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Understanding the Holy Bible

Trinity Cathedral
The Rev. Dr. Grant S. Carey
Canon Residentiary

In a recent televised debate, presidential candidates were asked if they believed every word written in the Bible to be true.

Attempting to answer such a question requires an understanding of what the Bible is as well as when and how it came into being. In addition, one must also consider conflicting texts, prejudices, conflicts, historical situations, and the influence of translators and interpreters.

In the First Century there was no one Bible; rather there were various ancient writings comprising The Law and The Prophets. Written by hand on parchment scrolls, these texts were read in synagogues or in the Jerusalem Temple; the average person did not have access to them. Students memorized whole portions, and rabbinical scholars endlessly debated their meanings. During Jesus’ time, there were two opposing “schools of thought” - - one, the Pharisaic, sought a legalistic interpretation of “The Law and the Prophets;” the Sadducees, however, accepted only The Pentateuch, (Genesis through Deuteronomy).

During the first three centuries of the Christian era, there was no one Bible as we understand the meaning of the word. In addition to the Hebrew writings, there were many documents including the four presently accepted Gospels, letters written Paul and others, a controversial writing attributed to John, and other writings, many of which are lost. In the Fifth Century, a scholar-monk named Jerome, compiled, translated, and edited the most accepted Jewish and Christian writings into what today is known as The Latin Vulgate.

Christians of different traditions (East and West) fervently debated the many writings then circulating throughout the Mediterranean until the Bible as we know it today was accepted as The Word of God about the year 360; even then, not everyone was satisfied with the results.

Since Biblical writings span centuries, reflect various political and religious positions, and contain stories and myths as well as questionable historical accounts, it is illogical to accept literally every word of these ancient texts. It is reasonable, however, that these writings be taken seriously, not only as they apply to their own time period but also to ours. In other words, while not always taken literally, the Bible should be taken seriously.

The Episcopal Church teaches that the Holy Scriptures are the “Word of God because God inspired their human authors and still speaks to us through the Bible” (Prayer Book, p. 853) and also affirms that “All scripture was written for our learning … that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life…” (Book of Common Prayer p. 236).