Can the Bible be in Error, Historically?

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I want to thank you for the information you have provided. I would be interested in what you would have to write on your class notes. Your post made me consider that it might be correct but like you I am not a fan of the NAB. 👍
I was gonna pm you but you are not hooked up.
I’ll dig it out and maybe I can file it to you somehow. May take a few days. Remind me next week if I haven’t got it.
 
Of course not. Let’s just assume that it’s…
.

You should think for a second about who you are dismissing. Just because you do not know these scholars or what they do and how they do it, does not give you the authority to use the word “claptrap”.

thanks.
Its what I honestly think of it. 🤷
 
I never was a fan of NAB, and my husband even less - he cannot stand it.:eek:

My POV comes mostly from my gut reaction to it, that I just cannot shake. A contributing factor is that when I compare scripture versions of favorite verses or chapters, the NAB comes up disfavored more often than most. Which makes me wonder about the inspiration of the translators.:confused:

Then there is my husband’s view, having studied scripture in various original languages. He has a long-held and continuing interest word origin and meaning, and from this viewpoint, when we attend a regular Mass at our nice local parish, which of course uses the Diocesan directed NAB, he says it* hurts his ears*.:frighten:

Some Sundays for us its Latin Mass, which is lovely - but only a few of the prayers have I learned so far (I am not fast with this. Not all of us learn a second language easily!). He, instead, can follow all of it, and I see the peace he gets from it.:heaven:

After reading this thread and what it says in NAB commentary, I am even MORE convinced of my dis-favor of the NAB.:mad: But, yeah - it comes to us from the American College of Bishops, and those are the ones who had a big hand in getting our Catholic Church in America where it is today.😦 Yes, and I don’t think I will be reading any more of their Bible commentaries.

Where we used to live my husband and I had an opportunity to attend an Anglican Rite Mass a few times. I went with no expectations - just mildly curious. I was in shock at how uplifting the English language in Mass can be. It was heavenly! This was such a completely unexpected finding! And I found myself longing to participate in Mass with those words again. When we were able to go back, occasionally, I would find myself all morning anticipating reaching for the missal and the prayer book in the pew, and finding those prayers and hymns that would would recite or sing as a congregation. Those words were like gold treasure! Yes - the Anglican Rite is surely one of the gold treasures of our Church.

Which also left me feeling terrible - *why *do we use words in our Masses that, in comparison, are almost *ugly? *Why, when we have the beautiful words of the Anglican Rite, which was the original, long-cherished English-language Catholic rite. Those words came from great, devout, English-speaking Catholics who refined them to perfect beauty over the centuries! And then they were preserved so carefully after the reformation - probably from guilt of leaving Rome. Or, the evil ones who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls, since they had their way, separating them from the flock, let them be now, going to work wrecking havoc on our Mass instead. So I asked my husband why we don’t use this rite, and he said “exactly” – he always wondered the same thing!

A favorite author of mine is a convert, Sheldon VanAuken, and I always wondered why he retained his true love for his little Anglican/Episcopal church, still attending it (as well as Mass) after he converted. After my first Anglican Rite Mass, I understood. The language is* true worship.*

So, my husband and I both prefer the original (complete) King James, and of course the old reliable Douay–Rheims Bible. (And I do NOT understand why we don’t use that at Mass)

Yes, so when we have these *much better *translations, I have to wonder, why the NAB? Well, its a “gift” (really “command” - right?) from the College of American Bishops. Who also have a bit to do with the state of the Catholic Church in America today and these past decades…

And to add insult to injury, after every Sunday Mass, instead of the beautiful (and much needed, in our time) St. Michael prayer, that gives such peace to the soul when recited, we are all asked to look at the paper glued to the back of our missal and drone in one voice an unwieldy, uninspiring, poorly written “prayer for vocations” before we can leave. 😦
 
I’m just curious if, in the academic institution where you are a theology professor, there are scripture scholars?
We have a scholar as our pastor who taught many years in the seminary. It has been a real eye-opener to learn about the transmission of scripture. Mainstream scripture scholarship, while not detracting from the Church’s traditions of authorship, admits that the transmission of scripture is very, very, messy. The Gospel of John, as precisely as can be told, was written by a community which was somewhat at odds with the Petrine community, and so the flavor and content of John is influenced by this passionate theological thrust, emphasizing points that this community felt were being lost. Maybe someone here is a scripture scholar and can elaborate more on this.

