1C: The Bible as a source of wisdom and authority in daily life

Question 1

What is the Bible?

Answer 1

• a collection of books by different authors at different points in history
• it includes poetry, songs, law, letters, history and myth
• for Christians the Bible is divided into the Old Testament, which is made up of Jewish, Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, which is primarily about Christ
• Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians also include the apocrypha - a set of additional books disputed for their status as scripture

Question 2

The use of the Bible:

Answer 2

• used by Christians in different ways, but all Christians look to it for inspiration and guidance.
• those who take a fundamentalist approach view all scripture as containing propositional truth.
• conservatives consider scripture to be written by human beings that were inspired by God, whereas liberals see scripture as being the writings of humans about God in the context of society.

Question 2

The Bible as a source of moral advice:

Answer 2

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that ‘all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped with every good work’
• therefore Christians consider it to be an authority on moral behaviour as its commands come directly from God
• scripture offers teaching about moral living in different ways. There are many examples where it teaches moral law that id presented as universal and deontological (e.g. Ecclesiastes 12). E.g. ‘God will judge every deed’ or ‘keep his commandments’
• in other places scripture offers more general advice that appeals to human empathy - e.g. Luke 6, ‘be merciful - you will be shown mercy’ or ‘forgive- you will be forgiven’
• there are different stories that give examples of good moral behaviour - e.g. the actions of Jesus Christ.

Question 3

The Bible as a guide to living:

Answer 3

• the Reformation movement emphasised that it was through faith alone that we are saved (sola fide), not through our behaviour
• Christians are expected to obey God as a result of their faith in him. While there is plenty of practical advice about daily living within scripture, it is primarily this love of Christ that should drive Christian behaviour on a daily basis.

Question 4

The Bible as teaching on meaning and purpose of life:

Answer 4

• ultimately, scripture is believed to contain the story of how God planned to save humanity from our sin. This is known as Heilsgeschichte.
• Genesis marks the beginning of humanity’s salvation history. The purpose of humanity is to be in the image of God, with qualities that reflect this, and to rule over the earth.
• many view this passage as humans being stewards of the environment, with a responsibility to care for it for God.
• there is more to life than material things, if this is the life God has given us we should rejoice in it and enjoy it as God intended for us.
• Heilsgeschichte culminates in Christ’s death and resurrection for the salvation of out sin.
• God’s plan for a perfect relationship with his creation is possible and realised through this event.

Question 5

The Bible as a source of comfort and encouragement;:

Answer 5

• Psalm encourages us to trust God because no matter how terrible events seem, he is steadfast in any adversity - e.g. ‘God is our refuge, strength and help when in trouble’
• when humans struggle with sin, temptation, bereavement, poverty conflict or fear of death, they can trust in God to give them strength and help.
• even the strongest people meet challenges but they do not face them alone
• Passages in Matthew 8 emphasises that there is more to life than temporary, material things. This can be seen as a comfort to many if they struggle with poverty or when things are lost, stolen or broken
• also an encouragement to handle suffering with courage and to treat the poor equally since we aren’t defined by our belongings.