Is the Bible the Literal Word of God?

By Deborah Bruce

Happy Birthday to the King James Version of the Bible!  How many candles on the cake?  Only 400!!  To mark the occasion, let’s look at how worshipers view the Bible. 

Faith group plays a role.  Worshipers in different denominations and faith groups view the Bible differently (see table below). 

Catholics.  Six in ten Catholics believe that the Bible is the word of God, to be interpreted in light of its historical context and the Church’s teachings.  The Catholic position holds that interpretation of the Bible rests with the Vatican.

Conservative Protestants. Many conservative Protestants believe that the Bible is the word of God, to be taken literally word for word.  This inerrant view holds that the Bible is free of errors and scientifically and historically true.  This belief is the bedrock of faith in many conservative denominations.

Mainline Protestants.  Worshipers in mainline Protestants pews have more mixed opinions.  Four in ten agree with the Catholic view that the Bible should be interpreted in light of its historical context and church teachings.  Another one-quarter of mainline Protestant worshipers believe the Bible should be interpreted in light of both its historical and cultural context—Who wrote the passage?  For whom was it intended?  What was happening at the time?  What social and political factors might have influenced the author?

 

What do you believe about the Bible?

Bible Study Resources

Engage Scripture (with Bible quiz)

Comments

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