Remember that old Sunday School classic, “The B-I-B-L-E”? You probably sang it as a kid: “The B-I-B-L-E, Yes--That’s the Book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.” It’s a short song, but behind the snappy tune and quick spelling lesson rest deep theological truths about the inspiration, inerrancy, and sufficiency of the Word of God. In essence, these doctrines indicate that the teachings of the Bible are “God-given,” “correct,” and “sufficient” for our lives.
Elisabeth Cady Stanton, a leading founder of the first woman’s movement, would have profoundly disagreed. She argued that certain portions of Scripture were so male biased and evil, that woman ought to deny the divine inspiration of such a “demoralizing book.”* She believed that in order for women to achieve true equality with men, they would need to approach the Bible on their own terms:
“We have made a fetish of the Bible long enough. The time has come to read it as we do all other books, accepting the good and rejecting the evil it teaches.” --Elisabeth Cady Stanton
Stanton felt so strongly that the original text of the Bible was bad for women that she put together a “revising committee” to deal with those passages she found offensive. The result was an angry, scorching book called “The Woman’s Bible,” which was first published in 1895. In it, Stanton and the Revising Committee made recommendations to women about which parts of the Bible they ought to condemn and ignore.
It bothers me that these feminist pioneers so disrespected and disregarded God’s Holy Word. But if I’m honest with myself, I can see that my own heart isn’t entirely free from this attitude. I constantly wrestle with my sinful tendency to neglect or shrug off the Bible’s teachings--particularly if they’re uncomfortable, unpopular, or difficult to follow.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed. A few verses later, he predicts that “the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (4:3). It seems to me that this is exactly what Elisabeth Cady Stanton and the Revising Committee of The Woman’s Bible did.
It’s important that each one of us examines her heart. Am I--as Stanton advocated--merely listening to teachers who say what I want to hear? Or is my attitude like the one reflected in that simple child’s song:
“The B-I-B-L-E, Yes--That’s the Book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.”
I’d love to hear from you. Can you think of some common rationalizations/excuses for not obeying God’s Word? Do you have a personal story about how you learned to obey passages that initially rubbed you the wrong way?
*The Woman’s Bible, Parts I & II, Elisabeth Cady Stanton and the Revising Committee, published in 1895. Re-published by the Seattle Coalition Task Force on Women and Religion, 1974 (4759-15th Avenue NE., Seattle, Washington, 98105), p. 8 – Preface to Part II.
Leave a Comment:
We love hearing from you, and will post your comment as long as it is appropriate, and is written in a tone that is encouraging, edifying, and loving to others. Even then, know that the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts.
Comments
Yes, I also was swayed by "teachers" for most of my young adult years. But, after a bitter divorce, an unsuccessful attempt to chase after a career and a serious chronic illness, I thankfully hit the bottom and began to read the Bible with a passion. Some may call it a string of lucky coincidences, but I KNOW the Word of God is alive and true and life-changing! Sure, I still have struggles with God's commands sometimes, but I know my sinful nature and how His love and power can change me for His glory and my best.
on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I can't come up with one verse that rubbed me the wrong way. But i can tell you that i question God everyday, wanted to now why he gave me my house and then i am fighting to keep it.
I can say the words FAITH and TRUST. I stayed away from.
But with time patients, and a wonderful support group i have learned to love those words once more. Because know i realized God test us everyday to see how much FAITH and TRUST we have in him.
on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I grew up in a church with great moral teachings, but nothing was to be questioned. After the Gospel was shared with me in college, I came to understand God's great love for me and for people. As I studied God's Word, I saw the errors that I had been taught and believed. I returned to ask church leaders where I could find answers that I needed. They were not able to help me so I began to study on my own and soon found a church that had a Bible study. God is faithful and continues to be faithful to me. He has promised that He will not leave me or forsake me. He has kept His promise through much sickness, financial challenges, family problems and stress of life. God's Word is the anchor that I cling to. I'm glad that I can read the Bible in my language and find study materials to help me learn.
on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Or you could say that the bible is a jumble of outmoded beliefs and useful guide-lines, and pick and choose what to live by.
