It is Written.

We think that because something is written in the Bible it must be true.

But the evidence of modern scholarship would suggest that this is not the case.

Words have been put into the mouth of Jesus and even into the mouth of God.

The Gospel of John contains long passages attributed to Jesus which do not appear in the other Gospels.

This has led scholars to assert that the Gospel of John is not historical but developed theology about Jesus.

The short aphoristic sayings and parables in the Synoptic Gospels are much more in keeping with the oral tradition of teachers at that time.

But the habit of Old Testament writers of putting their messages into the mouth of God is much more problematical.

Violent, judgemental, and legalistic passages in the Old Testament are unlikely to be literally the words of God.

Ancient authors could only write according to the understanding and worldview that existed at the time.

This is where tradition breaks down.

These primitive attitudes to God have been passed down from generation to generation.

But humankinds' image of God evolves as the Bible progresses.

There are passages which contradict earlier passages in the text.

The God of Jesus bears no resemblance to the harsh God of the Old Testament.

So now, 2000 years later, humanity is ready for a new image of God.

A God who is transcendent.

Beyond our human expectations of punishment and judgement.
   
A God who is wholly good.

The God whom Jesus of Nazareth knew.


Photo Credit: K. Horn Flickr via Compfight cc