I feel scared when a man can prove to himself that the Bible is contradictionless with this... (from DALnet IRC #christian/debate)

"Yes, when one insists on applying a natualistic "demythologizing" hermeneutic to the words of Scripture, quite obviously, its easy to generate the appearance of contradiction. The question of course, is whether such small minded and unnuanced bigotry is a responsible way to handle the text in question.
Yes, i have to confess that all the unbelieving fundamentalists soapboxing appeals to "biblical contradiction!" do little more than confirm my own belief. These people have little clue of the diversity of modes of expression that Scripture employs in its various literarry genres."


What's the point in pointing out scriptural errancy when someone thinks this disproves the contradictory nature of the "alleged" contradiction?

Tom

[This message has been edited by Konnrad (edited November 09, 2000).]

What is "hermeneutic?" Is that a new kind of dishwasher?

Hmm... I didn't ask. I'm sure, however, it's exciting.

But, more importantly, what did you think of the blistering argument he offered?

Tom

It seems to boil down to: "If you don't believe the bible is the word of god, of course you are going to find contradictions."

...To which the boiled-down response is, of course, "If the Bible had zero contradictions, I'd be a lot more inclined to believe it was the Word of God."

"Jesus was either Lord, a liar or a lunatic! No other options! No whatsoever! Not even a microscopic chance of him being man, myth or misunderstood!"

I'm amazed how many people this facile arguement has sucked in over the years. If Lewis is the best Christian thought has to offer, it's plainly obvious they have very little to offer indeed.

Hermeneutic means explanatory/interpretive.

Hmm -
Yes, when one insists on applying a natualistic "demythologizing" explanation or interpretation (hermeneutic) to the words of Scripture, quite obviously, its easy to generate the appearance of contradiction. The question of course, is whether such small minded and unnuanced bigotry is a responsible way to handle the text in question.


So - my problem is that I don't interpret the scripture properly.

Oh dear - how many times have I been told that? How few Christians have given me advice on how to "interpret" the Bible properly?

Hmmph.

Tom

"I'm amazed how many people this facile argument has sucked in over the years. If Lewis is the best Christian thought has to offer, it's plainly obvious they have very little to offer indeed."


Many Christians advise me to read Lewis. About as many tell me not to, since he's rubbish.

Most just tell me I'm going to hell.

Tom

And some of you think you have got problems!

It seems that I am going to Hell just because I do not own a decent Thesaurus!

God really does work in mysterious ways.

Norm