Soon after the originals were written, handwritten copies began to be produced. Copying the Scriptures actually became a profession in ancient Israel. (Ezra 7:6; Psalm 45:1) The copies, though were also recorded on perishable materials. Eventually these had to be replaced by other handwritten copies. When the originals passed off the scene, these copies became the basis for future manuscripts. Copying the copies was a process that went on for many centuries. Did copyists' mistakes over the centuries drastically change the text of the Bible? The evidence says no.
The professional copyists were very devoted. They had a profound reverence for the words they copied. They were also meticulous. The Hebrew word rendered "copyist" is so-pher', which has reference to counting and recording. To illustrate the accuracy of the copyists, consider the Masoretes. Regarding hem, scholar Thomas Hartwell Horne explains: "They . . . reckoned which is the middle letter of the Pentateuch [the first five books of the Bible], which is the middle class of each book, and how many times each letter of the [ Hebrew] alphabet occurs in all the Hebrew Scriptures."
Thus, skilled copyists utilized a number of cross-checking tools. To avoid omitting even a single letter from the Bible text, they went so far as to count not just the words copied but the letters as well. Consider the painstaking care this involved: They reportedly kept track of 815,140 individual letters in the Hebrew Scriptures! Such diligent effort ensured a high degree of accuracy.
Nevertheless, the copyists were not infallible. Is there any evidence that despite centuries of recopying, the Bible text has survived in reliable form?
Next time:A Solid Basis For Confidence
A Book For All People, 1997
1.29.2010
1.27.2010
How Did The Book Survive?
The Bible writers did not engrave their words on stone; neither did they inscribe them on durable clay tablets. They evidently recorded their words on perishable materials-papyrus (made from the Egyptian plant of the same name) and parchment (made from the skins of animals).
What happened the original writings? They probably disintegrated long ago, most of them in ancient Israel. Scholar Oscar Paret explains: "Both of these writing mediums [papyrus and leather] are in the same strong measure endangered by humidity, by mold, by various maggots. We know from daily experience how easily paper, and even strong leather, deteriorates in the open air or in a damp room."
If the originals no longer exist, then how did the words of the Bible writers survive to our day?
Next time: Preserved By Meticulous Copyists
A Book For All People, 1997
What happened the original writings? They probably disintegrated long ago, most of them in ancient Israel. Scholar Oscar Paret explains: "Both of these writing mediums [papyrus and leather] are in the same strong measure endangered by humidity, by mold, by various maggots. We know from daily experience how easily paper, and even strong leather, deteriorates in the open air or in a damp room."
If the originals no longer exist, then how did the words of the Bible writers survive to our day?
Next time: Preserved By Meticulous Copyists
A Book For All People, 1997
1.26.2010
The World's Most Widely Distributed Book
In Some respects, most books are like people. They appear on the scene, may grow in popularity, and-except for a handful of classics-become old and die. Libraries often serve as cemeteries for countless books that are obsolete, unread and, in effect, dead.
The Bible, however, is exceptional even among the classical works. Although its written origins go back 3,500 years, it is still very much alive. It is by far the most widely circulated book on earth. Each year, some 60 million copies of the entire Bible or portions of it are distributed. The first edition printed from movable type came off the printing press of the German inventor Johannes Gutenberg about 1455. Since then an estimated four billion Bibles (the whole or in part) have been printed. No other book, religious or otherwise, even comes close.
The Bible is also the most widely translated book in history. The complete Bible or portions of it have been translated into more than 2,100 languages and dialects. Over 90 percent of the human family have access to at least part of the Bible in their own language. This book has thus crossed national boundaries and transcended racial and ethnic barriers.
Statistics alone may not provide a compelling reason for you to examine the Bible. Nevertheless, the circulation and translation figures are impressive, testifying to the Bible's universal appeal. Surely the best-selling and most widely translated book in all human history is worthy of your consideration.
Next time: How Did The Book Survive?
A Book For All People, 1997
The Bible, however, is exceptional even among the classical works. Although its written origins go back 3,500 years, it is still very much alive. It is by far the most widely circulated book on earth. Each year, some 60 million copies of the entire Bible or portions of it are distributed. The first edition printed from movable type came off the printing press of the German inventor Johannes Gutenberg about 1455. Since then an estimated four billion Bibles (the whole or in part) have been printed. No other book, religious or otherwise, even comes close.
The Bible is also the most widely translated book in history. The complete Bible or portions of it have been translated into more than 2,100 languages and dialects. Over 90 percent of the human family have access to at least part of the Bible in their own language. This book has thus crossed national boundaries and transcended racial and ethnic barriers.
