSBI. For Mohler, it seems difficult to imagine inerrancy that does not conform to this statement and if Jesus and Paul or anyone else is an inerrantist, then they would have signed on entirely with the CSBI. That is too much of an assumption I think to make, but a major problem came when I read his response to problem passages that Zondervan asked each person to write on.

    In the Kindle version at location 772, I read the following:

    Archaeologists will disagree among themselves. I am not an archaeologist, and I am not qualified to render any adequate archaeological argument. The point is that I do not allow any line of evidence from outside the Bible to nullify to the slightest degree the truthfulness of any text in all that the text asserts and claims. That statement may appear radical to some readers, but it is the only position that is fully true and trustworthy. Any theological or hermeneutical method that allows extrabiblical sources of knowledge to nullify the truthfulness of any biblical text assumes, a priori, that the Bible is something less than the oracular Word of God.
    Well, yes. This position is very radical. Naturally, if the Bible is inerrant and is true in all it claims and teaches, then if it says X, then X is true. Yet at the same time, if God is the God of reality and has written two books as it were with nature and Scripture, then we should expect that nothing outside of Scripture will contradict Scripture.*

    The problem is that this is the very claim under question. How do we know the Bible is inerrant? Do we start with that as a presupposition or do we reach it as a conclusion? If we say the former, why do this with the Bible and not the Koran or the Book of Mormon?*

    Let's picture Al Mohler in a discussion with a Mormon. This Mormon holds to the position on the Book of Mormon that Mohler holds to on the Bible. Mohler goes and points out many archaeological difficulties with the Book of Mormon. The Mormon does not change his position. Why? Because he says he won't allow any line of evidence from outside the Book of Mormon to conflict with the Book of Mormon.*

    Now Mohler goes to a Muslim. The Muslim is convinced that the Koran says that Jesus did not get crucified or die on a cross. Mohler goes to several lines of evidence to show that Jesus was crucified, but the Muslim is unconvinced. After all, no line of evidence outside of the Koran is allowed to contradict the Koran.

    Are the Muslim and Mormon being unreasonable here? Yep. The sad thing is, so is Mohler. What is being said is a way of saying the double-theory of truth is true. By this, something could be true in the world outside of the Bible and something else contradictory true in the Bible. May it never be!

    This is also one reason why I don't say something like "Show me the bones of Jesus and I'll abandon Christianity." If we were to hypothetically say that Jesus never rose from the dead, it seems strange to think that not only would His bones be here, but that we could tell they were His bones. I instead ask people to give me a better explanation for the rise of the early church than the one that the church itself gave that explains the data agreed to by critical scholars.

    If we want to evangelize people, it is disingenuous for us to tell them that they must be ready to abandon their worldview and accept ours upon conflicting evidence, but we are not doing the same. Some might think that that is a risk. It is only a risk if you think that Christianity could be false. If you are convinced you are right, it is not a risk. Even if you turned out to be wrong, you should be thankful. After all, who wants to believe something that is false?

    I cannot go with the position of Mohler. I am convinced it is a blind faith and it makes inerrancy the central doctrine when the resurrection is. I believe in the Bible because I believe in the resurrection. I do not believe in the resurrection because I believe in the Bible.

    In Christ,
    Nick Peters

  • #2
    Of course it can be disproven. If God came down here and told me he didn't exist then I would stop believing in him.

    Comment


    • #3
      His position doesn't sound much different from Thomas Aquinas in Summa Theologica.

      First Part, Question 1, Article 6, Reply to Objection 2: The principles of other sciences either are evident and cannot be proved, or are proved by natural reason through some other science. But the knowledge proper to this science comes through revelation and not through natural reason. Therefore it has no concern to prove the principles of other sciences, but only to judge of them. Whatsoever is found in other sciences contrary to any truth of this science must be condemned as false: "Destroying counsels and every height that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Cor. 10:4,5).

      Second Part of the Second Part, Question 110, Article 3, Reply to Objection 1: It is unlawful to hold that any false assertion is contained either in the Gospel or in any canonical Scripture, or that the writers thereof have told untruths, because faith would be deprived of its certitude which is based on the authority of Holy Writ. That the words of certain people are variously reported in the Gospel and other sacred writings does not constitute a lie. Hence Augustine says (De Consens. Evang. ii): "He that has the wit to understand that in order to know the truth it is necessary to get at the sense, will conclude that he must not be the least troubled, no matter by what words that sense is expressed." Hence it is evident, as he adds (De Consens. Evang. ii), that "we must not judge that someone is lying, if several persons fail to describe in the same way and in the same words a thing which they remember to have seen or heard."