In the latter case, be clear that the rules you choose to live by have been chosen based on your innate sense of right-ness; their validity comes from inside you, not from God.
It's all or nothing, ladies. I suggest that it's time to believe in yourselves, rather than follow an ancient text.
on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 9:43 pm
on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11:24 pm
What a lovely response.
When I read the above note by Kit and Kat;
it reminded me of a saying; tit for tat.
I Googled it & came up with this from the Winapega Dictionary;
Tit for tat is a highly effective strategy in game theory for the iterated prisoner's dilemma. It was first introduced by Anatol Rapoport in Robert Axelrod's two tournaments, held around 1980. Based on the English saying meaning "equivalent retaliation" ("tit for tat"), an agent using this strategy will initially cooperate, then respond in kind to an opponent's previous action. If the opponent previously was cooperative, the agent is cooperative. If not, the agent is not. This is similar to reciprocal altruism in biology.
Karen,
May God use you to set many prisoners free from Satan's hold. To eternal life in Christ.
Love in Christ,
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 3:07 am
"the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is Your faithness O Lord. The Lord is my Portion, says my soul. Therefore, I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3:22-24
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 8:13 am
In my first year as a Christian I read through the Bible and learned that God is my creator, he gives me life, he decides when I die. I was frightened by his awesomeness, by my sinfulness, and amazed and thankful for his love, mercy and grace.
The Bible is called the Living Word of God for a reason and you must belong to him to understand what that means.
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 8:24 am
But in regard to the message above by Kit and Kat, I think it IS important to note the apparent (and I say "apparent") contradictions in Scripture. (That has been the course of my walk with the Lord, and it has opened up the word and made it so alive!) If we ignore these apparent contradictions, we are no more honest than those who ignore the passages regarding a wife's submission to her husband. Yet because God's Word is flawless, infallible and SO awesome, there are answers for every apparent contradiction one may come across. It is so exciting to see the Word of God answer it's own questions (and there are so many questions!)
The thing I love most about the song B-I-B-L-E is the statement "I stand ALONE on the Word of God." I have been challenged in my walk with the Lord to continually seek to stand alone on God's word... not to stand on a church doctrine or a theologian's "wisdom" or any such thing but to continually strive to stand alone on God's word... to progress in my knowledge of Him and His word. It is my belief that as I grow in knowledge of His word, my doctrine will develop as well (profitable for doctrine - 2 Tim 3:16). So perhaps I can pass along the same challenge that I have so thoroughly enjoyed.
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 9:11 am
While it is true that a person can find the Truth and the wisdom to live by, as well as an innate sense of right-ness within themselves, as suggested by Kit, this does not preclude God in any way.
Where does this innate sense of right-ness come from?
Let us posit it comes from alignment with the God Within.
Within each of us is a divine fragment, our own true selves, if we so chose.
Jesus taught in metaphors and allegories, as he was instructing a populace that was very superstitious and poorly educated. So he said, "The kingdom of Heaven is within you."
I agree with Kit that one must look and listen for guidance from within.
It is there to be heard, we have only to ask.
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 11:00 am
You are exactly right, because the Bible is God's Holy Word, you should not eat lobster, you must adhere to other dietary restrictions, marital and parenting regulations, as well as planting and harvesting laws – if you are a covenantel Israelite entering the occupied territory of Cannaan around the year 1445 BC.
God mercifully gave specific instructions and laws to His people as they were leaving their captivity as Egyptian slaves and entering a foreign territory. These laws were intended for their spiritual and physical protection. In the early years of God's relationship with mankind, it was necessary for His people to be given clear, specific instructions that introduced His people to the concept of man's sinfulness and God's holiness.
