Why should we believe the Bible?

Question

Because a lot of other people do? Because the Bible says we should? Because we'll go to hell if we don't?

In reply to Ask Mr, well I might believe Caesar's account of the Gallic wars--though I'd take them with a grain of salt since he was personally involved in the conflict--but I wouldn't necessarily accept Caesar's religious beliefs.

The Bible is chock-full of contradictions, also scientific beliefs which are clearly outmoded, and stories which even originally were probably intended as allegory (e.g. Revelation, parts of Genesis). Furthermore, there are many passages in the Bible (e.g. Deuteronomy) which reflect the values of a more barbaric era.

Answer 1

As a simple experiment, try turning your objective intellect towards the argument that no book, comprising 66 “mini-books”, written over a period of 1500 years by 40 vastly different authors, having an outstanding literary internal consistency and coherency, could be written by mankind alone. The bible’s authors ranged from high government officials, peasants, military officers, and fishermen, to a prime minister, a cupbearer for a king, religious teachers, and others.

Add to that the survival of the book’s ancient manuscripts, numbering in the tens of thousands, over thousands of years and yet these manuscripts remain over 98% textually pure. How this possible, when compared to all the other ancient writings are so few in number? For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls contain all books of the Old Testament, except Esther, and have been dated to before the time of Christ. The earliest copy of Homer's Iliad dates to 500 BC, some 500 years after it was written. Only 643 copies of Illiad exist. The earliest copy of Ceasar's The Gallic Wars dates to 900 AD, some 1,000 years after it was written. Only 10 copies exist.

In comparison, there are over 24,000+ New Testament manuscripts, the earliest one dating to within 24 years after Christ. Now why would we accept the authenticity of Homer's or Caesar's writings and not the New Testament manuscripts? How can we objectively and rationally explain this book, the Bible, especially in light of the claims I have made above?

Thus, when I examine the evidence on both sides, I can only rationally conclude that given the bible's accuracy on so many issues, and that I have been given no reason to doubt its validity on all issues it contains, especially when it speaks to God's divine revelations.

Answer 2

The Bible was written by about 40 men in about 1600 years dating from 1500 B.C. to about 100 A.D. Keep in mind it is not a single book, but rather a collection.

Here are two reasons which do not rely on circular logic.

1. It correctly predicts the future.
2. It is historically and archaeologically proven and accurate.

No to your other 3 questions. Do not fool yourself. Just because many answers you receive are shallow or evasive, do not assume that there is not a good answer.

See if you can follow this logic....
Jesus claimed the scriptures were trustworthy. The question then is, "is there sufficient evidence that the New Testament records of Jesus are trustworthy" if you can answer that question, the reliability of scripture naturally follows.
You must decide if the new testament meets the standards by which historical records are judged for yourself. I recommend one scholar in particular.

http://www.garyhabermas.com/

If Jesus was who He said He was, and He actually rose from the dead, then it makes since to believe the rest of the Bible.
Check it out for yourself, but look honestly at the evidence.

Answer 3

for christians it is the word of god and contains religious truths. that would be reason enough. as for not reading the bible, in some cases that may be the reason but god will make that call, for those that are illiterate,mentally challenged or haven't the opportunity to read or hear the gospels god would definitely not condemn them. simply reading the bible is no guarantee of salvation either so i doubt that is the reason. should you read it because other people do? a definite no god would know if you are following blindly or trying from your heart and own accord. again it boils down to if you are christian or not, the bible helps people to be christian and that is why one should read the bible,to know god and be christian if not enjoy the literary forms and colorful writing styles.

Answer 4

Dear, all our lives and every thing that happens in it depends on what is in the Bible. Take for instance, Sodom and Gomorah, the Homosexuals talked about in the Bible is happening today. Then Polygamy also was seen in the days of Abraham and Jacob. So please believe in the Bible and let it be your guiding star and you counsellor in every thing in your life.

Answer 5

You don't have to


Jus try to read from the Holy Qur'an one time in your life you will not lose any thing

Verily, this Qur'ân narrates to the Children of Israel most of that about which they differ. (An-Naml 27:76)

Verily, this Qur'ân guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of God and His Messenger, Muhammad SAW, etc.). who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise). (Al-Isra 17:9)


Just Try one time to read about Islam

www.thelastingmiracle.com

God bless u

Answer 6

There is no reason to believe the bible. The bible is full of misrepresentations and inaccuracies. Many passages are interpreted as parables and others interpreted as fact - It's outdated and written by men who thought the world was flat.

Answer 7

If the creator of the universe uses humble things to speak to sincere people because he resists the proud wouldn't it be worth it to find out what its all about.

Answer 8

Because the Bible says God is real, and God says he wrote the Bible, therefore the Bible is true, and the Bilble says God is real, and God says he wrote the Bible, therefore the Bible is true, and the Bible says God is real.... etc. etc.

Nice logic, huh?

Answer 9

There is no why. Either you do, or you don't.


Some people want to make you believe it and still others want you not to believe it.

I would suggest, you read it and decide for yourself.

Answer 10

Appeal to popularity, circular logic, and argumentum ad baculum.

And Logic strikes out the side.