The Bible ain’t all that. There I said it out loud. But wait. There’s context. And the context is Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
I’m no expert in quantum physics or anything Einstein. Heck, I can’t even fake an understanding of the Theory of Relativity. But the theory reminds me of a simple truth: everything has a context. When someone says, “He’s smart” I immediately want to ask, “Compared to who?” If someone says, “You smell good” it might not be a compliment if they are comparing your smell to bat dung.
The Bible has always had a place of importance in my life. As a seven year old I got in big trouble because I placed a book on top of the Bible that was laying on the table. I was taught not to write in my Bible. In later years I learned it was infallible, perfect, and immutable. It was a science book, a history book, a manual for life, and a counselor’s handbook. It held the answer to every problem I had and will ever have.
The Bible ain’t all that.
In our current climate of uncertainty, the “perfectness” of the Bible has risen to even higher heights. Many defend it as being perfect because they believe it bolsters their theological views. For example, if a pastor opposes women in ministry, he will go to the “perfect” Bible and find a verse to defend his position.
Well-meaning people proclaim, “The Bible says it and that settles it.” Right away we see why the church has such a problem with disunity. Your plain reading of the text is often different than mine. Of course when that happens, I’m right and you’re wrong! And the debate is on.
People draw a line in the sand and defend their interpretations and view of the Bible. When you place the Bible on a high pedestal you are forced to defend it. Such a belief system is a fragile house of cards. Your entire belief system can tumble based on even one unchallenged biblical “error.”
The Bible ain’t all that.
Why do I say that? Let’s go back to the Theory of Relativity. Compared to the living Word of God, the written Word of God isn’t all that. The sole focus of our religion isn’t about the Bible (the written Word of God) but about Jesus Christ (The Living Word of God.) I could get along without the Bible but I can’t survive without Christ at work in me.
Our religious goals should be:
- knowing a Person not knowing a book.
- worshipping a Person not worshipping a book.
- spending time with a Person not spending time with a book.
I know Christians that have read the Bible through 48 times and are as mean as rattlesnakes. We all know people that brag about their “quiet time with the Word” but on Facebook resemble a donkey more than the Christ.
Too many Evangelicals have made the written Word of God more important than the living Word of God. That’s called idolatry.
The Bible ain’t all that.
What are you going to do about it?
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Great article. Christ is the focal point. We learn about Jesus’ ministry in the Bible but we also have our own experiences with Jesus outside the Bible. Some call that the work of the Spirit. Thanks for a thought provoking article.