You raise some common questions and concerns regarding the Bible's integrity and completeness. Here are responses to each of your claims with a little sauce on the side:
Corruption of the Bible: While it's true that there have been variations in biblical manuscripts over time, scholars have employed rigorous textual criticism to reconstruct the original text of the Bible as closely as possible (almost 98% accuracy). The Bible's integrity is supported by an extensive body of ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, which confirm the accuracy of many biblical texts.
Source: "The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovery and Meaning" by Hershel Shanks, National Geographic, 2010.
Hidden and Changed Sections: There is no concrete evidence to suggest that entire sections of the Bible have been systematically hidden or intentionally changed. While there have been differences in manuscript traditions, the core message and teachings of the Bible have remained remarkably consistent.
Source: "The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration" by Bruce M. Metzger and Bart D. Ehrman, Oxford University Press, 2005.
Trust in Completeness: The idea that the Bible is complete is based on the careful preservation and compilation of ancient texts. While there may be variations in specific manuscripts, the fundamental teachings and narratives of the Bible remain consistent across various versions and translations.
Source: "How We Got the Bible" by Neil R. Lightfoot, Baker Books, 2003.
Vatican's Role: The Vatican, as the center of the Roman Catholic Church, has indeed played a significant role in preserving and interpreting biblical texts. However, the Bible is not solely in the hands of the Vatican. It is widely studied, translated, and interpreted by scholars and theologians from various denominations and backgrounds.
Source: "The Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Biblical Interpretation" edited by Paul M. Blowers and Peter W. Martens, Oxford University Press, 2019.
'There is no concrete evidence to suggest' entire sections of the Bible have been changed or hidden my response, those words are the SAME words used by GOVT and MSM re 9/11, election of 2020 re cheating, WACO, Las Vegas massacre, etc.
All it takes is one example of concrete evidence to prove me wrong. We’ll wait for you to provide it, rather than Jedi handwave well thought out responses.
While it is challenging to prove a negative, the authenticity of the Bible is typically assessed based on historical evidence, manuscript reliability, and scholarly research. There is a substantial body of evidence supporting the historical accuracy and preservation of the Bible, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, early manuscripts, and archaeological discoveries.
Source: "The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovery and Meaning" by Hershel Shanks, National Geographic, 2010.
Lost or Destroyed Texts:
It is true that there were various Christian texts and writings in early Christianity, some of which are not part of the canonical Bible. However, the claim that "dozens of other texts were burned, and their adherents murdered" requires specific historical evidence to support it. While there were debates and controversies over certain texts in early Christianity, it's essential to rely on historical documentation and scholarly research to assess the extent of such actions.
Council of Nicaea and Christian Sects:
The First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD was convened primarily to address theological controversies, particularly the Arian heresy. It did not represent "almost 1000 different Christian sects" but rather bishops from various regions of the Christian world. It is important to note that the Council's main focus was on theological matters, particularly the nature of Christ.
Source: "The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology" by Leo Donald Davis, Liturgical Press, 1983.
Persecution and Apostasy:
While there were periods of persecution in early Christianity, particularly during the Roman Empire, it is essential to distinguish between historical fact and exaggeration. Persecution of Christians did occur, but the extent and motives varied over time and across different regions. Claims of "apostates" and "enemies of the state of Rome" should be assessed based on historical records and scholarly analysis.
It's important to engage in critical thinking and rely on reputable historical sources and scholarly research when discussing the Bible's authenticity and the historical context of early Christianity. The field of biblical studies and early Christian history is rich with scholarship that can provide a nuanced understanding of these topics.
Corruption of the Bible: While it's true that there have been variations in biblical manuscripts over time, scholars have employed rigorous textual criticism to reconstruct the original text of the Bible as closely as possible (almost 98% accuracy). The Bible's integrity is supported by an extensive body of ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, which confirm the accuracy of many biblical texts.
OK so explain me this :
Numbers 31:17-18 (rape and murder):
17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
18 But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
Samuel 15:03 (infanticide and murder)
3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction1 all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman,** child and infant**, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ”
What, exactly, needs to be responded to here? I would need a little more context as to the reason why you think these verses need a response or an explanation? What, specifically, are you having a hard time understanding in these passages?
