Questions Christians Hope no one will Ask #3

3. Why trust the Bible, a book based on myths and full of contradictions and mistakes?

Right off the bat here, don’t get backed into a corner, answer the question with a question. What contradictions? What mistakes? What myths? The majority (not all) of people who make the claim you cannot trust the bible because of contradictions and mistakes have never really looked into or studied any of them. They have simply relied on rumors they hope to be true so they can continue to reject the authority of the Bible and the implications they think that authority would have on their lives. I say “think” because they do not understand John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.”. That’s a different discussion, but you get the point.

The key here is to understand there is a difference between a contradiction and misunderstanding due to lack of context and study. Paul himself said some things are hard to understand and there will be those who try to twist God’s words (2 Pet. 3:15-16). We are told to “examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21) so when someone does bring up a specific contradiction, take the time to examine, study, and understand. If someone presses you, including a teacher/professor, don’t be afraid to pump the brakes and say, let me study that and get back to you. Admit when you don’t know an answer, but have the faith to study the facts and get the full story.

Let me take a moment to recommend the following website created by Apologetics Press. Teens and parents, if you are looking for an easy way to have a short daily or weekly devotional, check out one of these Alleged Discrepancies from the AP site, and watch your faith grow as you begin to realize…I may not know all the answers, but I have faith in God that there is one if I take the time to get all the facts and grow my understanding.  

https://apologeticspress.org/category/alleged-discrepancies/

Remember the more we study & discuss, the better chance we have of fulfilling the instruction of 1 Peter 3:15 “Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect”. #GloryToGod