For Christians, is the Bible infallible?

For a Christian, is the Bible correct and without error? Is the text of the Bible always correct as we know it?

I have had debates with people that claim that the Bible is absolutely correct, and that its words should be taken as accurate due to the Holy Spirit aiding in maintaining accuracy over the numerous writings and translation. I believe that if inaccuracies are found in the Bible the text must be used judiciously and more errors may exist, particularly in sensitive areas of doctrine.

Here are some examples of error found in the Bible. In quotes to separate them.

How many people were used in building Solomon's temple?

2 Chronicles 2:2 says that it took 153,600 men to build Solomon's Temple.

2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

1 Kings 5:13 says that the labor force was only 30,000 men

13 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men

Does the hare chew its cud?

Leviticus 11:6
6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

How many angels were at Christ's tomb?

Matthew 28:2
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Mark 16:5
5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Luke 24:4
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

John 20:12
12 And seeth two aangels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

What was written on the cross above Christ's head?

Matthew 27:37
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Mark 15:26
26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Luke 23:38
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

John 19:19
19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

I have not a clue really, but this guy (click the LINK) has in my opinion done a acceptable job of explaining the different contradictions.

LINK

Originally posted by Jonathan Mark
I have not a clue really, but this guy (click the LINK) has in my opinion done a acceptable job of explaining the different contradictions.

LINK

Thank you for the link. I agree with much of what is said there. My point is that many mainstream Christians claim that the Bible has been translated accurately throughout history, and often use this as a means of justifying the use of scripture, as is, as evidence supporting their beliefs. I believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. The fact that it has been translated incorrectly supports my argument that there are possible errors in the form the Bible currently exists.

Given this, Mormons, of which I am one, believe that God gives revelation today as a means to clarify errors that exist due to translation and other errors. Given this belief and my belief in a Prophet named Joseph Smith, I believe that the Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible that aids in understanding the text of the Bible through a description of a people, and their religious activity, that were taught by God's inspiration as well.

This thread is an attack at the idea that the Bible should be used exclusively without reference outside of itself. Also, it is a defensive stance to attacks on current prophecy and the Book of Mormon.

I really don't have a problem with book of Mormon same way I don't have problem with the Koran(sp?) or the Catholic Bible. To me it is simply different variations of the same thing.

I'm not saying that any of them is 100% accurate, because quite simply that is impossible at least in my own opinion. Sadly enough many Christians take great offence at this line of reasoning.

Originally posted by Jonathan Mark
I really don't have a problem with book of Mormon same way I don't have problem with the Koran(sp? Qu'ran) or the Catholic Bible. To me it is simply different variations of the same thing.

I'm not saying that any of them is 100% accurate, because quite simply that is impossible at least in my own opinion. Sadly enough many Christians take great offence at this line of reasoning.

Agreed. Many Christians get upset and say because we have used the phrase "the Book of Mormon is the most correct book." And due to this they point out errors that have occurred or minor changes that have been made. We never claimed it to be a perfect book. Just another book of scripture showing an account of Christ visiting the Americas following his resurrection, as well as the events surrounding the people in the book.

Given the attacks on it and my beliefs, I enjoy debating such subjects. As such, I frequent forums like this and debate these things. It allows me to broaden my knowledge base as to the substance of these attacks while forcing me to study my religion and consider my personal opinions in greater detail. Debates such as these should result in myself having a better understanding of my reasons for believing what I do, and the way I do, as well as perhaps gaining some respect for those that hold an opposing view, providing they enter the debate with a similar purpose. The problem is when someone enters a debate as this with no motive than to state that I am wrong. While I may be wrong, the purpose of the debate is to present facts that will possibly lead to an alteration in the opinion of one or both of the participants. Our Doctrine and Covenants states how education should be managed in a perfect school. Here is the description, while it is referring to people of my religious faith, I believe that it is a decent and applicable manner of pursuing education:

Doctrine and Covenants 88:118-125
118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings.
122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.
123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

Originally posted by Regret
Also, it is a defensive stance to attacks on current prophecy and the Book of Mormon.

So basically you are a Mormon who feels the need to bash the Christian bible to prove your book is correct?

Originally posted by Echuu
So basically you are a Mormon who feels the need to bash the Christian bible to prove your book is correct?

Originally posted by Jonathan Mark
No he's not he is doing what is called educated discussion or debate. He is not trying to "bash" the Christian Bible.

😛

Originally posted by Echuu
So basically you are a Mormon who feels the need to bash the Christian bible to prove your book is correct?

