By Susan Diamond, founder Prayables
One of the most popular posts this week was also the most controversial. Some readers felt that the image in “I am My Ancestors Wildest Dream” affirmation was contradictory to the Bible and a statement of belief against Creationism. Here’s one of those messages:
From Joshua B.
What are your beliefs on the Bible? In today’s posting of “Daily Affirmations”, a photo is used that depicts a primate at the beginning of it, evolving in to a man. Is that not the theory of evolution, a concept that was made famous by Charles Darwin? “The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the Earth”-DarwinismDo you not believe that God created man and woman in His own image as in the Bible?
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27 NLT
It is contradictory to believe in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and the Bible. As a Christian, we have to study and know God’s word. I am but a babe in Christ still, learning daily. I have heard parts of the Apologetics Ministry by Ken Ham. The word apology is from Greek origins, “apologia”, meaning to give defense or justification of ones beliefs. Apologetics are devoted to defending our faith.
We must help each other in all facets of life. I am not trying to criticize or say that I’m offended. Far too many people throw a fit over things they see and hear today. I am trying to make you think of what it truly means for us to be Christians. How are we to live in this world? We are not to be of this world. We are to be of Christ, whom died for us all. We are born again, new and glorious through Him. I write this with love for all of my brothers and sisters. I am hoping that we can help each other, with kind correction. Is that not what we are told to do? If the Daily Blessings are to be using the Bible, it should not contradict God’s word.
Here’s my response to Joshua:
Joshua, you asked about my beliefs on the Bible. What a thought-provoking question! I took some time to think about it, pray on it, and how to answer you.
First I’ll say, Prayables was founded on the following beliefs; the belief in a loving, living God, the belief that prayer works, the belief that my truth is no truer than your truth, and the belief that we all must be tolerant and understanding of other people’s beliefs.
Theology, even religion, has never been a part of Prayables mission, which is to find ways for more people to pray more. Prayables welcomes people of all faith traditions regardless of belief, inclusive to all who want to be a part of our prayer community.
Now, to explain the inclusion of scripture – which gets to the heart of your question – what is it that I believe about the Bible?
I believe that the Bible as we know it, is Divinely inspired. I believe it tells the story of our humanity and the humble beginnings of our relationship with God. The Bible is the foundation for how to live a moral and ethical life.
I believe God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai in a language other than the written word which has been our Bible with little change since 1611 CE. Prior to that, I believe the Bible was passed in an oral tradition from generation to generation.
I believe God speaks to me, and all of us, but not in a literal language. I think of the language of God to be more like the way Moses heard God so long ago. We need to listen. We need to open our eyes. We need to open our hearts. We need to extend our hand, we need to pray, all in order to “hear” God speaking to us.
And, it helps to study the Bible, the written version of an oral tradition filled with stories, allegories, metaphors, and poetry.
Biblical scholars are in agreement that the Bible was written over decades in ancient times by different “authors” who enhanced and transcribed the oral word of God. I believe the Bible in its current form is best studied, discussed, and applied to our daily living with modern adaptations.
I do not take the Bible literally. I embrace science, archaeological discoveries, commentary by ancient and contemporary sages.
How else could I love God if His Word includes horrendous acts as found in Deuteronomy 21:18-21 KJV?
18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;
20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
Instead of following this literal directive, (which surely would have killed off all three of my sons in their high school days) I choose to see the passage as a story in lesson form. When my rebellious son causes trouble, I must discipline him and allow his bad traits to “die” with a safer and more appropriate punishment than public stoning.
And that’s only one example. Yet, I believe that every word in the Bible has value. It is a treasure of wisdom and inspiration. I believe every generation should teach their children Bible, and if we do it right, that these teachings evolve over time and remain just as relevant to a generation of computer geeks as it was to a generation of sheepherders.
I praise God that He made us unique, while making us in His image. I honor God by accepting the different viewpoints we hold while celebrating our shared love for Him.
I give thanks to God for this forum to express my beliefs. I thank you Joshua, and all those like you who challenge, debate and encourage spiritual thinking and discourse.
Want to join in the conversation? Add your comments below.