Statistics alone may not provide a compelling reason for you to examine the Bible. Nevertheless, the circulation and translation figures are impressive, testifying to the Bible's universal appeal. Surely the best-selling and most widely translated book in all human history is worthy of your consideration.
Next time: How Did The Book Survive?
A Book For All People, 1997
1.25.2010
Misrepresented By Religion
The actions of those who say they follow the Bible, often besmear the reputation of the book they claim to revere. So-called Christians have shed one another's blood in the name of God. Yet, the Bible admonishes followers of Christ to "love one another." -John13:34, 35; Matthew 26:52.
Some clergymen fleece their flocks, wheedling hard-earned money from them-a far cry from the Scriptural instruction: "You receive free, give free." -Matthew 10:8 1 Peter 5:2, 3.
Clearly, the Bible cannot be judged according to the words and actions of those who simply quote it or claim to live by it. An open-mouthed person may therefore want to discover for himself what the Bible is all about and why it is such a remarkable book.
Next time: The World's Most Widely Distributed Book
A Book For All People, 1997
Some clergymen fleece their flocks, wheedling hard-earned money from them-a far cry from the Scriptural instruction: "You receive free, give free." -Matthew 10:8 1 Peter 5:2, 3.
Clearly, the Bible cannot be judged according to the words and actions of those who simply quote it or claim to live by it. An open-mouthed person may therefore want to discover for himself what the Bible is all about and why it is such a remarkable book.
Next time: The World's Most Widely Distributed Book
A Book For All People, 1997
1.20.2010
Finding The True Sense Of Biblical Passages
Galileo believed the Bible to be true. When his scientific discoveries contradicted the prevailing interpretation of certain Bible verses, he reasoned that theologians were missing the true sense of the passages. After all, "two truths can never contradict one another," he wrote. He suggested that the precise terms of science do not contradict the everyday words of the Bible. But theologians would not let themselves be persuaded. They insisted that all Biblical statements about the earth are to be taken literally. As a result, not only did they reject Galileo's discoveries but they also missed the true sense of such Scriptural expressions.
Really, common sense should tell us that when the Bible refers to "the four corners of the earth," it does not mean that the Bible writers understood the earth to be literally square. (Revelation 7:1) The Bible is written in the language of ordinary people, often using vivid figures of speech. So when it speaks of the earth as having "four corners," a durable "foundation," "pedestals," and a "cornerstone," the Bible is not offering a scientific description of the earth; obviously it is speaking metaphorically, as we have often done in speech." - Isaiah 51:13; Job 38:6.
In his book, Galileo Galilei, biographer L. Geymonat noted: "Narrow-minded theologians who wanted to limit science on the basis of biblical reasoning would do nothing but cast discredit upon the Bible itself." That they did. Actually, it was the theologians' interpretation of the Bible-not the Bible itself-that put unreasonable constraints on science.
Similarly, religious fundamentalists today distort the Bible when they insist that the earth was created in six 24-hour days. (Genesis 1:3*31) Such a view agrees neither with science nor with the Bible. In the Bible, as in everyday speech, the word "day" is a flexible term, expressing units of time of varying lengths. At Genesis 2:4, all six creative days are referred to as one all-embracing "day." The Hebrew word translated "day" in the Bible can simply mean "a long time." So, there is no Biblical reason to insist that the days of creation were 24 hours each. By teaching otherwise, fundamentalists misrepresent the Bible. -See also Peter 3:8.
Throughout history, theologians have often distorted the Bible. Consider some other ways in which the religions of Christendom have misrepresented what the Bible says.
Next time: Misrepresented By Religion
A Book For All People, 1997
Really, common sense should tell us that when the Bible refers to "the four corners of the earth," it does not mean that the Bible writers understood the earth to be literally square. (Revelation 7:1) The Bible is written in the language of ordinary people, often using vivid figures of speech. So when it speaks of the earth as having "four corners," a durable "foundation," "pedestals," and a "cornerstone," the Bible is not offering a scientific description of the earth; obviously it is speaking metaphorically, as we have often done in speech." - Isaiah 51:13; Job 38:6.
In his book, Galileo Galilei, biographer L. Geymonat noted: "Narrow-minded theologians who wanted to limit science on the basis of biblical reasoning would do nothing but cast discredit upon the Bible itself." That they did. Actually, it was the theologians' interpretation of the Bible-not the Bible itself-that put unreasonable constraints on science.
