Is the Bible the literal word of God?

Question

Where do the different denominations come down on this? The Orthodox believe that it's the inspired Word of God? Do Southern Baptists believe you can interpret the Bible for yourself? What about other denominations?

Answer 1

All you need do is look to many of these churches that don't hold a high view of Scripture, and you will see that they are worldly (for the most part) and have rather public (and often embarrassing) problems.

The Episcopal Church is about to split within the US, because the liberals who've abandoned Scripture as authoritative, have ordained homosexuals as priests and bishops. The Bible believers within are leaving in droves. The Methodists and Presbyterians are also dealing with similar issues.

Those churches that do hold to an authoritative view of Scripture, deal with those issues from a biblical perspective. A recent example is Ted Haggard's fall from grace. When he sinned, he was removed from his position, and he is undergoing discipline as we speak. The church reacted swiftly, and biblically. They also didn't kick him to the curb, but are lovingly restoring him to fellowship, but not leadership.

Is the Bible true, inerrant, and all sufficient for our lives today, or isn't it? Either God has made His Word completely inerrant and all sufficient, and something we can trust, or He didn't. If the Bible is not trustworthy in its details, then why bother at all?

Ultimately, either man becomes the arbiter of what is true in the Bible, or God meant what He said. As Paul says, "Let God be true, and everyone else a liar. As it is written: "You are right when you speak, and win your case when you go into court." (Romans 3:4)

Answer 2

I am a Christian "Fundie". The reason we are so different in what we belive from other denominations is not as much that we take the Bible literally as the Word of God, even though we do do that, but because we accept the Bible as the ONLY Word of God. Most that differ with us add some other "authority" to the Bible. Catholics for example add the Pope, traditions, sacrements, etc. Pentacostals add experiences. They believe that not only does the Bible tell us the truth but if you have a miracle, a healing or a tongue, or a prophecy, that these are also legitimate means of determining truth. Many liberal denmination believe that although God gives us the Bible He expects us to use our own human reasoning abilities. I am not here to condemn any of these or the many more "additions" that people add to the Bible but only to say, that personally we believe that truth lies in God's Word and ONLY in God's word. That is the only way you can have consistency in spititual maters.

Answer 3

The Bible is the inspired word of God that has persisted over a long period of time. It is a collection of history and stories that shows us where we came from, why things are the way they are, and how to live. Ultimately, it shows us the path to eternity.

God did not sit down and write it. It was through experience, wisdom, and faith that people over that period of time wrote it to for the glory of God.

The Holy Spirit is what guides you in learning the truths of the word. That's why you should study it on your own instead of listening to someone else's interpretation.

Would you eat food that someone else has already chewed?
No

So that's why you should study the truths for yourself before accepting what someone else says.

Answer 4

The reason there are different denominations within Christianity is because the Bible allows for us to have differences of opinions. Within Christianity there are very few essential doctrines that define what it means to be a Christian. These essential doctrines are,

Jesus is both God and man (John 1:1,14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).
Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).
Salvation is by grace through faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).
There is only one God (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8)
God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See Trinity)
Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation)
As long as a church believes in these essential doctrines, then it is Christian. However, there are many things in the scriptures that have been interpreted in different ways. For example, what day of the week should be worship on, Saturday or Sunday? Should we baptize by sprinkling or baptize by immersion? Do we take communion every Sunday, once a month, or once a year? The answers to these questions do not affect whether or not someone is a Christian. It is in these issues, and others like them, that denominations are formed. It does not mean that one denomination contradicts another. It means that though they agree in the essentials, they differ in some nonessentials. This is permitted in Scripture:

"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind," (Rom. 14:1-5).

Sadly, there is another reason for denominational differences and that is the failure of Christians to live according to the will of God. The truth is that we are all sinners and we do not see things eye to eye. It is an unfortunate truth that denominational differences are due to our shortsightedness and lack of love. But, the good thing is that God loves us so much that He puts up with our failures. There waits for us, in spite of our differences, a great reward in heaven. Neither salvation nor damnation is dependent upon our differences. Our salvation is based on our relationship with Christ.

Answer 5

i think with what ever religion you follow the 'book of god', is more a book of morals and answers to scenario's. For believers the books hold most of the answer for day to day issues, like for example the commandment not to kill etc. It is not the loteral word of God more an interpretation of good done throughout the years which should be mirrored in the way we live today.

Answer 6

it is a collection of parables and historic accounts that God inspired Men to write down and keep together. It might be somewhat outdated coz people stopped listening to him a long time ago

Answer 7

It is THE word of GOD

Answer 8

no. it is interpreted, by MAN - not God himself

Answer 9

No, it's just poor guidelines.