Debunking the Notion of the Bible as the Word of God: Analyzing the Origins and Authorship and Questions of Divine Inspiration.

Written By Jamal Dookhy

July 2023

Doha, Qatar

Introduction:

The Bible, a holy text revered by millions, has been traditionally believed to be the infallible word of God. However, a closer examination of its origins, manuscripts, and authorship raises essential questions regarding its divine nature. This article aims to debunk the notion that the Bible is the direct word of God by exploring its historical context and shedding light on the ambiguities surrounding its authorship. This article explores the evidence supporting this claim, while also analyzing the absence of claims of inspiration by the writers themselves. Additionally, it delves into the relationship between hero worship and the crucifixion of Jesus, considering the historical context of crucifixion as a common method of execution. It also highlights historical figures, such as Simon of Perea, who were regarded as messiahs before Jesus. The Gabriel inscription on a stone tablet, predating Jesus' birth, sheds light on the possible origin of the title "Prince of Peace." Finally, this article discusses the anonymous nature of the Gospel writers and the uncertainties surrounding the authorship of Matthew and John, drawing from reputable sources and prominent scholars to substantiate claims.

Origins and Manuscripts:

Let us begin by addressing the crucial aspect of the Bible's origins. The Bible, as we know it today, is not an original text but rather copies of copies. The oldest available manuscripts date back centuries after the original texts were believed to have been written namely the 4th century. Many people erroneous believe that the date of writing was the date of exposure to the public. It was only the sholars and Church fathers who had access to these Greek manuscripts and the lay man had no knowledge of what was written in them allowing Tampering. These manuscripts are vulnerable to human error, alteration, and interpretations throughout the ages, casting doubt on their authenticity as the literal word of God. Prominent scholars such as Bart Ehrman and Bruce Metzger have extensively studied ancient manuscripts, revealing variations and discrepancies among them. The Codex Sinaiticus and the Codex Vaticanus, both dating to the4th century CE, are two of the oldest surviving complete manuscripts of the Bible. However, they still differ in certain passages, emphasizing the complexity of textual transmission.

Absence of Claims of Inspiration:

An intriguing aspect of the Bible is the absence of explicit claims of divine inspiration by its writers. Rather, many biblical authors focus on historical accounts, satirical narratives, and teachings. This raises questions about the nature and degree of divine involvement in the composing of these texts. Scholars like Richard Elliott Friedman argue that the Bible should be viewed as a collection of works by varying human authors who sought to preserve their history, cultural values, and religious beliefs.

Scholarly Insights:

Reputable scholars have thoroughly analyzed the authorship of the Bible's key texts, questioning their direct connection to the disciples of Jesus. Take Luke, for instance, traditionally believed to be a disciple of Jesus. However, scholars suggest that Luke was likely a disciple of Paul and did not personally know Jesus. Similarly, Matthew's true identity as the disciple Levi is a hotly debated topic, and the authorship of the Gospel of John remains ambiguous. Scholars have debated the authorship of certain books within the Bible. Matthew and John, in particular, have been subjects of speculation. Various possibilities have been proposed, including the works being attributed to disciples of Jesus, influential figures within early Christian communities, or individuals using pseudonymous names. The bible confirms that the disciples were illiterate fishermen who could barely read and write in the own languages in Aramaic let alone write gospels in Kone Greek

Gospel Writers and their Connections:

The Gospel writers are generally believed to be anonymous, and they were not direct disciples of Jesus. Luke, often seen as a companion of Paul, highlights the connection between the early Christian communities and the Apostle Paul. This association raises questions regarding the direct proximity of the Gospel writers to Jesus' teachings.

Lack of Eyewitness Accounts:

A significant issue arises when examining the Gospels – the lack of eyewitness accounts. None of the Gospel writers were contemporaries of Jesus or his disciples. Instead, they relied on oral traditions, second-hand accounts, and other literary sources to construct their narratives. These sources included fictional texts, a common practice of the time.

Regarding the Gospel of John:

The Gospel of John has posed intriguing questions about its authorship. Rather than attributing it directly to the disciple John, Christian tradition offers various potential authors, including John the Apostle, John the Elder, or a different John entirely. The uncertainty surrounding its authorship raises doubt about its divine origin.

