Whenever theological and
apologetics books are recommended, there are always certain conservative Christians
with red faces who bursts up saying, "Rely on the Bible, not those books!"
But do they even realize what they are really saying? Or when someone says,
"I don't read any books but the Bible alone." What really is their
point? Yes, reading and relying on the Bible is a Hobson’s choice for us but in
this context the premise is all about 'understanding the Bible' and not
replacing the Bible!
Those who objects using theological
and apologetics books should also consider books on spiritual, devotion,
ethics, leadership and mission. Isn't it? As Christians, it’s obvious that the
Bible is our code of conduct but understanding the Bible isn't an automatic
supernatural parcel granted by God! He has used apostles, church fathers,
scholars and researchers to help people click the themes of the Bible. The
canonization and shaping of the present Bible and its different translation are
work of scholars.[1]
They are tools used by God so that every generations can understand God's word.
Not everything of the Bible is always clear and straightforward to understand
as Clarity doctrine of scripture teaches.[2] Sometimes the Bible itself
has led people to become an atheist.
The Bible is our foundation but we
need its precise understanding in order to guide our life. Nowhere there is any
promise that every generations can understand the scripture precisely.[3] Theological books help us
to build up precise understanding of the Bible. The understanding of the Bible
sometimes require philosophy, history, figures of speech, literature,
inter-religious conversation, science, languages and so on.
A Young Creationist pastor suggested
that we just need the Bible and no commentaries or any supplement books.[4] There are many pastors and
church leaders even today who follow this kind of innocent remark. Use of
theological books doesn't demean sufficiency, authority, clarity and necessity
of the Bible. The aim of these books is to equip us with proper understanding
of the scripture. The authority, sufficiency, necessity and clarity doctrines
only work if we understand the scripture first. These are also theological
assessment and conclusions.
Modern churches must not mislead
present and upcoming generation into fallacious conclusions. Remember that
leaders and teachers have more serious responsibility to equip believers with
proper knowledge of the scripture (James 3:1, 2 Tim. 4:2). We have many
resources in reach today. Scripture is our breath whereas theological books are
our nutrition to equip our proper growth.
References:
Can Evolution Fit within the
Bible? Kent Hovind vs. Inspiring Philosophy 1-1-2019, 2019. Accessed June 8, 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RTTt_Fblbw.
How
Not to Read the Bible Video Bible Study Session One | Dan Kimball, 2022. Accessed October 16,
2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0_k-le5O2g.
“InspiringPhilosophy
on TikTok.” TikTok. Accessed July 22, 2022.
https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiringphilosophy/video/7090966629198105898?_t=8UBr9pot8s6&_r=1.
Steven
Anderson’s Crazy Teachings on Dinosaurs and the Bible, 2017. Accessed October 16,
2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw_ovUEfgtM.
[1] “InspiringPhilosophy
on TikTok,” TikTok, accessed July 22, 2022,
https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiringphilosophy/video/7090966629198105898?_t=8UBr9pot8s6&_r=1.
[2] How
Not to Read the Bible Video Bible Study Session One | Dan Kimball,
2022, accessed October 16, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0_k-le5O2g.
[3] Can
Evolution Fit within the Bible? Kent Hovind vs. Inspiring Philosophy 1-1-2019,
2019, accessed June 8, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RTTt_Fblbw.
[4] Steven Anderson’s Crazy Teachings on Dinosaurs and the Bible, 2017, accessed October 16, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw_ovUEfgtM.