In the world today, with the overwhelming amount of information and conflicting narratives, it can be challenging to discern the truth. The pervasive sensationalism and bias in the media often leave us feeling anxious and uncertain about what to believe. This constant bombardment of alarming news stories has fostered a culture of skepticism, making it difficult to trust anything or anyone. Our society's emphasis on individualism further isolates us, heightening our skepticism and sense of distrust. In times like these, it is crucial to have a reliable guide to navigate through the chaos and confusion. Scripture provides a timeless source of wisdom and truth that offers solace and clarity amidst the uncertainties of the world. By turning to scripture, we can find comfort, guidance, and a sense of peace in the midst of skepticism and doubt. That all being said, it is worth while to look at some of the questions of reliability.
Questions of Reliability
Among the many attacks against scripture, some question its basic reliability. These questions often come in a couple of different forms. Perhaps the most common version of this is that scripture has been changed over time. On the surface, this argument seems to hold some weight. After all, you can go online and look at the different translations or versions of the Bible and see the differences. Versions like the New American Standard and the New International Version have some distinct differences. These differences are easy to explain though. There is no one-to-one translation from languages like Hebrew and Greek over to English. Different translators take a different approach to the process. You have those who choose a word-for-word approach, which can lead to some clunky phrasing in English. The New American Standard and Legacy Standard Bible, take this approach. They are great for in-depth study, but difficult to read straight through. On the other side, you have translations that seek to go for a more thought-for-thought approach. This is more the approach of the New International Version. An approach like this improves the readability.
Going A Little Deeper
A bigger question of reliability comes from things like the differences between the Authorized Version (also known as the King James Version) and many of the modern translations. In your English Standard Version, you will only find verses like Matthew 17:21 and Acts 15:34 in the footnotes, if at all. This "removal" has led to many questioning the reliability of modern translations. But again the the issue is only surface level. In a strange way, the removal of the verses points to the greater reliability of scripture. Something that we need to understand is that the chapter and verse numbers are not original to scripture. The first person that we know of who added chapter divisions that we commonly use today was Stephen Langton in A.D. 1227. The first time that these chapter divisions appeared in a printed version was in A.D. 1382 with the Wycliffe Bible. The reason that the gaps show up now, is that the verse numbers have been in use for a long time, and it would be crazy to redo all the verse numbers. But this does not answer the question of why the verses were "removed" in the first place.
Removal vs Added
The question we should be asking is why those verses were added in the first place. Here some more history is important. As the church has grown and the study of archeology has become more significant, more and more manuscripts of scripture have been found. I mentioned above that the removal of these verses adds to the reliability of scripture. This is because it demonstrates that we are willing to take a look at things and remove mistakes that were added. The way that this works is that as we have found more and more old manuscripts of scripture, we are able to compare the differences. If a verse or word only appears in a much later copy of a book of the Bible, we can confidently say that it was not part of the original. This is why the verses end up getting removed. They are removed because they were at some point added. Adding to the original is just as bad as removing from the original. What we want is the original.
More Questions
When it comes to the reliability and accuracy of scripture, there exists a vast array of questions that demand thorough exploration and understanding. These questions are not merely trivialities but hold significant weight in the realm of faith and belief. In his first epistle to the church, Peter urges believers with these words, "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). This call to defend one's faith is underscored by the virtues of gentleness and respect, emphasizing the importance of engaging in dialogue with humility and empathy. As individuals navigating the complexities of faith, it is essential to grapple with our own uncertainties and seek earnestly for answers. The quest for understanding is a journey that requires diligence and an open heart. For Christians, placing trust in the reliability of Scripture is foundational to their spiritual walk, serving as a cornerstone of belief and guidance. By delving into these questions and pursuing knowledge, believers can deepen their faith and fortify their convictions. Through continued exploration and reflection, it is my aspiration that readers will glean insights on how to address not only their inquiries but also those posed by others. Cultivating a spirit of curiosity and a commitment to learning equips individuals to engage meaningfully with the profound truths encapsulated in scripture, fostering a deeper connection to their faith and a greater capacity to share it with others.
Soli Deo Gloria
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