Addition and Clairification [plz read]
Submitted by Collin on August 23 2001 08:17:58
In reply to Bible: Authoritative from God or Religion? submitted by Collin on August 21 2001 17:26:16
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Before I break into the new messages here I feel I need to share something. I was thinking about this last night and I've been going about this thread all wrong. Rather than keep my position to 'devils advocate' I want to share where I'm at personally and move from there. I am short on time so I will only post this and return to the thread later when I can spend some time responding with more than one-liners. I personally believe that the Bible is a collection of books written with the guidence or inspiration of God through the Holy Spirit. I believe that it wasn't a supernatural transmission nor direct communication of God in most instances, but rather a very human record of God's interaction and involvement with the body of believers throughout history. The tests of Canonicity seem best suited to find those works which would most accurately convey the working of the Trinity and of God's message to us across the ages, not suited to divinate between spiritual texts and "authoritative" texts. As I've pointed out I don't believe the Bible is the absolute moral law for us as Christians, but rather it is an insight into God's will for us, foremost through the account of Jesus Christ. Therefore, even in my view, ""All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." As it is written in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It is not however useful for attacking, belittling, degrading, and bringing about the exact opposite of the fruits of the Spirit, to condone every evil work one may do under the guise of "Holiness." The Old Testament is a faithful account of history and of God's message to His people. It's messages are timeless and it's teachings show us God's presence and workings from the dawn of time. The New Testament is the only book in existence to give reliable first hand account of Christ and is an accurate record of the early Church of Christian believers. These things are what give it an authority. The difference in my position and the Fundamentalist's is that I do not believe it is the Bible that holds absolute moral authority in our lives, but rather it is God and His living and active relationship with us through the Holy Spirit which holds true authority in each individual believer's life. For Christ has sent "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father [has sent] in [His] name, [who] will teach you all things and will remind you of everything [He has] said to [us]." as was promised in John 14:26 before He ascended into heaven. I hope I've stated my views and position clearly, but I have no time to truly proof and edit as I'm late. I'm looking forward to returning later and dialoguing more tonight. Until then God Bless. Dive deep, seek peace, love forever, Collin Maxwell |
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