By the time Jesus appears on the earthly scene God has not changed, but His approach in His dealings with man move from a law-based relationship to a grace-based relationship. Man was never able to perfectly live by the Levitical laws, man was trapped in his own bent toward selfishness and self-indulgence. In the fullness of time, God took on flesh and at the cross He was the sinless sacrifice to atone for our sin.
If you choose to view Scripture outside of the context in which it was written and ignore it's purpose and meaning, it can appear outmoded. It is actually a redemptive tapestry woven throughout history.
You mention an innate sense of “rightness” that comes from within ourselves. There is a standard of conduct that resonates within each person's conscience. According to Romans 1, God has placed within man a natural conviction of moral law, which is why social injustices are commonly offensive.
I cannot place my trust within a fallible being – which I have proven to be. The ancient text you refer to is one of the primary ways that God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind. If God chose to reveal Himself to man, it would be His prerogative to choose the manner in which He would perform this merciful disclosure. Romans chapter 1 reveals the fact that God has chosen to disclose Himself to man through His creation, and through man's own conscience. John 1 tells us that God has revealed Himself through the incarnation of Jesus Christ and 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that although men physically wrote down the text of Scripture, it was done through the miraculous process of the Holy Spirit inspiring what was written.
If you are interested in investigating the validity of Scripture, I highly recommend 2 books. These were written by men who claimed to be atheists and skeptics who set out to disprove Christianity's claims: "A Case for Faith" by Lee Stroebel and "More than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell.
Thank you for your comment and interest in the discussions on this web-site. Although we have different views, I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss heart-felt issues together.
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I am curious about your statement "truth is a living thing." Living organisms are constantly in the process of change, growth or dying. What would prevent truth from being recorded as propositional, authoritative statements of fact? I am thankful that my bank teller is willing to record the "truthful" amount of my bank balance - otherwise I might find myself overdrawn quite often (I always think I should have more in my checking account than I do :-))!
Jesus had a few good statements on truth. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). He also defined absolute truth for us in a prayer to His Heavenly Father, "Sanctify them in truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
You are right, much of the populace of 1st century Roman provinces were highly superstitious and poorly educated - but many were well read and intelligent thinkers. Jesus spoke/speaks very clearly to those who have ears to hear - in His day as well as today. Jesus related to people at all social and intellectual levels.
He told us what the kingdom of heaven is like. He told us how to enter into the kingdom of heaven. He told us who was not fit for the kingdom of heaven. but when Jesus referred to the kingdom of heaven being “within you” (Luke 17:21, and literally it should be translated “in your midst”) He is not implying that men have God incarnated within themselves.
Since creation, mankind's natural inclination is to imagine himself as god or attempt to exalt himself as deity, but I've never yet met an individual who fulfills the characteristics of omnipotence, omnipresence, omnisapience or has the ability to maintain self-sustaining existence.
I will agree that within us each is something that points us to God. He has placed within each of us a conscience and an understanding that there is something more than our finite existence.
Thanks for sending in your thoughts. I'm glad you are willing to discuss these issues with those who have very different perspectives.
on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 9:11 pm
While the original posters have not replied, I for one am impressed with your thoughtful response. One can only hear "because the Bible said so, and also, you're going to HELL!" so many times before they just stop listening. I think you addressed all of their concerns and in the end it comes down to faith.
on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 11:56 am
Thank you for your kind comment. I agree that in the end it comes down to faith. My desire is that those who criticize Christianity be open to thoroughly reviewing all the historical, archeological, and textual evidence with an open mind. My faith in Christ is not based on merely subjective experience, but also valid and objective evidence.
I enjoyed hearing from you and hope you'll stay in touch.
on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Thank you for your response.
If, as you suggest, Scripture must be viewed in the context in which it was written, this potentially applies to everything, e.g. 1 Cor. 11:9, and you must pick and choose which apply today. This requires secular judgement - the bible doesn't have footnotes about expiry dates.