None of these writers wrote in a cave off by themselves. They lived in communities. Maybe we could call them parishes, or diocese. To just say that “John wrote it” is true, but it’s an oversimplification.

It’s not much different than our current evangelization. We have some pastors who are fantastic homilists and spiritual guides. Parishes and dioceses will collect their thoughts, distill them, and propagate materials for the edification of the faithful. There is more to it than one man doing isolated journalism or dictation,

As another example, there is a school of thought centered around JP2. And he is influenced by philosophers from earlier times. He incorporates references from earlier philosophers and theologians, as well as scripture. It’s true, he did write this and that, but he might be the first to say “I hand down what was given to me”. And he of course gives fresh insight to it.

This is not to detract from the tradition of authorship, but rather to give us an appreciation of how alive the Gospels were in the community. They were not the isolated experience of an individual, but were formed and passed on through living Tradition.
As I said, the italicized words are NOT my words. They are the words of an apologist on THIS site. Click on the link and you will see. Therefore, I don’t think your question/comment is contemporaneous. I think you would have to address it to the author of the words I quoted.
 
NO, Lily, these are EMINENT Catholic theologians of our time whose works are WIDELY acclaimed. Its not about “resonating”, its about TRUTH. If you are an assistant theology professor, you studied some theology. Then how is it you do not recognize today’s GREATS in your field? THESE should be the ones you look up to!

And I don’t know how you, in your field, can refer to these respected theologians as persons supporting someones “personal” beliefs. No. It’s CATHOLIC beliefs.

Who DO you look up to, if its not these?

If these theologians do not support YOUR beliefs than Catholics should take a wide berth around your “professional” opinion on Catholic theology.
I am not as “assistant professor,” I am an “associate professor.” I HAVE assistants.
 
Mainstream scripture scholarship thinks the transmission of infallible scripture is messy… I can agree with this statement - it sounds par for the course! But unlike you (assuming from what you say here) - I do think that this notion detracts* very much* from the Church’s tradition of authorship.

So John’s community was “at odds” with Peter’s - with the head of the Church. Do you have any of the historical and scriptural evidence that such theologians base such assumptions on?

:rolleyes: I wonder how such theologians describe the Apostle John’s “theological thrust”?

I am editing to add my husbands comment, who studied Biblical theology and sat Bible and church history exams in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. So I guess that makes him a “theologian”, too, along with the rest of his classmates… He comments that “The church has always said that John is MORE INTERESTED in theology than the other gospel writers are. That doesn’t mean he disagrees with the other gospel writers. He takes interest in a different aspect.” He also points out that “Nothing John says he seems to be condemning anyone’s errors. He is not speaking of other Christian teachers, in, for example, the way that Jesus distinguishes himself from the Pharisees. He does not define himself against anyone he disagrees with. He just isn’t doing that.”

Sounds like whats in my Bible.🤷

So, Clem, I think it you are talking about John as a man influenced by his disagreements with other Christians, you are taking about a different gospel. (The mainstream secular one, maybe.)
I really never heard the phrase “theological thrust” before. It would very odd to me if the whole Bible didn’t have a “theological thrust!” John write a very high Christology, Mark wrote a very low one, and Luke and Matthew in between.

I think it’s clear that Clem is talking about the Gospel of John that can be found in all standard Catholic bibles.
 
Its not necessary to look it up. I think its claptrap that got passed on to you. Totally worth ignoring!
I don’t see how ANYONE could say what Clem learned in a Bible study class, from a Msgr., is “claptrap,” ESPECIALLY when that person does NOT even know what it is! :eek:

I, myself, am not interested in having my beliefs validated; I am interested in the truth.
 
Of course not. Let’s just assume that it’s…
.

