Inerrancy vs. trustworthiness - semantics
Certain Evangelical branches of Christianity claim something that is quite misunderstood by many inside and outside of their specific persuasion in regards to the Bible. It is derived from a statement frequently used which claims the Bible to be “the inerrant word of God”. To anyone who has read the bible in its entirety, this seems an absurd claim whereas there exists a googillian seeming contradictions and inconsistencies throughout the book. So what do they mean?
A careful examination of the claims of inerrancy show that those educated on the subject are not at all claiming the book, in its current state, to be perfect. (See encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties by Gleason L. Archer, 1982) They understand well that the text of the Bible has been transmitted by mortal men for thousands of years, using limited skills, imperfect language, and a host of other limitations to convey the word of God to successive generations. They simply mean that the Bible, as given in its original state, was correct, inerrant, and pure coming from God himself. The Bible is the word of God (as Mormons would say). The next argument is to try and prove why today’s versions are, or are not trustworthy. (Unfortunately we have no single surviving original manuscript)
Similar misunderstandings
My point in sharing this observation is to point out a similarly misunderstood term used commonly by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This phrase is “I know this church is true.” To outsiders this can be a shocking statement as they watch mortal men guide an organization comprised of completely normal people, acting in roles of leadership and trying their best to work out their own salvation and help others along the way. No one can help but notice the weaknesses of men, the inconsistencies in leaders, the completely human part of this organization… and then to hear someone say that it is true? What do they mean? I personally find the term insufficient in describing what we mean. I prefer to say, “I know that this is the true and living church of Jesus Christ.”
I have come to know this statement to be accurate and would like to explain what I mean.
Unity of the Faith
In Ephesians 4 we learn that “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” Here is where much disagreement exists, for anyone looking at Christianity today will notice that according to dogmas, creeds, and doctrines there are many variations of the Spirit, many disagreeing bodies of believers, many differing views of Christ, many forms of baptism, and many diverging teachings of who God is. This is a BIG problem!
We learn just a few verses later that to this end Christ gave gifts unto men… gifts to help us achieve oneness. What are these gifts? They comprise an organization of imperfect men authorized and commissioned to be stewards of truth. He gave to us a church organization comprised of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Then he explains specifically why such an organization is given: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
It seems clear that we are all to hold the same faith, the same knowledge of the Son of God and that the role of Christ’s Church is to maintain the integrity of that church. I have been to LDS worship services all over the world now and am pleased to note that wherever I have attended a service by the Church of Jesus Christ, the doctrines are consistent. There is only one teaching about the Spirit, the Lord, God the Father, baptism, etc. I believe the doctrines of this Church to be consistent with things as they really are, were and will be (i.e. TRUTH).
What it means to be Living
Yes, mere men are in the leading roles of this Church, but Christ is at the Head. Revelation is a correct principle of truth and it is by revelation that our leaders are led, and then by that same revelation that we can receive confirmation that their decisions and teachings are consistent with God’s will. It is modern, current revelation that makes this church LIVING. And it is the fact that it is a living church that makes it “true” for Christ is at its head. Without such a profoundly central detail the Church of Jesus Christ is no different than any other Christian persuasion. Without the direct guidance of the Savior, the church would be dead… and therefore untrue.
The Lord says in section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants that the Church of Jesus Christ is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually”
True… living… as a collective body. All three of these details are imperative. Individually we are all prone to gross error, but collectively we stand a far greater chance of adhering to God’s will. We must be united, something I see within my own faith.
An Authoritative Gift from God
To all who feel threatened by what must appear as an “authoritarian church” I would suggest you reconsider, for none who belong to this church feel threatened by such a prospect, and we prefer the term "authoritative (Thanks Rockwood). Christ is our King, and God is our God and they lead their work as sovereigns. Their Church therefore is truly authoritative, but is governed by their great love, and eternal principles of truth and agency. Such authoritativeness is not to be feared. We see the centralized organization of the Church as a gift to help us on our journey back to God, and not as the only vehicle with heavenly access. The Church is not saved… individuals are, but the Church has been provided as a gift from God to be the custodian of truth, to maintain the integrity of Christ’s teachings and to break the grip of false teachings, so that we don’t have to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. As the Church of Jesus Christ rolls forth to fill the earth all who join will experience the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,” spoken of by Paul, yet unavailable in the largely divisive persuasions of traditional Christianity.
3 comments:
I enjoyed this blog post much as the previous ones, especially your discussion of unity of faith and being a "living" church. Good job.
It is interesting to note in the epistles how Paul, as an Apostle, must frequently correct mistaken doctrines among the saints. It is also interesting to note that as the Apostles were killed and not replaced, we see the Church split into splinter groups, form distinct creeds, etc. The centralized authority seems important in maintaining a unity of faith.
The Church is only living if it is receiving sustenance from the source of life, Christ. Revelation is essential! Christ is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). I would venture that this is referring both to our individual salvation and the Church's collective role. The life-giving and life-sustaining agents flow through and from Him into the branches of the Church. If the Church were to be cut off from the vine, it would die.
1 recommendation:
Perhaps the word "authoritative" should be used in place of "authoritarian."
Webster defines them thus:
Authoritarian: characterized by or favoring the principle of blind obedience to authority.
Authoritative: supported by, proceeding from, or being an authority.
I don't view the Church as being authoritative, but authoritative. As the carrier of truth (and priesthood) it stands as the authority, without demanding blind obedience.
Thank you for your comments. I especially appreciate the help with semantics at the bottom. Authoritative is right on target, whereas blind obedience is really the opposite of what we experience through revelation. Thanks.
When are you going to post something new, gosh!
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