Second is the issue of trust - do you believe your direct experience, your senses, or do you spiral away from the present - that which is directly in front of you - and believe your mind and the words with which it organizes thought? Descartes chose mind over experience; the Buddhists choose experience, and so do I. Do you believe that humans exercise moral judgement? I do. And yes, they also fail, but that is no reason to assume the existence of an over-arching sentient being.
Your desire for an infallible being is like our desire for Santa Claus to be real. At some stage, we have to let go of the attractive dream, and live in the world as it is. Similarly, relinquishing the idea of an infallible paternal God seems to me to be the intellectually honest way to go. You may disagree, but I ask you to look closely at your idea of God and distinguish between what you would like to be the case and what actually is, i.e. what objective proof do you have other than an old book? Sorry to be harsh, but weaknesses in logical argument really irk me.
I looked at the reviews of Lee Strobel's book, and this one
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2S4BFC7Q6GKM1
lays out very well the weaknesses in his arguments.
on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 2:58 pm
http://godisabitofadick.com/
on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Although a highly intelligent mathematician, Descartes' conclusion to his struggle over the question of certainty, ironically, led him to establish a faulty philosophy of existence. His famous statement, “I think, therefore I am” placed the human mind and personal experience as the source of all certainty.
When studying Buddhism, I found some things I could appreciate in relation to Siddhartha Gautama's accurate assessment that the cure for an individual's selfish craving, evil desire and greed involves overcoming selfishness, but I disagree with the basic assumption that ignorance is the source of the problem.
My personal experience and objective observation has proven that my own sinful heart, not ignorance, is the source of the problem – as it is for all of mankind. My belief in God is based on much more than my childish wish for Santa Clause to exist (and yes, I was extremely disappointed when I discovered the truth about him!).
I've mentioned in my previous comment to Sophia that there is ample objective evidence for the existence of God, but yes – I am thankful that after more than four decades of being involved in an intimate and abiding relationship with Him, He has repeatedly confirmed His living reality to me in ways that exceed cognitive understanding. He has graciously chosen to reveal Himself to mankind and is willing to communicate to us, through His Spirit by the power of His living Word.
Still hope you'll check out Stroebel's book for yourself rather than relying on someone's assessment. Also, Josh McDowell's, Evidence That Demands a Verdict is an enlightening read as well. Enjoyed conversing with you, would much rather sit down and have some long talks together in person.
Sorry to take so long in responding, I have my daughter visiting from out of town and have only brief periods to check the blog. May you be blessed by one day experiencing the true fulfillment that only comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 11:36 am
I have to chuckle, amusement tinged with a certain sadness, when I witness finite man attempting to discredit infinite God.
I'll let God speak for Himself:
"Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed (an Old Testament reference to Jesus Christ), saying, 'Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!' He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.
The earth is the Lord's and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood."
Psalm 2:1-4, 24:1-4
Thanks for visiting our site, hope you might find something here that will be of benefit to you.
on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 11:46 am
I have to thank you and rest of the True Woman movement for your thought provoking insights and for being vulnerable with your own struggles with Scripture and the Lord. I can tell you from my own experience that I have seen more in the last year of the transformational power of the Bible than ever in the last 25 years of being a believer.
Not to go into any detail, but I have been dealing with the shame and pain of being sexually abused when I was young. And through all of the grief that I have waded through, I can honestly say that the greatest damage sustained in my life has not been the abuse itself, but in the lies that that were introduced because of the abuse. There is great gain in this, though, because the Bible is the very truth that provides the means for justice, forgiveness, love, mercy, grace, and redemption. His word along with the work of His Holy Spirit is truly sufficient and glorious in any circumstance!
on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of God's redemptive grace and work in your life.
He is faithful, and because of His redemptive character He is able to give "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they (you) might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified" (Isa. 61:3).
Keep pouring the truth of His Word into your heart and mind to counteract the deceit of the one who seeks to "steal, kill and destroy."
on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 9:56 am