The Battle for the Bible, Part 1: Drawing the Lines of Combat
Course Content
Here’s a fact we need to consider. Many in our time foolishly reject the most ancient and voluminously preserved manuscripts in human history: the Bible. Given this tragic frame of mind, it should not be surprising that the very Word of God should come under withering attack from time to time. The Bible writers themselves warn of humanity’s foolhardiness when it comes to God’s revealed knowledge. But when these attacks happen, they still can be temporarily jarring in their magnitude.
Such was the case when I was preparing for a recent trip to Hong Kong and the Philippines. Shortly before I left, Newsweek magazine unexpectedly published a catastrophically flawed cover story about the authority and credibility of the Bible. It has since (and rightly) been called “irresponsible” and an “embarrassment” to professional journalism. A number of strong rebuttals have followed.
Given its unsound sensationalism, I certainly don’t recommend the article. It reflects prejudiced thoughts that the Bible calls “empty deceit, according to the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8). But for those who have unfortunately read it, here are facts that help demonstrate why it is based in folly.
Written in a sarcastic tone that is biased against any inspiration from God, the author mistakenly mocks biblical accounts for no good reason. Often he tries to illogically create illusionary contradictions that don’t exist. Quoting a number of scholars who are openly atheists or convenient agnostics, he works to erroneously portray those thoughts as mainstream majority opinion, which of course it is not.
I invite you to consider this fact: A number of years ago when I travelled to the former Soviet Union, I spoke with some young adults who were members of the Communist Party. I was told that a requirement for joining the Party was to write a paper that discredited the Bible. The candidates were forced to adopt this tragic bias in order to advance. Today when we have journalistic freedom to explore real facts, I am sadly dumbfounded that Newsweek—a magazine that supposedly specializes in upscale, intelligent and impartial journalism—would adopt and proclaim a similar bias.
Among other fallacies, the Newsweek author tries to make the Bible out to be a sloppy and continually modified book by whoever had the authority to copy it throughout the ages. He is wrong.
Here are the facts: The ancient Hebrew text of the Bible was anciently preserved by the Masoretes, a Jewish group of scholars. In the era before printing presses and electronic storage, these and other groups faithfully and painstakingly preserved what we know today as the Old Testament. The careful preventative measures they took to avoid errors are well-known. The scribes were very meticulous as they counted the verses, words, and even the very letters of the individual manuscripts they copied. The “textual transmission” across the ages is unmatched for accuracy and thoroughness.
For the New Testament accounts there exist more than 5,200 manuscripts with an internal consistency of 99.5 percent textual purity. That is amazing! Most ancient classical writers have less than a dozen manuscripts remaining in existence. The next closest to the New Testament is Homer’s Iliad with 643.
The books of the Bible carefully relate a deep story about God and humanity and the purpose of God creating a relationship with us.
It tells a story of separation (where we are today) and redemption (resulting in the gift of eternal life). The epic story has a beginning at creation and a profound ending/continuation of God and man finding and combining their mutual purposes. It’s an incredible and inspiring story. Of course, it’s a story for anyone whose eyes and mind are open.
This Newsweek article has no credible foundation. But it’s well written and even cunningly so. While we can remain confident and faithful, we must take these attacks seriously. This is important, as the Bible warns us: “More than anything you guard, protect your mind” (Proverbs 4:23, Common English Bible, emphasis added throughout).
What does God have to say about His existence and His Word? We can possess full confidence in an invisible Creator who inspired the powerful Word of God! Note the words of the apostle Paul: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, New International Version). How is this nature expressed in writing? “The word of God is living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). And as Jesus Himself declared: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
I plan to write further about our bedrock confidence in the Word of God, and how to answer unfounded claims against the Bible. Until then, I invite you to request our free study guide Is the Bible True? This popular publication is free for the asking, and you can also download it instantly at www.ucg.org/booklet/bible-true/.
You can read and study the Bible with confidence. Man occasionally tries to draw the battle lines against the authority of the Bible, but that’s a battle man cannot win.
P.S. It’s exciting to know for certain that we can trust the Word of God! If you’d like a sneak peak about what’s coming, write to me at victor_kubik@ucg.org.
Active in the ministry of Jesus Christ for more than five decades, Victor Kubik is a long-time pastor and Christian writer. Together with his wife, Beverly, he has served in pastoral and administrative roles in churches and regions in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. He regularly contributes to Church publications and does a weekly podcast. He and his wife have also run a philanthropic mission since 1999.
He was named president of the United Church of God in May 2013 by the Church’s 12-man Council of Elders, and served in that role for nine years.
