Posted by hyperfocus on July 19, 2011, at 14:40:39
In reply to Re: Inerrancy - what do you think? » hyperfocus, posted by Dinah on July 13, 2011, at 11:05:03
Well the article makes a point to distinguish inerrancy from literalism or fundamentalism. Different people can debate what a particular Bible passage means, but inerrancy says the ultimate meaning must be true and the divine will of God. From what I gather mainstream denominations like Catholicism believe in inerrancy as necessary to their faith. I guess it's a theologically stronger position to take an all-or-nothing view of the meaning and truth of the Bible.
The thing is reading New Testament books like Acts always triggers many WWJD moments in me - like this:
"1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wifes full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles feet.
3 Then Peter said, Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didnt it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasnt the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him."
-Acts 5
Somehow if you replace Peter by Jesus I can't see this happening. I could be wrong but Jesus never reproached anybody for what they did or didn't contribute financially to his ministry.
Personally I've found writings in the Gnostic gospels and other Apocrypha resonate in me more than this sort of TV action movie evangelism in Acts and elsewhere. I'm also very wary of Paul and to a lesser extent Peter and their interpretation of what Jesus said and did. But you're not allowed this sort of doctrinal freedom in mainstream Christianity, apparently.
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poster:hyperfocus
thread:990902
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20101230/msgs/991405.html