Subject: Re: Why do you believe the bible?
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 12:23:26 GMT
From:  (Nigel B. Mitchell)
Newsgroups: aus.religion.christian

Hi, Robert.
I don’t think we have corresponded before, so for my part, welcome to the newsgroup.
In <380 >, 
Robert Davidson > wrote:
>So people, why do you believe the bible?

You have asked for a brief answer, so that is what I will give. If this turns 
into a more detailed conversation I would be happy to enlarge upon my comments.
I believe that the Bible records the faith of the dominant party of Christians 
at the close of the first century CE about who Jesus was, what he did, and what 
he means for those who follow him. I believe that the Bible was written and 
authorised by the Church acting under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy 
Spirit of God, and that the ongoing interpretation of the Bible in the Church 
is also inspired by that same Holy Spirit. I believe that the Word of God is 
conveyed through the proclamation of the Gospel message in the Church, and that 
Word offers fulness of life in this world and the next to all who receive it. 
I believe that those who equate the Word with the Bible are teaching contrary 
to the Bible itself, and inevitably fall into the trap (against which the BIble 
itself warns us) of using the written Word as an oppressive Law. They are also 
committing the sin (and I use the word advisedly) of Idolatry, in that they make 
a human creation into an allegedly perfect and saving entity, which only God can be. 

Cheers

N+
Nigel B. Mitchell