How can we live our lives day to day? How can we know God? How can we understand the Bible? What about other religions? What does the Bible really say about homosexuality? Can gay and lesbian people be Christians? This blog is my attempt to deal with these kinds of questions.
I believe the key teaching of the Bible is this: "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:22).
At the Mormon Church's General Conference in October 2012, Elder Robert D. Hales (I'll call him Robert as this is easier, though no disrespect is intended) gave a talk at which he outlined a couple of key Mormon beliefs. He then asked if there can be any doubt Mormons are Christian. After reading what he said, I think the answer is clear - there can be doubt. Here is what he said:
What does it mean to be a Christian?
A Christian has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the literal Son of God, sent by His Father to suffer for our sins in the supreme act of love we know as the Atonement.
A Christian believes that through the grace of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, we can repent, forgive others, keep the commandments, and inherit eternal life.
The word Christian denotes taking upon us the name of Christ. We do this by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those holding His priesthood authority.
A Christian knows that throughout the ages, God’s prophets have always testified of Jesus Christ. This same Jesus, accompanied by Heavenly Father, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the year 1820 and restored the gospel and the organization of His original Church.
Through the scriptures and the witness of Joseph Smith, we know that God, our Heavenly Father, has a glorified and perfected body of flesh and bone. Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son in the flesh. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit whose work is to testify of the Father and the Son. The Godhead is three separate and distinct beings, unified in purpose.
With these doctrines as the foundation of our faith, can there be any doubt or disputation that we, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are Christian?
Where do I start?! Robert starts out well, Christians do indeed have faith in Jesus. From here, I have issues. When a Mormon says Jesus is the literal Son of God, they do mean literal - God had sex with his wife and she gave birth to Jesus. And Satan, and you and me. Is this Christian? A Christian certainly believes in grace, repentance etc. But do we inherit eternal life by obeying commandments? No. That's not what the Bible teaches in Ephesians 2:8. We inherit eternal life (indeed inherit anything) because someone - Jesus - died for us. We obey God out of love, not to get something. Do we receive the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by someone with "priesthood authority"? No. We receive the Holy Spirit by believing in Jesus. (Galatians 3:2) Do we believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet? Hardly (see my other articles on the Book of Mormon for why). Do we believe that the Father has a body of flesh and bone? No! (John 4:24) Do we believe that the Godhead is merely unified in purpose? No. (See article on the Trinity) Revisiting Robert's question then, "With these doctrines as the foundation of [their] faith, can there be any doubt or disputation that ...members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are Christian?" Erm... Yes! Sociologists may say they are Christian, but Mormons are definitely not Christians in any biblical sense of the word "Christian". Image: Google Images Source: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/being-a-more-christian-christian?lang=eng The talk also appeared in the November 2012 edition of the Ensign Magazine, published by the Mormon Church.
The Bible has been used to oppress, enslave, judge and condemn many people over the last 2,000 years. But it has also inspired Mother Theresa, William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King, Jnr., Desmond Tutu and many others to amazing sacrifices in the name of equality and human rights. To some, the Bible is a list of rules and contradictions. To others, like me, it's a book which liberates and sets us free - and introduces us to Jesus! How can one book be read in such different ways - and which is right? How can we read and interpret the Bible correctly? The Book of Books The Bible is a collection of 66 books. 39 make up the Old Testament (which is the same as the Jewish Bible, albeit in a different order) and 27 books make up the New Testament. The Bible contains many kinds of writing, such as historical narrative (e.g. the Gospels), poetry (the Psalms), Jewish law codes (Leviticus), and apocalyptic literature (i.e. symbolic writings such as Revelation). Being aware of the genre you are reading will help you understand and apply the Bible. It's often mentioned that the Bible contains outrageous statements, for example, it says something about dashing children against the rocks. This comes from Psalm 137 - a song of lament for Israel's situation. They had been taken into captivity by the Babylonians and the writer is obviously angry. When we read this as poetry, in its context it's impossible to read this as God sanctioning actually dashing someone's child against a rock! Not written in English The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek - which means most of us rely on translations into our own languages. It's important to choose a good, yet readable translation for your main study. It is worth comparing several translations to get closer to the original texts. One of the verses used to say gay and lesbian relationships are wrong comes from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10. The word is ambiguous in the Greek, but you'd never know that using many English translations. Comparing several reveals a difference in opinion, and you can then target your research to get a deeper understanding of the text. Written in another time and culture This point seems obvious, but it affects how we read the Bible. The Bible was written to show us the way to God, not to answer every question we may have. We need to be aware of Biblical cultural issues as this will help us understand what we are reading. A good study Bible will help with this. Letting the Bible explain itself Sometimes we come across a verse we just don't understand. It helps to look up other Scriptures on the same topic - many Bibles come with a concordance at the back (a bit like an index) which can help. If you are using a study Bible it will likely have cross references which can help you interpret the verse. You can also get a Thompson Chain Reference Bible which links topics and themes together so you can "trace" them through the Bible. Noting the Church It is only in recent times that we have our own personal copies of the Bible. For almost all of Jewish and Christian history you had to go the Synagogue or Church to hear Scripture. Biblical interpretation was a community effort, so many of our