Nature of the Bible Discussion

Week 2 - Alex

Week 2 - Alex

by Alex Nagy -
Number of replies: 5

What aspect of biblical inspiration is most difficult for you to understand or explain?

I struggle with the accuracy of inspiration and I think that's because I can't say I've tangibly heard the voice of God. I know people who have and they are very confident of that. How did the authors know that what they were writing was God breathed/inspired? Just because I haven't heard God's voice doesn't mean I don't feel Him leading my life but I do wonder how that would impact my life differently. Just a random thought I guess.

Do the number and consistency of the biblical manuscripts give you confidence in the Bible? Why or why not?

For sure they do. I know how meticulous those who made copies of the bible were and if one mistake happened, they would start over completely so I think that gives me confidence more so than the sheer number itself. I worry some translations that we have today have diverted a little too far from the original text and honestly that's one of the things I was thinking about while Dr. Sam was talking in his lecture. Have the paraphrased versions lost something along the way?

Which translation of the Bible do you prefer and why?

I really like the amplified version. I like that it gives some context and description to certain words or sections. Although it can be difficult to read through. I grew up reading the NIV and that was the first bible version that I purchased with my own money. I also have an NIV study bible that gives great descriptions and breakdown of each book with historical info. I've really enjoyed learning from that one.

In reply to Alex Nagy

Re: Week 2 - Alex

by Jim Damman -
Nagy! I'm enjoying the ability to reply to you...
I wanted to share that I too have struggled with the accuracy of inspiration and for the same reason you mention: How come I can't hear what others have heard? Perhaps it is one of the exercises of faith - that God will not speak to everyone in the same manner as He has done in the past? Let's wrestle with that together!
In reply to Jim Damman

Re: Week 2 - Alex

by Alex Nagy -
Me too, brother!

That's an interesting thought. I'm hoping to find some of these answers along this journey.
In reply to Alex Nagy

Re: Week 2 - Alex

by Jorden Gemuend -
Alex, thank you for sharing an honest and vulnerable answer for why you sometimes struggle with the idea of biblical inspiration. Reading your answer, like Jim, has opened my eyes to see that I absolutely struggle with this as well. Sometimes I hear others be so confident and specific in how they interpret God's voice in their life, and yet 99% of the time I feel like his response is either quiet or even silent. An epiphany that has helped me was to realize just how few people in the Bible God does choose to speak verbally to (outside of Jesus of course). Not only that, but the different stories of God's direct interaction have decades and even centuries between them at times, where I wonder if those living then also had the same doubts.
In reply to Jorden Gemuend

Re: Week 2 - Alex

by Alex Nagy -
That's a great point, Jorden! I appreciate you sharing that. Oftentimes I forget about the length of time in which the bible was written.
In reply to Alex Nagy

Re: Week 2 - Alex

by Audrey Morris -
I really appreciate your consideration surrounding the concept of divine dictation. I find it fascinating how God utilized so many approaches to share his word with the people. This weekend I was talking with my family about this topic. I find it fascinating. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.