Bibliolatry: Worship/knowledge of the book MORE than the author

[Wrangler]

Well stated. That is the question.

Many balk at the idea that anyone that idolizes the Bible could be an idolator.
Probably because the Bible is anti-idolatry. Oh the irony. - LOL

I’m taking a class through my church entitled, 3 Strands. While it delves into the Bible, it simultaneously de-emphasizes the Bible’s importance; explicitly pointing out that we are not saved by the Bible but the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I believe Bible IDOLATRY is a risk when we synonymously call it, ‘the word of God.’ People fail to discern between the lone Creator and the many REAL-gods in Scripture. See Psalm 82:6.

The Bible is a god - an authority - but it is not the Creator God. One more thing about how we are saved. We are not saved because of our relationship with the Bible. We are saved because of our relationship with God through his only begotten son.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

I’m taking a class through my church entitled, 3 Strands.

Unbiblical classes.

Not wise.

it simultaneously de-emphasizes the Bible’s importance

explicitly pointing out that we are not saved by the Bible but the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And what do you suppose would happen to a man who stops reading the Bible when the Devil comes tempting him?

“…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

This wisdom you are learning and disseminating is dangerous!

 

[Wrangler]

And what do you suppose would happen to a man who stops reading the Bible when the Devil comes tempting him?

The Apostles did not have the Bible and they turned out alright.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

The Apostles did not have the Bible and they turned out alright.

The temple had the scriptures and the Apostles were in the temple daily:

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:42)

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:10-11)

 

[Wrangler]

The temple had the scriptures and the Apostles were in the temple daily:

But only for a season. From today’s sermon.

Hebrews 6:1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again.​

 

[Michiah-Imla]

But only for a season.

Hebrews 6:1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again.

The Holy Bible contains much more than just the basic teachings about Christ.

And laboring in the word doesn’t end.

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” (1 Timothy 5:17)

Firefighters don’t stop training and refreshing their skills.

Neither do policemen.

Nor doctors and many others in various professions…

 

[ButterflyJones]

Well stated. That is the question.

Many balk at the idea that anyone that idolizes the Bible could be an idolator.
Probably because the Bible is anti-idolatry. Oh the irony. - LOL

How is idolizing the Bible accomplished?

What qualifies as idolizing the Bible?

 

[ButterflyJones]

The problem that always arises in any Christian forum is when atheists are allowed to roam the entire site. Rather than be restricted to an atheist board only.

 

[St. SteVen]

I’m taking a class through my church entitled, 3 Strands. While it delves into the Bible, it simultaneously de-emphasizes the Bible’s importance; explicitly pointing out that we are not saved by the Bible but the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are not saved by the Bible but the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
That's an interesting view. I tend to attribute salvation to the Atonement.
Can you explain why the resurrection would be more critical? Thanks.

I believe Bible IDOLATRY is a risk when we synonymously call it, ‘the word of God.’ People fail to discern between the lone Creator and the many REAL-gods in Scripture. See Psalm 82:6.

Agree.
A reference to the Divine Council?

The Bible is a god - an authority - but it is not the Creator God. One more thing about how we are saved. We are not saved because of our relationship with the Bible. We are saved because of our relationship with God through his only begotten son.

Good points. Thanks.

 

[St. SteVen]

How is idolizing the Bible accomplished?

What qualifies as idolizing the Bible?

Great questions, thanks.

If a person's life is centered on the book instead of the author.

Symptoms include:
- Intense study with the goal of arguing others down in debate
- Establishing doctrinal positions that erect walls between other believers
- Challenging other believers to Bible versus Bible debates
- Claiming their personal opinion is from God
- Attempting to end the discussion, claiming the other's argument is with God

Any such behavior.

 

[Wrangler]

The Holy Bible contains much more than just the basic teachings about Christ.

You can twist your IDOLATRY of the Bible anyway you want.

 

[Wrangler]

How is idolizing the Bible accomplished?

What qualifies as idolizing the Bible?

The same as any other IDOL.