Have you ever checked out Paul Copans book “Is God a Moral Monster?“ In it he explains these passages and many more like them in their Ancient Near Eastern context. If you are serious about finding a contextual understanding of these difficult passages, then I would encourage you to check out that book.
What I have discovered in conversations about this very topic is that most people simply parrot what the new Atheists (Christopher Hitchens, Dawkins, Sam Harris, etc…) superficially claim these passages are saying.
This is why I asked you to clarify your question. Some people have a hard time reconciling these passages (and others like them) with the moral character of Yahweh. Others simply don’t understand them in their cultural context.
This discussion also requires an understanding of the role of the Nephilim and their seed throughout the Old Testament.
You raise some common questions and concerns regarding the Bible's integrity and completeness. Here are responses to each of your claims with a little sauce on the side:
Corruption of the Bible: While it's true that there have been variations in biblical manuscripts over time, scholars have employed rigorous textual criticism to reconstruct the original text of the Bible as closely as possible (almost 98% accuracy). The Bible's integrity is supported by an extensive body of ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, which confirm the accuracy of many biblical texts.
Hidden and Changed Sections: There is no concrete evidence to suggest that entire sections of the Bible have been systematically hidden or intentionally changed. While there have been differences in manuscript traditions, the core message and teachings of the Bible have remained remarkably consistent.
Trust in Completeness: The idea that the Bible is complete is based on the careful preservation and compilation of ancient texts. While there may be variations in specific manuscripts, the fundamental teachings and narratives of the Bible remain consistent across various versions and translations.
Vatican's Role: The Vatican, as the center of the Roman Catholic Church, has indeed played a significant role in preserving and interpreting biblical texts. However, the Bible is not solely in the hands of the Vatican. It is widely studied, translated, and interpreted by scholars and theologians from various denominations and backgrounds.
'There is no concrete evidence to suggest' entire sections of the Bible have been changed or hidden my response, those words are the SAME words used by GOVT and MSM re 9/11, election of 2020 re cheating, WACO, Las Vegas massacre, etc.
All it takes is one example of concrete evidence to prove me wrong. We’ll wait for you to provide it, rather than Jedi handwave well thought out responses.
Proof of a Negative:
While it is challenging to prove a negative, the authenticity of the Bible is typically assessed based on historical evidence, manuscript reliability, and scholarly research. There is a substantial body of evidence supporting the historical accuracy and preservation of the Bible, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, early manuscripts, and archaeological discoveries.
Source: "The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovery and Meaning" by Hershel Shanks, National Geographic, 2010.
Lost or Destroyed Texts:
Council of Nicaea and Christian Sects:
The First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD was convened primarily to address theological controversies, particularly the Arian heresy. It did not represent "almost 1000 different Christian sects" but rather bishops from various regions of the Christian world. It is important to note that the Council's main focus was on theological matters, particularly the nature of Christ.
Source: "The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology" by Leo Donald Davis, Liturgical Press, 1983.
Persecution and Apostasy:
It's important to engage in critical thinking and rely on reputable historical sources and scholarly research when discussing the Bible's authenticity and the historical context of early Christianity. The field of biblical studies and early Christian history is rich with scholarship that can provide a nuanced understanding of these topics.
Wow, I didn't realize Metzger and Ehrman wrote a book together. Interesting 🤔
OK so explain me this :
Numbers 31:17-18 (rape and murder):
17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
18 But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
Samuel 15:03 (infanticide and murder)
3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction1 all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman,** child and infant**, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ”
What, exactly, needs to be responded to here? I would need a little more context as to the reason why you think these verses need a response or an explanation? What, specifically, are you having a hard time understanding in these passages?
please don't play the fool.
Have you ever checked out Paul Copans book “Is God a Moral Monster?“ In it he explains these passages and many more like them in their Ancient Near Eastern context. If you are serious about finding a contextual understanding of these difficult passages, then I would encourage you to check out that book.
What I have discovered in conversations about this very topic is that most people simply parrot what the new Atheists (Christopher Hitchens, Dawkins, Sam Harris, etc…) superficially claim these passages are saying.
This is why I asked you to clarify your question. Some people have a hard time reconciling these passages (and others like them) with the moral character of Yahweh. Others simply don’t understand them in their cultural context.
This discussion also requires an understanding of the role of the Nephilim and their seed throughout the Old Testament.
I assure you, I am not playing the fool.