In order to trust the Bible, how many OTHER things must one trust first?

Question

1. That translations of Hebrew/Arabic/Greek into English can convey same meaning and that translators are super accurate.
2. That best manuscripts are used. Oldest extant manuscripts already differ, so how choose between them?
3. Ancient copies were handwritten. Trust ancient scribes to not make mistakes of addition or ommission? As #2 explains, the differences prove mistakes.
4. That those people (such as Athanasius of Egypt and some Council of Nicea folk) who decided which writings would be included knew what they were doing. (All sorts of religious writings were floating around at the time, and a particular set weren't focused on until 367.)
5. That earlier interpretations, such as Arians or Gnostics, weren't just as good.
5. That somebody like Paul, who apparently never met Jesus, had a clue.
6. That people writing in 90 CE had any notion what Jesus thought since Jesus didn't write anything.

That's a lot of people (And if you're Protestant, a lot of Catholic ones.)

Answer 1

1 There are multiple translations to study, and a multitude of other resources that can be used when studying the Bible.
2 Many translations were made using all the different manuscripts, and include all the differences. (there are few differences, and not that change the meaning or the message)
3 Ancient Jewish scribes copied the manuscripts letter by letter, and even the smallest deviation was cause for starting over.
4 the biblical cannon recognizes by protestants is different than that recognized by Catholics. The books not included inthe cannon are still around so you can read them and judge for yourself
5 Arius held beliefs that were contrary to any scripture and had not support in any manuscripts. the Gnostics existed both within and outside of Christianity. They were not a sect of Christians, they were an outside group that adopted some of Christ’s teachings.
5 (Another 5?) The basis of Christianity is a relationship with Christ. He still speak to people today who have also never met him in person.
6 I refer to my point in the second #5, and also they had the writings of Jesus’ hand picked disciples


Martin Luther who started the Protestant reformation was also a Catholic... whats your point?

Answer 2

Does what you believe require any Faith at all?

So if what you believe requires faith why can't Christians have Faith that the Bible is what it says it is.

Usually people that bring up the lists that you bring up are bringing up things that are taken out of context or just some non-believers opinion on these things.

Let me ask you a question how do you know any of the things you listed are true?

Aren't you taking somebody elses word for what you believe? Isn't that faith?

The point is you don't WANT to believe in God because you would have to change the life style you are leading and YOU don't WANT to do it.

But some day you will wish you did choose God.

Answer 3

I don't think it's a trust issue. I think it's a matter of understanding what serves you. It's history mixed with mythology. That's it. Study religion so that you are not biased. It will help you to gain an understanding to allow you to trust in the wisdom and intelligence of people. That way, you are not easily lead and can make a difference in this world without falling into a common trap... that trap is fear based decisions.

Answer 4

No the only one you have to trust to beleive the Bible is Jesus. Once you experience Him and trust in Him He will show you the way and the truth

Answer 5

Too much blah blah blah, I don't give a crap about who or what you trust, be bad rot in hell, whatever, FUYOYO.

Answer 6

You poor confused person.

Answer 7

You must trust God

Answer 8

they'll say faith but in fact its stupidity that drives them