You should think for a second about who you are dismissing. Just because you do not know these scholars or what they do and how they do it, does not give you the authority to use the word “claptrap”.

thanks.
Absolutely! 👍
 
For the most part, I disagree with the “modern” thoughts that discredit the more traditional thoughts that were actually closer to the events then these “experts” two thousand years later. However, the NAB footnotes state:
Matthew

Mark

John

Luke, it seems, is the only one who is accepted as the author of a Gospel.
Aren’t all these modern day discussions on authorship moot? We do not know for sure, but the Church for whatever reason has decided that these are true and fair accounts of the faith REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE AUTHORS ARE NAMED OR NOT. They can all be anonymous and the authority of the Church to claim them as inspired will not change a bit. Another book may have all the right “credentials” but fail to meet the true and fair test. My point being, the Church has ascertained on the truth of these books and directed its members to use it. There is no Standard Operating Procedure process flow to determine the inspiration of the books. We are just guided by the HS and that is that. The books that didn’t make the cut, became less popular etc I just attribute it to the work of the HS. Some Protestants think they have it down to a SOP but forgot it is pure plagiarism. Even the contents page matched, line by line exact sequence.

I don’t really care whether folks 1500 years or 2100 years later think it should be this or should be that. We look for the Church stamp of approval , not for the author’s signed off autograph.

Yea, I’m old fashion.
 
Aren’t all these modern day discussions on authorship moot? We do not know for sure, but the Church for whatever reason has decided that these are true and fair accounts of the faith REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE AUTHORS ARE NAMED OR NOT. They can all be anonymous and the authority of the Church to claim them as inspired will not change a bit. Another book may have all the right “credentials” but fail to meet the true and fair test. My point being, the Church has ascertained on the truth of these books and directed its members to use it. Notwithstanding whether folks 1500 years or 2100 years later think it should be this or it should be that. We look for the Church stamp of approval , not for the author’s signed off autograph.

Yea, I’m old fashion.
I don’t think it’s old fashioned, but I do think it’s right. The books are part of the biblical canon for a good reason. It doesn’t matter who the author(s) are.
 
Aren’t all these modern day discussions on authorship moot? We do not know for sure, but the Church for whatever reason has decided that these are true and fair accounts of the faith REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE AUTHORS ARE NAMED OR NOT. They can all be anonymous and the authority of the Church to claim them as inspired will not change a bit. Another book may have all the right “credentials” but fail to meet the true and fair test. My point being, the Church has ascertained on the truth of these books and directed its members to use it. There is no Standard Operating Procedure process flow to determine the inspiration of the books. We are just guided by the HS and that is that. The books that didn’t make the cut, became less popular etc I just attribute it to the work of the HS. Some Protestants think they have it down to a SOP but forgot it is pure plagiarism. Even the contents page matched, line by line exact sequence.

I don’t really care whether folks 1500 years or 2100 years later think it should be this or should be that. We look for the Church stamp of approval , not for the author’s signed off autograph.

Yea, I’m old fashion.
👍
I would only take issue with one thing, that scholarship is not part of the “mootness”. The debate about inspiration and innerrancy, yes. that is moot. But it is good that scholars do research to open up the scriptures more fully.
 
Please stop misquoting me. I did not call you a progressive which you have not acknowledged and I did not say that John did not write the Gospel.
What I said was that modern biblical scholars say he didn’t and this is in the NAB introduction notes authorized by the United States Bishops. Obviously then the Church does not disagree with your contention that John wrote the gospel.
Oops. My post made it sound like the Church agreed that John wrote the Gospel when the American Bishops must believe he didn’t since they approved of the NAB, they are part of the teaching of the Church. It disputes the idea that the Church believes John wrote the gospel.
 
…

Which also left me feeling terrible - *why *do we use words in our Masses that, in comparison, are almost *ugly? *Why, when we have the beautiful words of the Anglican Rite, which was the original, long-cherished English-language Catholic rite… 😦
You remind me of a time when I wanted to attend a more traditional mass. After the mass I was let down, because of the lack of participation that we now have in mass. I do go to Latin masses occasionally but I wouldn’t want to go back to them. I find todays mass beautiful. Any mass with the Eucharist is awesome in my opinion.

