Should Christians Use the Bible?: Against

Question 1

What are four points?

Answer 1

Liberal Christians believe that, although inspired by God, the Bible was written by humans and therefore needs to be seen in the context of history
There appear to be contradictions in the Bible and guidelines that today would seem immoral such as slavery, genocide and rape
Other moral authorities should also be used
The Bible does not contain information about all moral issues

Question 2

Liberal Christians believe that, although inspired by God, the Bible was written by humans and therefore needs to be seen in the context of history

Answer 2

The Old Testament is about promoting monotheism over polytheism
Noah’s Flood is based on the Babylonian story of the Epic of Gilgamesh

Question 3

There appear to be contradictions in the Bible and guidelines that today would seem immoral such as slavery, genocide and rape

Answer 3

e. g. there are different number of days in the story of the Flood - 40 days in one account and 150 in the other
e. g. “And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword.” (Joshua 6:21)

Question 4

Other moral authorities should also be used

Answer 4

Church Teachings (Roman Catholic Church, Church of England)
The Conscience
Situation Ethics (Liberal Christians)

Question 5

The Bible does not contain information about all moral issues

Answer 5

e.g. stem cell research, organ donation, nuclear war