This word is new to me, not aesthetically pleasing to hear pronounced and means falsely ascribed religious texts.
I came across two recent stories that raised an eyebrow and thought I would share. I read articles written by a Professor of Religious Studies who argues that the Bible is “full of lies” and another by a prolific author of religious life and “biblical scholar” who claims the Bible is part truth, part fiction. At first, I thought their stances were paradoxical, considering how they make a living.
The first man states that many scholars engaged in teaching the New Testament hold the view that it is full of forgeries because some books were written by someone other than the true author. He further alleges that the reason some forged writings was to make a name for themselves and would then piggyback off that notoriety in order to sell the actual books they wrote. This professor states that he has written a book to back up his claims and if folks want to know what they are, they will just have to read his book for further explanation. Who’s trying to sell books now?
I understand the real reason he has chosen to criticize true authorship and call the Bible “full of lies” and that is because he does not believe God exists.
The next fellow says that sometimes, “believing the Bible means believing that a story did not happen.” He states that some stories in the Word happened and some did not. How can someone write and lecture about religion and not believe every single word in the Bible is true?
Some may think reasons presented by them for what they say are not worth protests. However, when you have prestigious, influential people speaking, others listen and it takes but the tiniest seed of doubt planted in the heart… the consequences of what they say could cause the unwitting to stumble.
Stay alert and help those who may have stumbled get back up; their eternity may be resting on that help.
Katie Altobellis
June 20, 2013 Class 6:30-7:30—Time Management, Prayer and You. Call (910) 228-5282 for directions.
