Walt Hicks wrote:
> I was doing fine until the doctrine of inerrancy came up. I
> for one do not
> accept that interpretation and will gladly leave the list if that is
> irreconcilable. Let me first state my case.
>
> I have done a scan of the Bible in a word search. The terms
> inerrancy or
> infallible are not used to describe scripture anywhere.
I must say, I must side with Walt, that questioning the "inerrancy" concept
is not heresy. I do believe that Scripture is, as it says, God-breathed, or
in other interpretations, inspired by God. I believe it was inspired by the
Holy Spirit and *personally* I agree with the inerrancy concept, I do think
that God played a hand in how the Bible itself came together as a whole and
in each author.
However, I don't think that if someone questions the concept of "inerrancy"
that is a heresy. I think (and am thankful that) God allows us -- even
demands us -- to question on our spiritual journey. There are so many
different beliefs out there, even within traditional Christianity. There are
very few clear-cut answers, and the Bible certainly has some very difficult
passages to stomach and/or comprehend in light of a loving, just God. I am
confident that the problem lies in my (our) incomplete human understanding
so it doesn't threaten my faith. But I think we can question the concept of
inerrancy and still be devout Christians. I think there are some true
Christians that believe much of the OT is "myth" -- based on some truth but
meant to tell a story with a deeper meaning.
Finally I heard one explanation of the "God commands so-and-so to kill all
the natives" passages. It was a "secondary" meaning that applied to the
crucial importance of "killing" all sin in our lives when we come into a new
area of our lives. If someone gives up cocaine, but leaves a small package
in their bottom drawer just in case they get desperate sometime, that little
packet will always be nagging at them. Rather the addict must purge
everything related to their past life -- the drugs, the drug dealers phone
#, change their friends, get into a NA group, etc etc.
I thought it was very illuminating, anyway.
Wendee
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Wendee Holtcamp -- wendee@greendzn.com
Environmental Journalist ~~ www.greendzn.com
Adjunct Instructor of Biology, Kingwood College
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