      Comment


      • #4
        Well there are two reasons I remain a professing Christian. Setting those two reasons aside. The refutation of Christianity consists of two things. Superstition and wishful thinking.

        Superstition. The God question. Can traditional theism show that it is impossible for there not to be any God? Why should simple arithmetic need God to be true? 1 + 1 = 2.

        Wishful thinking. That the dead some day will come back from the dead. Etc. The fact of the human need for hope is how we have evolved.
        . . . the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; . . . -- Romans 1:16 KJV

        . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: . . . -- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV

        Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: . . . -- 1 John 5:1 KJV

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Apologiaphoenix View Post
          . . . Well, yes. This position is very radical. Naturally, if the Bible is inerrant and is true in all it claims and teaches, then if it says X, then X is true. Yet at the same time, if God is the God of reality and has written two books as it were with nature and Scripture, then we should expect that nothing outside of Scripture will contradict Scripture.*
          I agree that the same God is creator of all. But while I am convinced that nothing outside Scripture will contradict Scripture, I is needful that facts outside Scripture can influence how we interpret.
          Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Cerebrum123 View Post
            His position doesn't sound much different from Thomas Aquinas in Summa Theologica.

            First Part, Question 1, Article 6, Reply to Objection 2: The principles of other sciences either are evident and cannot be proved, or are proved by natural reason through some other science. But the knowledge proper to this science comes through revelation and not through natural reason. Therefore it has no concern to prove the principles of other sciences, but only to judge of them. Whatsoever is found in other sciences contrary to any truth of this science must be condemned as false: "Destroying counsels and every height that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Cor. 10:4,5).

            Second Part of the Second Part, Question 110, Article 3, Reply to Objection 1: It is unlawful to hold that any false assertion is contained either in the Gospel or in any canonical Scripture, or that the writers thereof have told untruths, because faith would be deprived of its certitude which is based on the authority of Holy Writ. That the words of certain people are variously reported in the Gospel and other sacred writings does not constitute a lie. Hence Augustine says (De Consens. Evang. ii): "He that has the wit to understand that in order to know the truth it is necessary to get at the sense, will conclude that he must not be the least troubled, no matter by what words that sense is expressed." Hence it is evident, as he adds (De Consens. Evang. ii), that "we must not judge that someone is lying, if several persons fail to describe in the same way and in the same words a thing which they remember to have seen or heard."

            Comment


            • #7
              I think a far bigger issue is how the objective truth affects each of our lives subjectively. People look for evidence and that is awesome. People look at the moral existential historical and theological issues and at hand and must come at some point to a decision. Belief or unbelief both take a leap of faith. Faith is not blind as evidence and loyalty are key to the word , but we as human beings can not fully grasp God in all of his glory.
              sigpic

              Comment


              • #8
                No one has responded to the OP. I believe the reasoning is correct. Inerrancy is a classic example of special pleading.

                My concern is that it's based on a lack of trust of Scripture. I find people who believe in inerrancy commonly assume that if we apply normal criteria to Scripture, not enough will survive to support Christianity. I don't think that's true. But if we apply normal criteria, we will certainly conclude that Scripture is less than perfectly accurate as history. That is, of course, why inerrancy exists.

                Comment


                • #9
                  That there are errors in the Bible can easily be demonstrated to the "beyond all reasonable doubt" level. None of them can be demonstrated to the extent of being absolutely, wholly beyond any possible doubt proven to exist: very little can be.
                  1Cor 15:34 Come to your senses as you ought and stop sinning; for I say to your shame, there are some who know not God.
                  .
                  ⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛
                  Scripture before Tradition:
                  but that won't prevent others from
                  taking it upon themselves to deprive you
                  of the right to call yourself Christian.

                  ⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Didn't some one a long time ago say that the survival of the early church would determine if it were really from God or not?

                    [u]
                    Well, nearly 2,000 years later, so...
                    If it weren't for the Resurrection of Jesus, we'd all be in DEEP TROUBLE!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Christianbookworm View Post
                      Didn't some one a long time ago say that the survival of the early church would determine if it were really from God or not?