You may see it as ugly but others see it as uplifting and beautiful. Everyone has different taste.
 
I never was a fan of NAB, and my husband even less - he cannot stand it.:eek:

My POV comes mostly from my gut reaction to it, that I just cannot shake. A contributing factor is that when I compare scripture versions of favorite verses or chapters, the NAB comes up disfavored more often than most. Which makes me wonder about the inspiration of the translators.:confused:

Then there is my husband’s view, having studied scripture in various original languages. He has a long-held and continuing interest word origin and meaning, and from this viewpoint, when we attend a regular Mass at our nice local parish, which of course uses the Diocesan directed NAB, he says it* hurts his ears*.:frighten:

Some Sundays for us its Latin Mass, which is lovely - but only a few of the prayers have I learned so far (I am not fast with this. Not all of us learn a second language easily!). He, instead, can follow all of it, and I see the peace he gets from it.:heaven:

After reading this thread and what it says in NAB commentary, I am even MORE convinced of my dis-favor of the NAB.:mad: But, yeah - it comes to us from the American College of Bishops, and those are the ones who had a big hand in getting our Catholic Church in America where it is today.😦 Yes, and I don’t think I will be reading any more of their Bible commentaries.

Where we used to live my husband and I had an opportunity to attend an Anglican Rite Mass a few times. I went with no expectations - just mildly curious. I was in shock at how uplifting the English language in Mass can be. It was heavenly! This was such a completely unexpected finding! And I found myself longing to participate in Mass with those words again. When we were able to go back, occasionally, I would find myself all morning anticipating reaching for the missal and the prayer book in the pew, and finding those prayers and hymns that would would recite or sing as a congregation. Those words were like gold treasure! Yes - the Anglican Rite is surely one of the gold treasures of our Church.

Which also left me feeling terrible - *why *do we use words in our Masses that, in comparison, are almost *ugly? *Why, when we have the beautiful words of the Anglican Rite, which was the original, long-cherished English-language Catholic rite. Those words came from great, devout, English-speaking Catholics who refined them to perfect beauty over the centuries! And then they were preserved so carefully after the reformation - probably from guilt of leaving Rome. Or, the evil ones who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls, since they had their way, separating them from the flock, let them be now, going to work wrecking havoc on our Mass instead. So I asked my husband why we don’t use this rite, and he said “exactly” – he always wondered the same thing!

A favorite author of mine is a convert, Sheldon VanAuken, and I always wondered why he retained his true love for his little Anglican/Episcopal church, still attending it (as well as Mass) after he converted. After my first Anglican Rite Mass, I understood. The language is* true worship.*

So, my husband and I both prefer the original (complete) King James, and of course the old reliable Douay–Rheims Bible. (And I do NOT understand why we don’t use that at Mass)

Yes, so when we have these *much better *translations, I have to wonder, why the NAB? Well, its a “gift” (really “command” - right?) from the College of American Bishops. Who also have a bit to do with the state of the Catholic Church in America today and these past decades…

And to add insult to injury, after every Sunday Mass, instead of the beautiful (and much needed, in our time) St. Michael prayer, that gives such peace to the soul when recited, we are all asked to look at the paper glued to the back of our missal and drone in one voice an unwieldy, uninspiring, poorly written “prayer for vocations” before we can leave. 😦
I am sorry you are so unhappy with the Mass.
 
🤷 Okay. I guess this is more important.
Not really an associate professor is between an assistant professor and a professor at least in the United States.

Back to the topic

Re: Can the Bible be in Error, Historically?

The Bible is not meant to be a Historical book but to teach us about God and His relationship with us that is what is not in error.
 
I really never heard the phrase “theological thrust” before. It would very odd to me if the whole Bible didn’t have a “theological thrust!” John write a very high Christology, Mark wrote a very low one, and Luke and Matthew in between.