I would disagree with the idea that I am "bash"ing the Bible. My religion believes in the Bible. Debates do not need to be heated. I believe that, by the tone of your post, you either did not read or did not understand my third post.

Yes, the initial post of this thread could be termed an attack. It is a statement meant to engender opposing statements, and if it is strong enough should defeat opposition. I am not arrogant enough to believe that my initial statements would crush the opposing view. "Debate is an aspect of argument which is distinct from logical argument, in that it encompasses aspects of human persuasion which appeal to emotional responses —often based on exaggerated or misrepresented statements or claims." - Wikipedia - Debate My initial statements are strong, but I do not believe they were offensive. A proper response should produce thoughtfulness on my part and should most likely defend against my attack.

Originally posted by Jonathan Mark
No he's not he is doing what is called educated discussion or debate. He is not trying to "bash" the Christian Bible.

Thank you for your defense here, I was away, and unable to respond to the accusation in a timely manner.

Originally posted by Echuu
So basically you are a Mormon who feels the need to bash the Christian bible to prove your book is correct?

Well, if the Mormons around here (Australia) are telling the truth, the Bible is still important to them - the Book of Mormon just clarifies it and expands upon it by presenting Gospels that weren't originally available. (And Mormons are Christians to, by the way)

But to the original question - if Christians do treat the Bible as infallible then it is an erroneous stance - it is full of contradictions, old testament views that have no place in the civilised world, symbolism open to numerous interpretation, "facts" that clash with actual historical facts and so on.

I don't say it can't be used as a guide for them, or to take it in spirit, but to say it is a perfect book that is infallible just doesn't stand up to logic.

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
Well, if the Mormons around here (Australia) are telling the truth, the Bible is still important to them - the Book of Mormon just clarifies it and expands upon it by presenting Gospels that weren't originally available. (And Mormons are Christians to, by the way)

But to the original question - if Christians do treat the Bible as infallible then it is an erroneous stance - it is full of contradictions, old testament views that have no place in the civilised world, symbolism open to numerous interpretation, "facts" that clash with actual historical facts and so on.

I don't say it can't be used as a guide for them, or to take it in spirit, but to say it is a perfect book that is infallible just doesn't stand up to logic.

Yes, that is our belief. It is nice to hear someone from outside Utah, let alone the States, that has a grasp as to some of our beliefs.

I have run across a large number of Christians that believe that, due to the intervention of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is the same today as it was at the time of the apostles. This stance is one of their arguments against the use of the Book of Mormon.

I would certainly not say that everything in the Bible is fact. If you believe what the Bible tells you, that is up to you. I don't believe the Bible, and I don't believe in God.

The Bible tells us that homosexuals should be stoned to death. In Leviticus it is said that 'If a man has sex with another man, kill them both'. It may have been another part of the Bible where this is said, so sorry in advance if I am wrong.

If people really believe everything the Bible tells them, wouldn't they feel they were justified in killing homosexuals, because the Bible justifies it to them?

The Bible also tells us killing is wrong, so the people who believe everything the Bible tells them must not advocate killing because it can't be justified to them via the Bible.

I don't think Christians really know what they believe.

Originally posted by autumn dreams
I would certainly not say that everything in the Bible is fact. If you believe what the Bible tells you, that is up to you. I don't believe the Bible, and I don't believe in God.

The Bible tells us that homosexuals should be stoned to death. In Leviticus it is said that 'If a man has sex with another man, kill them both'. It may have been another part of the Bible where this is said, so sorry in advance if I am wrong.

If people really believe everything the Bible tells them, wouldn't they feel they were justified in killing homosexuals, because the Bible justifies it to them?

The Bible also tells us killing is wrong, so the people who believe everything the Bible tells them must not advocate killing because it can't be justified to them via the Bible.

I don't think Christians really know what they believe.

And just what do you believe? Without reference to your beliefs, your statements are lacking in credibility. There must be some point of reference for a response to come from.

It was writen by humans, not by god himself - therefore it is subject to Human Imperfections.

We humans have a tremendous capacity for filtering, distorting or spinning any text we read, any event we observe, any truth we learn. The biblical writers and editors were no different in this than any of us.

I just must say..there are many different interpretations, even within people who believe any religious text is infallible.

Originally posted by Alliance
I just must say..there are many different interpretations, even within people who believe any religious text is infallible.

That is what I have observed as well. I would like to see some other people respond to the thread, so I'll just continue discussing it with those that post.

ok

Originally posted by Alliance
ok

Your comments are always welcomed Alliance 😉 I just hope I get responses from some other people as well 😉

Anyone who take the bible literally is missing the truth that is within it.