questions have been looked at in the Christian community already. So it's worth looking into what other Christians have said about a passage before. It's likely that at some point, someone asked the same question over the last 2,000 years! This does not exclude new understandings of Scripture (as we've done with women, slavery, homosexuality etc) but we should be very cautious of anything that conflicts with key doctrines (the authority of Scripture, God, the Trinity, Jesus' death and resurrection, salvation by grace through faith alone, etc). I'd ignore anyone contradicting any of these. Dealing with "contradictions" I put contradictions in quote marks because I have yet to see an actual contradiction in the Bible. Remember what a contradiction is. It's two statements that cannot both be true at the same time. If I come in to Church and tell you I met Greg outside, and then tell someone else I met Sarah, am I contradicting myself? No. I am presenting an inconsistency, but not a contradiction. Why? It's possible I met both of them outside. If I said there was no one but Greg outside, then telling someone I met Sarah is obviously a problem. The Bible is much the same, every "contradiction" I've ever been shown turns out to be an inconsistency - which actually bolsters the credibility of the Bible. If we had 4 identical Gospels, people would rightly argue that the writers were getting their story straight before they wrote. But the fact that they feel free to write something that is an inconsistency lends support to them being honest witnesses. One last thing with contradictions. Every person who tries to show me a contradiction always uses an English Bible. The problem is that it's a translation! When you go back to Greek you see that it isn't. For example, in 2 of Paul's conversion accounts, we read that his companions heard the heavenly voice in one, and they did not hear it in the other. In English this is a contradiction. In Greek however it isn't. In one, the word means to hear something audibly. The other means to hear, as in comprehend. Put the two together and you have the companions hearing a voice but not being able to understand it. There is no contradiction after all.
Where to begin? If you are new to the Bible, start with a Gospel, then maybe Romans and Galatians. You can also get Bible reading notes to help you read a little every day, or you can be ambitious and use a reading plan to read the Bible in a year! The best ones mix up an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, and a Psalm or Proverb, which keeps it interesting (especially when you get to "begats"!).
And the key thing! The Bible was inspired by God, so we should ask for His help in understanding it. Regular reading is important as well, as you read you'll be drawn into a divine conversation. It's amazing how often we bring our questions to the Bible, and end up being "questioned" by it! Finally... I've said before, the Bible is like a billboard advertising ice cream. You can spend a lot of time looking at the billboard, dissecting the colours, fonts, meanings and so on. But if you never actually go and get the ice cream, you missed the whole point. The same is true for the Bible. Jesus once said, "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life, but the Scriptures point to me!" (John 5:39 NLT) So don't just read the Bible, get to know Jesus for yourself! Image: Google Images UPDATED NOVEMBER 2017
With all the various translations of the Bible on offer, which should we be using? I've been thinking about this quite a lot lately, after I saw a question about which translation was the best. I've also seen the odd comment about different Bible's contradicting each other. The first thing we need to remember is that all English Bibles are translations from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. This means that every translation is also, to some degree an interpretation of the Bible. Some Christians argue that the King James Bible (KJV) is the most correct Bible. They often point to how other translations differ from the KJV. However the KJV is a translation like the others, and it too has its problems - not least that the English language it uses is now 400 years old. This makes it harder to read if you are not familiar with the English language that was in use in 1611! All Bible translations can be roughly grouped into three categories. 1. Literal translations Literal translations try to translate word for word as far as possible. While this helps a modern reader to see the original structure, it can also make the text seem quite "wooden", or more difficult to read than paraphrases or Dynamic Equivalence translations. Examples include the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB). 2. Paraphrases Paraphrases take each idea in the original and render it into English. The most popular one today is The Message, others include The Living Bible. 3. Dynamic Equivalence These translations aim for literal translation but also readability. They are generally very accurate, which makes these the most commonly used Bibles. Examples include the New Living Translation (NLT), and the New International Version (NIV). I would suggest that for most people, a dynamic equivalence translation should be your main Bible. I would also strongly recommend using a translation that was done by a committee rather than an individual. I use the NLT or NIV for most of my reading. If you want to get into serious study then a literal translation would be helpful. I use the ESV as my "literal" translation. Literal translations are also better when you're speaking to Jehovah's Witnesses, for example. Mormons use the KJV, so it's worth having one in case they call. And every now and then, when you just want to read the Bible - The Message is great at delivering Scripture in a punchy, fun and casual way. I also have an audio version of The Message and I love listening to it. The only issue with The Message is that the language is very American, so non-US readers may need to get used to the language. I would give The Message to someone who isn't used to the Bible and is reading it for the first time - especially as it translates the so called "anti-gay" verses correctly! Which leads to another question - are any translations anti-gay, or gay friendly? As I say, The Message is gay friendly as the translation is accurate. And in a sense yes, some Bible translations are anti-gay, however I think this is simply due to the beliefs of the translators rather than deliberate mistranslation. The NLT interprets arsenokoitai (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9) as "practicing homosexuals" which is a bad translation. The NIV is slightly more honest as it shows that there is some confusion in those two verses. The 1984 edition translated one as "homosexual offenders" and the other as "perverts". There is also a "Study New Testament For Lesbians, Gays, Bi, And Transgender" but I don't recommend it - it's not very readable and for 3 verses hardly worth it when you can do your own homework!
