What makes the Bible any different?

What makes the Bible so special anyway? 

Q: I don't see why you think the Bible is any different from other ancient books. I'm sure it has a lot to teach us, but so do other books. I grew up in a religious family and was taught to believe the Bible came from God, but I don't hold to that anymore.

Considering that the Bible isn't backed up by evidence and is often wrong, I'd say that not believing that the Bible came form God is a pretty good idea.

A: You've hinted at one reason those of us who are Christians believe the Bible is different from every other book that's ever been written: We believe God gave it to us, and therefore it is God's Word. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV).

So what if Christians believe the Bible because their religion says it's God's book? Muslims believe the Qur'an because it says it is God's book. Billy will have to do much better than that.

I realize this isn't what you believe, but let me give you three reasons why the Bible is unique, and why I hope you'll take it seriously. First, the Bible is unique because it, and it alone, leads us to Jesus Christ. Why is this important? Because Jesus was more than just another great religious teacher or philosopher; He was God in human flesh. He demonstrated it by His life - and He proved it by His resurrection from the dead.

Sorry, but this is far from satisfactory. The Bible leading to Christ is only important if you are already a Christian. Personally, I think it's more important that the Bible is supposed to be leading to a person who history has recorded no record of his existence or acts. Furthermore, a Muslim could say that the Qur'an is unique because it alone leads to Muhammad. And since Billy is so big on Jesus, I bet he'd like to know that Jesus is also in the Qur'an.

Second, the Bible is unique because it tells us how God wants us to live. Why are we here, and how are we supposed to live? The Bible tells us - and your life will never be the same once you understand this.

This isn't unique either. Every religious book tells how their particular god/goddess wants us to live. Try again!

Finally, the Bible is unique because it gives us hope for the future.

Two problems here. The first is that there are many many books that can and do give us hope for the future. This statement  from Billy tells me that he is either very pessimistic or doesn't read very much.

Secondly, I don't agree that the Bible necessarily provides hope. I don't find a book that says that all are automatically deserving of Hellfire and to look forward to the (always just around the corner) end of the world as very hopeful.

So three for three, Billy fails to show why the Bible is different than any other old book. No surprise there.


-Brain Hulk

Please share, subscribe, comment and follow us on your favorite social networking sites!
facebook | google+ | twitter