Similarly, religious fundamentalists today distort the Bible when they insist that the earth was created in six 24-hour days. (Genesis 1:3*31) Such a view agrees neither with science nor with the Bible. In the Bible, as in everyday speech, the word "day" is a flexible term, expressing units of time of varying lengths. At Genesis 2:4, all six creative days are referred to as one all-embracing "day." The Hebrew word translated "day" in the Bible can simply mean "a long time." So, there is no Biblical reason to insist that the days of creation were 24 hours each. By teaching otherwise, fundamentalists misrepresent the Bible. -See also Peter 3:8.
Throughout history, theologians have often distorted the Bible. Consider some other ways in which the religions of Christendom have misrepresented what the Bible says.
Next time: Misrepresented By Religion
A Book For All People, 1997
1.19.2010
A Book That Is Misrepresented
In the winter of 1609/10, Galileo Galilei turned his newly developed telescope toward the heavens and discovered four moons circling the planet Jupiter. What he saw shattered the prevailing notion that all heavenly bodies must orbit the earth. Earlier, in 1543, the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus had theorized that the planets revolve around the sun. Galileo verified that this was scientific truth.
To Catholic theologians, however, this was heresy. The church had long held that the earth was the center of the universe. This view was based on a literal interpretation of scriptures that pictured the earth as being fixed "on its foundations, unshakable for ever and ever." (Psalm 104:5, The Jerusalem Bible) Summoned to Rome, Galileo appeared before the inquisition. Subjected to rigorous examination, he was forced to recant his findings, and he spent the rest of his life under house arrest.
In 1992, some 350 years after Galileo's death, The Catholic Church finally acknowledged that he was right after all. But if Galileo was right, then was the Bible wrong?
Next time: Finding The True Sense Of Biblical Passages
A Book For All People, 1997
To Catholic theologians, however, this was heresy. The church had long held that the earth was the center of the universe. This view was based on a literal interpretation of scriptures that pictured the earth as being fixed "on its foundations, unshakable for ever and ever." (Psalm 104:5, The Jerusalem Bible) Summoned to Rome, Galileo appeared before the inquisition. Subjected to rigorous examination, he was forced to recant his findings, and he spent the rest of his life under house arrest.
In 1992, some 350 years after Galileo's death, The Catholic Church finally acknowledged that he was right after all. But if Galileo was right, then was the Bible wrong?
Next time: Finding The True Sense Of Biblical Passages
A Book For All People, 1997
1.13.2010
A Book To Be Read
The Bible, made up of 66 writings, has been described as being "probably the most influential collection of books in human history." Indeed, it has influenced some of the world's greatest art, literature and music. It has had significant impact on law. It has been extolled for its literary style and has been held in high esteem by many well-educated individuals. Its effect on the lives of people in all strata of society has been particularly profound. It has inspired in many of its readers a remarkable degree of loyalty. Some have even risked death just to read it.
At the same time, there is skepticism about the Bible. There are people who have definite opinions about it although they have personally never read it. They may acknowledge its literary or historical value, but they wonder: How could a book written thousands of years ago possibly be relevant in this modern world?" We live in the "information age." Up -to-the-minute information on current events and technology is at our fingertips. "Expert" advice on virtually all the challenges of modern life is readily available. Can the Bible really contain information that is practical today?
This brochure endeavors to answer such questions. It is not designed to impose religious views or beliefs on you, but it is intended to show that this historically influential book, the Bible, is worthy of your consideration. A report published in 1994 noted that some educators strongly feel that the Bible is so firmly embedded in Western culture, that "anyone, believer or unbeliever, who is not familiar with Bible teachings and accounts will be culturally illiterate."
Perhaps after reading what is published herein, you will agree that -whether a person is religious or not-the Bible is, at the very least, a book to be read.
Next time: A Book That Is Misrepresented
A Book For All People, 1997
At the same time, there is skepticism about the Bible. There are people who have definite opinions about it although they have personally never read it. They may acknowledge its literary or historical value, but they wonder: How could a book written thousands of years ago possibly be relevant in this modern world?" We live in the "information age." Up -to-the-minute information on current events and technology is at our fingertips. "Expert" advice on virtually all the challenges of modern life is readily available. Can the Bible really contain information that is practical today?
This brochure endeavors to answer such questions. It is not designed to impose religious views or beliefs on you, but it is intended to show that this historically influential book, the Bible, is worthy of your consideration. A report published in 1994 noted that some educators strongly feel that the Bible is so firmly embedded in Western culture, that "anyone, believer or unbeliever, who is not familiar with Bible teachings and accounts will be culturally illiterate."