                      Well, nearly 2,000 years later, so...
                      Very good point CBW!
                      3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures --1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (borrowed with gratitude from 37818's sig)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by LostSheep View Post
                        Very good point CBW!
                        I wonder if Gamaliel ever became a Christian?
                        If it weren't for the Resurrection of Jesus, we'd all be in DEEP TROUBLE!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Christianbookworm View Post
                          I wonder if Gamaliel ever became a Christian?
                          Some people think so.
                          Veritas vos Liberabit<>< Learn Greek <>< Look here for an Orthodox Church in America<><Ancient Faith Radio
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                          I recommend you do not try too hard and ...research as little as possible. Such weighty things give me a headache. - Shunyadragon, Baha'i apologist

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                          • #14
                            The OP evokes quite a few thoughts. I'm afraid I don't currently have the patience or motivation to try to weave them into a thoroughly coordinated whole, but I'll try to not be *too* disorganized.

                            On the CSBI -- In reading Amazon reviews, one gets the impression that this was the particular version of "inerrancy" that the book was to address. If so, it was appropriate for Mohler to "equate" the whole concept of inerrancy with the CSBI. However, the information Zondervan itself provides about the book makes no mention of this.

                            The CSBI probably *is* the most common detailed definition and exposition of "inerrancy," but in specific discussions of the topic, it is worth noting which version is under discussion, and at least briefly addressing others.

                            My views on the Chicago Statements: There are, in case any are unaware, three of them -- Inerrancy, Hermeneutics, and Application. IIRC, the authors specifically aver that they are not to be viewed as formal, binding "creeds." And yet, in practice (at least in my experience), many who hold to them do seem to attach that sort of weight to them. Further, there is (IMO) a tendency to treat the "authors' exposition" that accompanies some editions of the CSBI as "part of" the CSBI text itself, and to treat the later successive Statements as logically (and therefore necessarily) derivable from the former. And then (once again, in my experience) that whole package tends to be used to define "evangelical" approaches to Scripture. I think that is unhelpfully exclusionary.

                            My view on inerrancy: I'm ok with the "inerrantist" label. I'm ok with the CSBI, as I interpret and understand it. I'm somewhat less ok with the subsequent Statements. I also think "inerrancy" is of limited practical value. Left undefined, one readily takes it to mean, "No errors of any kind, at all." This is prima facie not the case, which is one reason we need elaborate things like the CSBI. The CSBI (and various other versions) limit "inerrancy" to the original manuscripts. They also -- either explicitly or implicitly -- assume inerrancy in the choice of the 66-book Protestant canon. They also -- either explicitly or implicitly -- do NOT ascribe inerrancy to preservation, transmission, or translation; and at the same time, they acknowledge that the originals no longer exist. So the only truly "inerrant" Scriptures vanished at least 1800 years ago.

                            As a bit of an excursus on this bit, I was recently looking at Witherington's "Socio-Rhetorical Commentary" on the Gospel of Mark. Witherington is one of my favorite authors. For such things as qualifying to teach at Asbury, he is happy to agree to their Statement of Faith (or whatever term they use) that includes "inerrancy." But for various reasons such as those I cited above, he doesn't generally jump to use that label for himself. In the commentary I was reading, he does not comment at all on anything after Mark 16:8. In the footnotes, he explains (and concurs with Metzger) that the well-known vv. 9-20 ending, and the few other lesser known endings that extend beyond v. 8, are later non-Marcan additions; but, again agreeing with Metzger, he believes v. 8 was NOT the INTENDED original ending, but that most likely the last "leaf" or column got torn away and lost. So very early on, part of the "inerrant" text was "lost," before it even had a chance to be copied.

                            Returning to the topic, I don't automatically have a problem believing the Bible, even when it conflicts with, e.g., "scientific facts." I believe, for instance, in a literal Adam and Eve. It doesn't matter to me that the "science" of genetics says the entire human race could not have descended from an original pair, especially in any reasonable time frame. "Fideism" isn't always bad; the Bible itself encourages it, at least at some points.

                            In terms of our faith in general, Scripture objectively teaches that subjective experience is a large (if not THE largest) part of it.
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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Christianbookworm View Post
                              I wonder if Gamaliel ever became a Christian?
                              He is - or was - listed as a Saint in the Roman Martyrology, with 32 OT worthies. FWIW.

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