CAST UP!

Introduction

As we have discussed at some length, and I realize I have reiterated this numerous times, each person must choose a source of authority to interpret the world in which we all live. In the current vernacular this is referred to as worldview. And, as I have tried to communicate, there is a relatively narrow range of views and sources of authority from which to select as a lens through which to view the world. And each of these worldviews have advocates whose voices sound a clarion call across society canvassing and inviting new joiners to take their place along the same road.

I repeat this matter again to point out two things. First, everyone who ascribes to a particular worldview has heard the argument for a particular position (consciously or unconsciously) and joined that group by adopting that worldview. Secondly, when adopting a worldview, there is inherent opposition that comes with the choice. As an example, when one ascribes to naturalism, then creationism becomes an opponent of sorts and the adherent of naturalism must take a stand against creationism. If one adheres to postmodernism, the individual must take a position against the view that objective truth can be known. I suppose my point is made.

Likewise, any worldview that adheres to views that are in opposition to those communicated in the Bible stands in opposition to the Bible. In fact, probably the world's greatest battlefield centers around the opposition to the Bible and the warfare played out. An effective manner to express this opposition is to quote Jesus Christ who elucidates the issue with a militaristic tone, saying, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34 ESV). Why would Christ say such a thing? Didn’t he come to bring love, peace, utopia? Apparently not. If anyone questions this, just look at the opposition to his words and the entire biblical text—opposition that continues to this hour, unabated.

Opposition to the Bible primarily centers around attempts to repudiate the texts, the writers, and the intent of the writers. At no time in history has there been such effort to discredit the biblical canon. By attempting to discredit the Bible the opponents of the Bible take their stand against the God of the Bible while directing their efforts at turning others away from its truth. Generally speaking, every worldview whose views stand in direct opposition to the God of the Hebrews will make an attempt to discredit the biblical Hebrew text, and will make an effort to dissuade people from accepting the veracity of the Scriptures.

The importance of this cannot be overstated—and it's a big one.

The purpose for this portion of our discussion is to briefly explain, in the most basic terms, some of the ongoing efforts to discredit Scripture and invalidate the Bible as the single most valuable source of authority available to each of us to understand God and the human situation. This attempt to discredit the Bible is a significant stone placed in the path of many people causing them to stumble at their detriment.

Let’s get started by beginning with a short explanation of the claims the Bible makes about itself.