The Bible As An Inspired Word Of God Series (Apologetic Responses to Critics)
Mistakes Critics Make In Misjudging The Bible (Part 2)
Note: These are summarized compilations from the book, “When Critics Ask”, authored by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe.
“if we are perplexed by any apparent contradiction in Scripture, it is not allowable to say, the author of this book is mistaken, but either the manuscript is faulty, or the translation is wrong, or you have not understood.” St. Augustine
MISTAKE (2): Presuming the Bible Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Many critics assume the Bible is wrong until something proves it right. However, like an American citizen charged with an offence, the Bible should be presumed “innocent” until it is proven guilty. This is not asking anything special for the Bible, it is the way we approach all human communications. If we did not, life would not be possible. For example, if we assumed road signs and traffic signals were not telling the truth, then we would probably be dead before we could prove they were telling the truth. Likewise, if we assume food labels are wrong until proven right, we will have to open up all cans and packages before buying.
The Bible, like any other book, should be presumed to be telling us what the authors said and heard. Negative critics of the Bible begin with just the opposite presumption. Little wonder, then, that they conclude the Bible is riddled with error.
