Biblicism II

Christian Smith in his book “The Bible Made Impossible” argues against the Bible being the authoritative Word of God over every facet of our lives. The thought goes a bit like this, because there are thousands of Christian denominations who have differing views, and they all believe in the authority of the Bible as absolutely sovereign over our lives, there must be something logically wrong with believing the Bible is the authority over our lives. Critics assume truth would bring harmony.

All of Christians Smith's arguments fail when compared to the scripture. First Jesus said He came to bring division and a sword, (Luke 12:53) it surprises no deep theologian then that there would be divisions in the church. Also Hebrews 5:12 tells us that those who should be teachers by now, like Christian Smith, need to go back to kindergarten and get the basics right. We further know that Christians are at different maturity levels (I Corinthians 3:1), and many are blinded by sin. Actually then division in the church is further proof that the Bible is authoritative and correct.

Let us just make the argument much simpler. Instead of comparing thousands of denominations lets compare two people. Both men state they are Christian, and both men agree that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters, but they disagree. Would we then throw out belief in the Bible because two men disagreed? Hardly, we expect that two different humans could see the same thing from different perspectives.

The strength of Christian Smith's argument comes only from amplifying the numbers: people disagreeing doesn't mean what they disagree over is wrong (Many disagree over exercise or eating habits.) For that matter just because many agree with something doesn't make it right either. What makes something right is if it is true, nothing more, nothing less.

The goal behind such matters is to get Christians to relinquish Biblical authority, to lighten up, to let go of the reigns a bit. The enemy wishes for us to quit Christianizing everything. If one gives up the authority of the Bible, where do they stop?