I think it’s clear that Clem is talking about the Gospel of John that can be found in all standard Catholic bibles.
To answer in your own words:

The “theological thrust” words are NOT my words. They are the words of Clem. Read the original post #257 and you will see. Therefore, I don’t think your question/comment is appropriate. I think you would have to address it to the author of the words.

However, more importantly, anyone can see that the choice of wording “theological thrust”] is a VERY moot point in both my post and in Clems post, and therefore I cannot see how it can possibly be a point worth making.

Read and you will see.

I see a pattern here in how you respond to others’ posts in this thread. It seems you make no acknowledgment of the main points - effectively DISMISSING them - and respond instead to small, irrelevant side points. :sad_yes:

Am I right?

Here is a further example to clarify:

When you dismissed my references to theological greats like Most, Hardon and Hahn as theologians who support MY beliefs, I responded thus (post #256):
NO, Lily, these are EMINENT Catholic theologians of our time whose works are WIDELY acclaimed. Its not about “resonating”, its about TRUTH. If you are an assistant theology professor, you studied some theology. Then how is it you do not recognize today’s GREATS in your field? THESE should be the ones you look up to!

And I don’t know how you, in your field, can refer to these respected theologians as persons supporting someones “personal” beliefs. No. It’s CATHOLIC beliefs.

Who DO you look up to, if its not these?

If these theologians do not support YOUR beliefs than Catholics should take a wide berth around your “professional” opinion on Catholic theology.
You response? You actually quoted THAT ENTIRE POST in your #269, responding only with this:
I am not as “assistant professor,” I am an “associate professor.” I HAVE assistants.
🤷
 
I am sorry you are so unhappy with the Mass.
Are you ever unhappy with any Masses?

On the upside, a Mass can offer a wonderful treasury of things to offer up.:rolleyes:

But a reverently-said Mass is a truly wonderful experience. Don’t you agree?

Do you ever watch some of the beautiful Masses at the Vatican that are televised?

And even the simple but reverent Masses on EWTN I like to watch sometimes. The priests are pious and reverent when they offer Mass. And I particularly love the reverent humble, simple way they read the Holy Scriputre. It is truly good.

For me, I like the reverence of a Latin Mass we sometimes attend, but since I understand relatively few of the words, it loses something for me.

Our local priest is pious, and though there is plenty to offer up at Mass (like folk guitar songs celebrating “we the people!”), his simple piety is always a comfort. I feel so blessed to have that right in town!
 
I am sorry you are so unhappy with the Mass.
I feel as you do, Clem. I’m extremely happy with Mass - in Latin, English, or French, or in the language of whatever country I’ve been in when I traveled so much. Absolutely no complaints!
 
To answer in your own words:

The “theological thrust” words are NOT my words. They are the words of Clem. Read the original post #257 and you will see. Therefore, I don’t think your question/comment is appropriate. I think you would have to address it to the author of the words.

However, more importantly, anyone can see that the choice of wording “theological thrust”] is a VERY moot point in both my post and in Clems post, and therefore I cannot see how it can possibly be a point worth making.

Read and you will see.

I see a pattern here in how you respond to others’ posts in this thread. It seems you make no acknowledgment of the main points - effectively DISMISSING them - and respond instead to small, irrelevant side points. :sad_yes:

Am I right?

Here is a further example to clarify:

When you dismissed my references to theological greats like Most, Hardon and Hahn as theologians who support MY beliefs, I responded thus (post #256):

You response? You actually quoted THAT ENTIRE POST in your #269, responding only with this:

🤷
Oh, you asked me what theologians I look up to.

Augustine of Hippo
Thomas Aquinas
Peter Abelard
Rene Descartes
Blaise Pascal
John Henry Cardinal Newman
Pierre Tielhard de Chardin
Pope Benedict XVI
John Paul II
Yves Congar
N.T. Wright (Anglican)
Romano Guardini
Bernard Lonergan
Karl Rahner
Thomas Merton (early period more)
Edward Schillebeeckx
Gerald O’Collins
Raymond Brown
Hans Urs von Balthasar
Hans Kung

I do not accept everything every one of them wrote, but I respect all of them.
 
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