Clearly, many Christians have created an IDOL out of Knowledge, in general, and Knowledge of the Bible, particular. Every single time someone mentions what the original Greek word is and what it means, I am reminded anew of Bible IDOLATRY.

 

[Chadrho]

St. SteVen said:
My soul was bulldozed by the church. Still recovering.

Thanks.
Yours is the proper response we should have toward all who are hurting.
The knee-jerk "Christian" reaction is to apply correction rather than mercy.

Yes, there are a whole range of issues caused in this human adventure, both inside and outside the church.
I saw this video recently about the Price of Invulnerability. The aspect of faith came up.
cc: @Chadrho

I pray that you find balance.

I have a pastor friend that explained what Christian mysticism is to me.
I was in a tough place and found that practicing the Jesus Prayer was very centering.

The focus is on the Bible, but is a meditative practice.
I even have one for UR. A quote from John the Baptist. See below.
The prayer is unspoken, but follows your breathing pattern.

Behold the Lamb of God; (during inhale)
That takes away the sin of the world. (during exhale)
Repeat.

Choose any short scripture you want to meditate on.
The practice is intended to push all other thoughts out of the way.
Easy to do while driving. But keep your eyes open. - LOL

Here is the traditional Jesus prayer.
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner."

Is that Brene Brown? She is one smart cookie; lots of helpful insights.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

You can twist your IDOLATRY of the Bible anyway you want.

“But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.” (Psalms 50:16-17)

 

[St. SteVen]

The problem that always arises in any Christian forum is when atheists are allowed to roam the entire site. Rather than be restricted to an atheist board only.

Right. Because Christianity crumbles under scrutiny. What does that tell you?

 

[Wrangler]

We are not saved by the Bible but the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
That's an interesting view. I tend to attribute salvation to the Atonement.
Can you explain why the resurrection would be more critical? Thanks.

Yes, many speak of them as one thing, like space-time, people say Atonement-and-Resurrection. Claiming we are saved by the Atonement is the theory of the price for our salvation. The practice is the Resurrection. Imagine if the theory was that Jesus will be resurrected on Judgement Day? The Christian religion would never have caught fire. The Resurrection is the practical proof that we, likewise will be resurrected.

Ever study philosophy? The most basic branch is metaphysics, the nature of reality. Anyone can posit anything is real but how do you know? Enter the 2nd branch of philosophy, Epistemology.

We know we are saved because Jesus was resurrected. We have this assurance, that he is the first fruits, meaning others who are like (us) will follow. His resurrection is our guarantee of our saved future. He was saved from death by God and this is how we know we will be also. The Atonement may be WHY but it is not WHAT, that we are saved. If Jesus were not resurrected, we would have only a theory with no practical proof of it being real.

I would not care if the WHY is that the Baptizer and the Messiah were cousins or that the Christ never married, etc. What matters is the WHAT, that we are saved. Other than Creation, the Resurrection is the greatest day in history.


For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 17:31


20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

 

[Wrangler]

A reference to the Divine Council?

Yes. Christendom tends to minimize this. Perhaps it's an inverted perversion of holding that God is one and need not take advice? This deserves its own thread.

 

[St. SteVen]

Is that Brene Brown? She is one smart cookie; lots of helpful insights.

Yes.
I was surprised that the aspect of faith came up. Invulnerability can prevent belief.
But that wasn't why I cc'd you to my post. (wink, wink)

 

[St. SteVen]

“But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.” (Psalms 50:16-17)

Thesth court doth recommendeth tossingeth thine King James out yonder windowth.

 

[Wrangler]

Right. Because Christianity crumbles under scrutiny. What does that tell you?

Woah!

Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything under heaven. While I relish showing atheists how foolish they are, the Christian forum is more like shop talk among fellow enthusiasts.

Sure, we can debate among ourselves. But that is different than the point @ButterflyJones is making. Suppose this were a forum of rock climbing enthusiasts. They may debate among themselves the nuts and bolts of their hobby. However, this is different than debating with MARC members - Mother's Against Rock Climbing. I trust you see the difference.