Book of Revelation:

The Book of Revelation, one of the most enigmatic texts in the Bible, is believed to be a vision or dream experienced by its author. Its symbolic language and apocalyptic imagery suggest that its contents should be interpreted as allegorical rather than literal, challenging the notion of it being the direct word of God. several church fathers, suggesting that the association of these texts with direct apostolic authorship occurred at a later stage.

The Intent of the Gospel Writers:

It is crucial to differentiate between the intentions of the Gospel writers and Paul, who expounded upon theological teachings. Paul's letters aimed to instruct and guide early churches rather than establish scripture. The Gospel writers were likewise likely motivated to convey religious teachings and spread the faith, rather than depict historical events with scientific accuracy and in this case also were not written as scripture. Seeing that they were Known as the Gospels according to and according to centuries after they were written. Prominent church fathers, such as Origen and Athanasius, acknowledged that the Gospels were named long after their original authors wrote them. By the time the Gospels were attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, enough time had passed for various narratives to have been incorporated and embellished.

Pre-existing Scripture:

Before the Gospels and Paul's writings, numerous other books were considered scripture by different religious sects. The existence of these alternative texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas or the Book of Enoch, challenges the idea of a singular, inspired canon, predating and surpassing the Bible as we know it today. The Gospel writers may have drawn inspiration from various sources, including fictional accounts and legendary narratives. Before the writing of Paul's epistles and the Gospel accounts, different sects held different books as sacred scripture, highlighting the fluid and evolving nature of religious texts within the early Christian communities.

Simon of Perea and the Gabriel Inscription:

Simon of Perea, a historical figure preceding Jesus, was considered a messiah by some. This raises questions about the exclusivity of Jesus' messianic claims. Furthermore, the Gabriel inscription on a stone tablet discovered in Jerusalem, predating the birth of Jesus, depicts an individual referred to as the "Prince of Princes," possibly suggesting a prior origin of the title “Prince of Peace” given to Jesus and the quote from the New Testament that He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,” this is quoted in the Book of Luke 24:46 who is known to have drawn from many outside sources. This particular part of the verse is not quote in the Hebrew bible but is found on the inscription mentioned above. The gospel writers drew from so many outside sources.

Crucifixion, Hero Worship, and Jesus:

Crucifixion, although frequently associated with Jesus in a religious context, was a commonly used method of execution during the Roman Empire. The act of crucifixion often involved the glorification of individuals who rebelled against the oppressors. Consequently, the crucifixion of Jesus might be viewed within the framework of hero worship, rather than an entirely unique occurrence, where the hero had to die and resurrect. Since the method used in those days was crucifixion so that applied to the case of Jesus. Where the hero died and resurrected after 3 days, themes of satire of the time.

Conclusion:

The assumption that the Bible is the infallible word of God diminishes when scrutinized through the lens of historical context, authorship, and textual analysis. The Bible is a compilation of texts that underwent alterations, embellishments, and interpretative processes over time. Engaging critically with the origins and authorship of the Bible allows for a greater appreciation of its historical and cultural context. By doing so, readers can develop a well-rounded understanding of this influential manuscript, ultimately enriching their faith and understanding. A thorough understanding of the origins and credibility of the Bible requires critical examination. The manuscript evidence reveals that the texts we possess today are copies of copies, prone to variations and copying errors. The absence of claims of divine inspiration in the Bible raises questions about its origins. The crucifixion of Jesus can be seen within the historical context of hero worship. Historical figures like Simon of Perea and the Gabriel inscription provide alternative perspectives, shedding light on pre-existing notions of messiahship and divine titles. The anonymous nature of the Gospel writers, uncertainties surrounding authorship, and connections to other influential figures like Paul add complexity to the reliability of the biblical narratives. Additionally, the acknowledgment of late attributions by church fathers and the diverse sources of inspiration during the formative period of Christianity invite further exploration. By delving into reputable scholarly works and prominent scholars, this article contributes to the broader understanding of the Bible as the word of God