Perhaps after reading what is published herein, you will agree that -whether a person is religious or not-the Bible is, at the very least, a book to be read.
Next time: A Book That Is Misrepresented
A Book For All People, 1997
1.12.2010
Merciful To The Last
It is not only the sin bt also the attitude of the sinner that Jehovah notes., (Isaiah 1:16-19) Reflect for a moment on the two evildoers impaled alongside Jesus. Both had evidently committed serious crimes, for one of the men admitted: "We are receiving in full what we deserve for things we did; but this man [Jesus] did nothing out of the way." The evildoer's words indicate that he knew something about Jesus. And that knowledge likely contributed to a wholesome change in his attitude. This is indicated by what he said next, this time imploring Jesus: "Remember me when you get into your kingdom." How did Christ respond to that heartfelt entreaty> "Truly I tell you today," he said, "You will be with me in Paradise." -Luke 23:41-43.
Think about that: Jesus' final statements as a human included an expression of mercy toward a man who had admitted to deserving the death penalty. How encouraging that is! We can be sure, then, that both Jesus Christ and his Father, Jehovah, will compassion toward all who manifest true repentance, regardless of their past deeds. -Romans 4:7.
Awake! 2008
Think about that: Jesus' final statements as a human included an expression of mercy toward a man who had admitted to deserving the death penalty. How encouraging that is! We can be sure, then, that both Jesus Christ and his Father, Jehovah, will compassion toward all who manifest true repentance, regardless of their past deeds. -Romans 4:7.
Awake! 2008
1.11.2010
God Is Not All-Forgiving
There are some people whose sins God does not forgive. Wrote Paul: "If we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but there is certain fearful expectation of [condemnatory] judgment." (Hebrews 10:26, 27) The words "practice sin willfully" suggest deeply ingrained badness, a truly wicked heart.
Judas Iscariot developed such a heart. "It would have been finer for him if that man had not been born," said Jesus. (Matthew 26:24, 25)And concerning certain religious leaders of his day, Jesus said: " You are father the Devil . . . When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie." (John 8:44) Like Satan, those men were bad to the core. They were not sorry for what they had done but became even more hardened in their wicked ways. True, because of imperfection and weakness, even genuine Christians sin, sometimes seriously. But their failings do not reflect an entrenched evil disposition. - Galatians 6:1.
Next time: Merciful To The Last
Awake! 2008
Judas Iscariot developed such a heart. "It would have been finer for him if that man had not been born," said Jesus. (Matthew 26:24, 25)And concerning certain religious leaders of his day, Jesus said: " You are father the Devil . . . When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie." (John 8:44) Like Satan, those men were bad to the core. They were not sorry for what they had done but became even more hardened in their wicked ways. True, because of imperfection and weakness, even genuine Christians sin, sometimes seriously. But their failings do not reflect an entrenched evil disposition. - Galatians 6:1.
Next time: Merciful To The Last
Awake! 2008
1.05.2010
Three Steps To Gaining God's Mercy
"I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith," wrote Paul. (1 Timothy 1:13) His frank expression brings us to the first step required for gaining God's forgiveness-lifting the veil of ignorance by getting an accurate knowledge of Jehovah and his standards as outlined in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) To be sure, we cannot please our Creator if we do not know him well. "This means everlasting life," said Jesus in prayer to his Father, "their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." - John 17:3.
When honesthearted ones gain that knowledge, they deeply regret their past wrongs and are moved to express heartfelt repentance. That is the second step toward gaining God's forgiveness. Says Acts 3:19: "Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out."
That verse also mentions the third step-turning around. To turn around means to abandon one's old ways and attitudes and to adopt God's standards and viewpoints. (Acts 26:20) Simply put, a person shows by his new way of life that he really means it when he says to God, "I am sorry."
Next time: God Is Not All-Forgiving
Awake! 2008
When honesthearted ones gain that knowledge, they deeply regret their past wrongs and are moved to express heartfelt repentance. That is the second step toward gaining God's forgiveness. Says Acts 3:19: "Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out."
That verse also mentions the third step-turning around. To turn around means to abandon one's old ways and attitudes and to adopt God's standards and viewpoints. (Acts 26:20) Simply put, a person shows by his new way of life that he really means it when he says to God, "I am sorry."
Next time: God Is Not All-Forgiving
Awake! 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
