| Question |
I have a question regarding the Bible. I am a Catholic and attending a Bible study through my son's Christian preschool. Their affiliation is Lutheran. Anyway, it was
brought up that we shouldn't take the Bible literally. They said that we should find the message that God is trying to teach us.....but we must remember that the Bible is
written by man, inspired by God, but that they were writing in a time thousands of years ago.
I am so angered by all of this, mainly because I cling to the Word of God as a comfort. Especially in these trying times when we need God so desperately in our lives. I
think it boastful and arrogant to think we can spin God's Word around to suit our own needs. What He says is How it is.
Okay, after all my blabbering, what do you believe? Do you take the Bible as the Word of God, as is....or do you believe we should not take it literally?
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| Response |
You asked for my opinion on whether or not the LDS faith accepts the Bible as the word of God.
First of all, Lisa, I respect any religion that teaches a doctrine that brings one closer to God and encourages a
Christ-like life. I would never intentionally put down or demote another's belief. As a member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, I will tell you that we do believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated
correctly, because it was He who inspired the prophets and apostles of old to write and keep their precious records and
hand them down to other worthy prophets through the ages, until it was compiled in book form about 900 AD by the Catholic
church.
I believe, and it's pretty much accepted among theologists world wide, that there are writings by prophets and apostles,
which for some reason, were not included in the Bible compilation. This is one of the reasons, why I appreciate the Book
of Mormon so much. Its teachings clarify those things which might otherwise be unclear. In spite of that, the Bible is
the word of God and its accounts are true. God does not exaggerate, nor mislead us with the words of these great prophets.
The contents of the Bible were meant to give us comfort and direction regarding the mind and will of the Lord throughout
the ages and is still timely and valid in these days. You stated it accurately when you said that God is the same
yesterday, today, and forever. He is unchanging.
I feel bad for those who do not enjoy the comforting influence of this knowledge. I think that their lives will be
happier, more fulfilled, and there would be less anxiety in their hearts if they trusted in God in every way, and stopped
making assumptions as to what God really meant, and simply believe in Christ.
I hope that this is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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