One interesting version is the Amplified Bible. There are many words in Hebrew and Greek which have many shades of meaning. Obviously translators need to pick one, right? Not necessarily, the Amplified Bible uses a system of punctuation and brackets to expand on the original meanings. This makes it longer to read, but you get so much more, which makes the Amplified Bible a valuable addition to your Bible study. Have a look at Psalm 27:4 which says: New Living Translation The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. New International Version One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lordall the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Amplified Bible One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for,and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.
Talking of Bibles, there are some to avoid. The Jehovah's Witnesses have their own Bible known as the New World Translation. It's a doctored version of the Bible designed to support JW teachings, especially on the nature of who Jesus is. It should not be used by any Christian for any purpose other than discussion with the Jehovah's Witnesses, and even then, you must have your own Bible on hand as many of the corruptions in the New World Translation are very subtle. You can read different translations at Bible Gateway. Whichever translation you choose, read it regularly, asking the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind, and to help you understand what he has to say to you through the Bible. Personally, I would recommend the NIV or NLT as your "day to day" Bible, and compare them with the ESV for more serious study. Here is how these 3 versions render a few different passages as examples. Revelation 3:20 New International Version Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. New Living Translation Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. English Standard Version Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Note, the ESV literally translates "him". The NIV and NLT both use inclusive language as this refers to men and women. The ESV brings out that literalness, that you wouldn't get in the NIV and NLT. Romans 3:25 New International Version God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— New Living Translation For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, English Standard Version whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. You can see the NIV and NLT both translate the thought, though you can see the NIV is more literal than the NLT. The ESV literally translates the words.
Image: Google Images
Friday, 3 August 2012
This is really funny - it's over an hour long but really worth it.
Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday. Coming from a Baptist background, a day for the Trinity was a new concept to me.
Although the Bible never uses the term "Trinity", the concept is clearly taught throughout the Bible. While it insists that there is only one God, it refers to Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit as God. Each is seen to be a distinct personality, co-existent with each other. There is no single verse which explains the Trinity. However the Bible is fascinating. For example, in Isaiah we are repeatedly told there is only one saviour - God. Then in the book of Titus we are given "God our Saviour" and "Christ our Saviour" interchangeably. And then the statement, "We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed" (Titus 2:12-13). Jonathan Sarfati explains:
There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:8). Note that the Hebrew word for ‘one’ is echad which means composite unity — it is used in Genesis 2:24 where the husband and wife become ‘one flesh’. The word for absolute unity is yachid which is never used of God in the Scripture.
The Father is called God (John 6:27, Ephesians 4:6).
The Son is called God (Hebrews 1:8. He is also called ‘I am’ in John 8:58 cf. Ex. 3:14 — see below for more biblical proof). He has always existed (John 1:1–3, 8:56–58), but took on full human nature in addition to His divine nature at the Incarnation (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5–11).
The Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3–4), and is personal (Acts 13:2), not some impersonal force as the Jehovah’s Witness cult believes.
They are distinct, e.g. at the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:16–17 all three were present and distinct. The Son is baptized, the Father speaks from Heaven, and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, flies down and lands on the Son. See the baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19 ‘baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.’ Note that the word ‘name’ is singular, showing that all three Persons are one Being.
The Bible says much more, and there are many great books, and articles online which explain how Christians arrived at this understanding of God, such as the one on CARM which also answers a couple of objections against the Trinity. It's at http://carm.org/cut-trinity While we can never fully understand God, we are invited into a relationship with him, and to be forever changed by knowing him. Image: Google Images Reference: http://creation.com/jesus-christ-our-creator-a-biblical-defence-of-the-trinity
Today we celebrated Pentecost - the birthday of the Church of Jesus Christ.
In the book of Acts we read about the Holy Spirit coming on the disciples - and they began speaking in other languages.
People from all over the world were in Jerusalem for the holiday, and they recognised their languages. The Holy Spirit blessed them all, no matter where they were from. Jews by birth, converts, descendants of exiles, and presumably traders and travellers.
The blessings of God are for all of us. Jesus once said that God makes the rain shine on the righteous and the unrighteous. Where I live rain is a bad thing! But in the middle east it's a blessing.
Because of Jesus we can all be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit by faith. No matter who we are, the Holy Spirit says that worldly distinctions - race, gender, social status, sexual orientation, marital status - none of that matters in the Church. Jesus is for us all.
If anyone tells you anything else - they're wrong.
