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I started a neighborhood Bible study at home. Our first study is about investigating the evidence for Christianity. We just studied is there a God and what is he like? Now we will be starting evidence for the BIble.
One lady has already told me that she believes the Bible is true as a historical document but that it has many errors in it and many parts that are not relevant for today (even New Testament). She also does not believe it is the word of God. She also said that there is very little evidence for the BIble and that even the few copies that they have do not match.
This is a common argument from someone who really does not have an understanding in the Bible.
Regarding evidence of the Bible,
There are several ways to validate the Bible.
1. Historically the bible is true
2. Archeology proves the Bible
3. Manuscript evidence proves the Bible
4. Prophecy proves the Bible.
These arguments are covered in detail in the following documents.
http://www.truthnet.org/Christianity/Apologetics/http://www.truthnet.org/Christianity/Apologetics/IsthebiblefromGod6/http://www.truthnet.org/pdf/Apologetics/6Isthebiblefromgod.pdfAlso, personally I like starting with Isaiah 53 and showing it was written 700 years before Jesus, yet describes in detail his death and ministry.
Anyway, I am not sure if her "lack of manuscript evidence" relates to the new or the old testament. I have noticed that in everything I read that the evidence they list is for the NT. She has read the Case for Christ and the Case for Faith and really liked them. I told her about "I don't have enough faith to be an atheist" and she has it on her list.
She also said that she believes there are many paths to heaven and to God. I pointed out that Jesus is either a liar, lunatic or the truth and read John 14:6.
When someone says to me there are many ways to God, I like to ask if Hitler's way is just as valid as any other. Usally they say no because Hitler was bad, then I ask so who determines the valid way to God? How do you know what is the valid way?
My general line of thinking for talking to this lady is:
1. John chapter 1 - Jesus is the word...not sure she will understand but she does probably first need to accept that the Bible is accurate prior to believing this anyway - still I want to plant that seed.
2. Evidence for NT
3. Jesus - liar, lunatic, or who he claims to be.
4. Jesus confirmed OT in many places.
This is fine, but first the TRUTH of scripture must be demonstrated.
She did say that in the original language that there are no spaces and if you assume the word ends in a different place it says something completelly different.
This is not really a problem, spaces between letters is a new invention, because of the cost of paper and writing material is cheaper.
The Septuagint demonstrates this was not a problem
Let me know if this helps
