And thank you, Nadine, for sharing this via your Note. I am a subscriber, but I don't always see the "good ones" that quickly. (I'm trying to unsubscribe from the "lesser than"s so I don't miss the good ones.)
I hear you! I have had a complex relationship with biblical inerrancy over the years, which is why to this day I still say it is not a hill I'm prepared to die on. I spent years as a much younger believer traipsing through apologetics textbooks and arming myself to engage in arguments both with non-inerrantists and with people from other religions – something, of course, I no longer do, despite having a deep, if much more developed, appreciation for the science of Christian apologetics. As I suggested, my deep concern is that the view of an inerrant Bible often fuels an inflexible authoritarianism in its devotees. If the Bible is effectively inerrant divine dictation, then people in Christian leadership can use it to tell people what to do, whilst simultaneously attempting to persuade people that it is God who is really speaking - needless to say, the dangers of this are multiple and complex. I'm very pleased to hear that you have moved on from this and I certainly pray for continued clarity in your journey.
I appreciate your thorough reflection on a difficult topic. I was converted to the "Bible is the word of God" and ultimate authority but have seen first hand how this can be weaponized and used for control. Thank you.
It sounds to me like we have had similar journeys. I only came to faith in my early 20s so, fortunately, I wasn't pummelled with this kind of rhetoric at a time when I was still forming my opinions. Nonetheless, the weaponization of scripture left indelible scars in my conscience which I'm still navigating. I think I have a much healthier relationship with scripture now - ever since my earliest experiences with the Christian faith, I’ve always loved the Bible, but there was definitely a period in my early believing life when it started to lose all its beauty and poetry and just became a control mechanism. Fortunately, it has become beautiful again to me but routinely hear stories of people traumatised by being on the receiving end of its misuse.
Excellent, thank you Andy, this resonates so much with my thoughts!
Bless you Urs! Do let me know if you have any thoughts or questions related to the material.
Excellent article, Andy. Very much in line with what I am thinking these days.
And thank you, Nadine, for sharing this via your Note. I am a subscriber, but I don't always see the "good ones" that quickly. (I'm trying to unsubscribe from the "lesser than"s so I don't miss the good ones.)
Many thanks Nadine - more to come soon!
Thank you for this. One of the hardest parts of my deconstruction journey was letting go of inerrancy.
Dear James,
I hear you! I have had a complex relationship with biblical inerrancy over the years, which is why to this day I still say it is not a hill I'm prepared to die on. I spent years as a much younger believer traipsing through apologetics textbooks and arming myself to engage in arguments both with non-inerrantists and with people from other religions – something, of course, I no longer do, despite having a deep, if much more developed, appreciation for the science of Christian apologetics. As I suggested, my deep concern is that the view of an inerrant Bible often fuels an inflexible authoritarianism in its devotees. If the Bible is effectively inerrant divine dictation, then people in Christian leadership can use it to tell people what to do, whilst simultaneously attempting to persuade people that it is God who is really speaking - needless to say, the dangers of this are multiple and complex. I'm very pleased to hear that you have moved on from this and I certainly pray for continued clarity in your journey.
Again, TOO many great statements and thoughts here to respond to individually. Excellent post, Andy. I'm tracking with you, buddy.
Thanks so much Sharon - do let me know if there was any particular aspect of the post which you would appreciate further comment on.
God bless!
I appreciate your thorough reflection on a difficult topic. I was converted to the "Bible is the word of God" and ultimate authority but have seen first hand how this can be weaponized and used for control. Thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing this!
It sounds to me like we have had similar journeys. I only came to faith in my early 20s so, fortunately, I wasn't pummelled with this kind of rhetoric at a time when I was still forming my opinions. Nonetheless, the weaponization of scripture left indelible scars in my conscience which I'm still navigating. I think I have a much healthier relationship with scripture now - ever since my earliest experiences with the Christian faith, I’ve always loved the Bible, but there was definitely a period in my early believing life when it started to lose all its beauty and poetry and just became a control mechanism. Fortunately, it has become beautiful again to me but routinely hear stories of people traumatised by being on the receiving end of its misuse.
I hope this finds you encouraged and well!