We all search for truth and guidance in our lives. In this search many turn to the Bible believing that God has inspired it's pages. Is this true? Does the Bible contain knowledge from a higher source? Or is it a fraud, purely containing knowledge from other humans? The book you now hold examines the claim that the Bible is the word of God, and presents overwhelming evidence why it is not. Whether you're a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist, or something else, this book will prove crucial to you in your search for truth.
Why the Bible Cannot Be the Word of God
By Andre JacobsAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Andre Jacobs
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4567-2276-0Contents
Chapter 1 The Eternal Question........................................1Chapter 2 Lack of Bible Knowledge.....................................3Chapter 3 A Book That Divides.........................................11Chapter 4 Lack of Clarity.............................................21Chapter 5 The Bible and Slavery.......................................27Chapter 6 The Bible and the Mistreatment of Women.....................37Chapter 7 The Bible and Prejudice.....................................51Chapter 8 The Bible and Unbelievable Tales............................59Chapter 9 The Bible and Contradictions................................65Chapter 10 Biblical Atrocities........................................83Chapter 11 Science and the Bible......................................93Chapter 12 Making the Right Conclusion................................101
Chapter One
The Eternal Question
"The ultimate aim of the human mind, in all its efforts, is to become acquainted with Truth." -Eliza Farnham
What is the meaning of life? Is there a God? What happens when we die? Is there life after death? Does God care about humankind? Why is there suffering in the world? Why do bad things happen to good people? Does God communicate with humans? Does God answer prayers? Did God write a book? Is that book the Bible?
No doubt, you've asked yourself many or all of these questions at one point or another in your life. These questions trouble billions of people on a daily basis. It seems that we search and search for answers, only to find answers that leave us unsatisfied, and lead to more questions.
Throughout the ages of human existence, these questions have led people to many different conclusions. Regarding the afterlife alone, there are several different theories. Some believe that our eternal souls are sent to either heaven or hell according to our deeds. Others believe we're reincarnated into some other form of life. Still others believe death is the end of life, leading into eternal nothingness. Who is right? Who is wrong? How can anyone know the truth?
In this quest for answers, humans turn to many different sources for guidance. Many seek answers from expert religious leaders and scientists. These resources have offered many different explanations for why things are the way they are. They have written countless books addressing the eternal questions of why we are here and the meaning of life.
For countless individuals living today and in previous centuries, the book that holds the answers to life's most complex questions is the Bible. Many humans have dedicated their lives to teaching the Bible to others. Some have gone so far as to die for these beliefs.
The Bible itself claims to be inspired, or breathed of God. This means that the Bible is unique in that its author is no mortal. Rather, its pages contain the very thoughts of God and our Creator. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."
Today, approximately 33% of the world's inhabitants consider themselves Christian. This 33% can be broken down in to several different branches of Christianity, such as Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness, and Mormon. Although these different denominations of Christians may differ on certain beliefs, almost all have one thing in common. They all believe the Bible is the inspired word of Almighty God, and they base their teachings and beliefs on this book. In the minds of countless Christians, there is no debating that the Bible contains God's thoughts, and not mans.
Many believe that a study of the Bible can give us final answers to the most enduring questions, such as what happens to us at death, who God really is, and the meaning of our existence. They believe God approves of a life that adheres to Bible teachings. On the other hand, choosing to go against the teachings of the Bible is a sin, which is the same as rebelling against God, and will ultimately incite God's wrath in some form.
For skeptics, the Bible is merely a book written by different men thousands of years ago. It has some good teachings in it, but there's no reason to believe its authors were divinely inspired.
The book you now hold examines the claim that the Bible is the word of God, and presents evidence showing why it is not. Whether you're a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist, or something else, this book will prove valuable to you in your search for truth.
Chapter Two
Lack of Bible Knowledge
"The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book that ever existed." -Thomas Paine
Why do many people believe the Bible is the word of God? Here are some common reasons for believing God wrote the Bible.
I believe the Bible is from God because that's what my parents taught me.
Just because our parents taught us something does not mean it's true. For centuries, parents taught their children that the Earth was flat. Were those parents purposely trying to deceive their children? Of course not. Rather, they were limited by their own ignorance, and they passed down this falsehood because they believed it to be true. Parents are still capable of doing this today.
In order to accept something as fact, we should require additional evidence rather than relying on our parents for all our information regarding life.
I believe the Bible is from God because this belief brings me comfort and hope. It makes me feel better about myself.
This type of reasoning can be likened to a man who discovers he has cancer. In his grief, he visits his best friend and tells him the bad news. His best friend then proclaims, "I have the cure. Snap your fingers three times and you'll be cured." The cancer stricken man then snaps his fingers three times and believes he is instantly cured.
Although this belief will bring the man comfort and hope, it's obvious that he hasn't solved his problems. This fake cure can be extremely dangerous because it can deter the man from seeking the real solution to his cancer, namely professional medical treatment.
Many people today state that they get comfort and hope from other "holy" books, such as the Koran. Others take comfort and hope from other sources, such as self-help books, or modern science. Does this mean that self-help books are somehow divine in nature? It would be ridiculous to think so.
Just because a belief in the Bible can bring comfort and hope to certain individuals does not in any way mean the Bible is from God.
Lots of other people believe the Bible is from God. There must be some truth to this if lots of people believe it.
The fact that lots of people believe something does not necessarily mean it's true. If human history has taught us anything, it's that large groups of people can share a false belief. Here are some examples:
–The Earth is a flat disk-like object.
–The Earth is the center of the Universe.
–Certain races of people are superior to other races.
–The mighty god Zeus is able to hurl lightning bolts to the Earth.
–You should...
