Revisions.

Despite the fact that Fundamentalists say that the Bible is all literally true there is evidence that the prophets' image of God evolves with time.

There are several revisions to the Law and earlier understandings of God.

".....visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children and the children's children to the third and forth generation."  Exodus 34:7 (NRSV)

"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?  As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.  Know that all lives are mine; the lives of the parents as well as the life of the child is mine; it is only the person who sins that shall die."  Ezekiel 18 2-4 (NRSV)

This is a revision by the prophet Ezekiel of the earlier Law of Moses.

And Jesus does likewise.

"'You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer.'"  Matthew 5:38,39 (NRSV)

"'You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"  Matthew 5:43,44 (NRSV)

So there is Biblical evidence that some of the words put into the mouth of God by earlier prophets are mistaken.

How can the inspired word of God be mistaken?

The understanding of primitive prophets is limited by the knowledge and worldview of the time.

The revelation is reflected in the understanding of the prophet.

It is clear that Jesus revised the understanding of earlier prophets.

And as a Christian Jesus' words take precedence over earlier and later interpretations.

So it is clear.

God is non-violent, merciful, and forgiving.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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