How do you know the Bible is from God?

I really want to believe it, but, sometimes it is very difficult to figure out how it can be from God.  I mean, in the old testament, he seems horrible in some instances.  The Adam and Eve thing doesn't make to much sense to me.  I mean, I would figure that if there was a God, him and Satan would have to be at about equal strength and Satan owns the earth while God owns the heaven, because I can't figure out another way to justify him letting all this suffering take place.

Then, why does he make everything so difficult to figure out in the Bible?  I mean, really...  To FURTHER test us?  Why?  Why can't he just state how it is and then let us decide whether or not to go with him?  I mean, I know he wants us to be faithful unconditionally, but why torture us trying to figure out what the heck happens to us after death, what he wants from us, etc?

I just don't get it...    I've spent so much time trying to figure this stuff out and everytime I think I've figured one thing out in the Bible, 100 more questions pop up...

What are your thoughts about how to justify the bible is from God?

Cogn,

What are your thoughts about how to justify the bible is from God?

Just stop trying to justify it and except the truth that it is not from god but men who used their ideas about god to manipulate their masses and keep themselve in power.

Part of the problem you are having is most likely coming from confusion caused by the protestant 'sola scriptura' mindset.

The Bible is not one complete book. Instead, it is a specific collection of books that may or may not share the same point of view.

Rather than trying to find the "theme of the Bible" (whatever that may be!) your better served spending time with each book, considering what its audience was, the point of view contained within, etc.

I would also suggest you get yourself familiar with current biblical scholarship. This book is a great introduction to the New Testament:

http://www.amazon.com/New-Testament-Historical-Introduction-Christian/dp/0195154622

Thanks for your comments.  Drew, if that is the case, how do we know which books are from God and which are not?  Will that link go into that?

Drew, if that is the case, how do we know which books are from God and which are not?  Will that link go into that?

The link provided (which goes to Bart Ehrmans intoductory text on the historical New Testament) discusses the complexity of discovering the "real bible". The book does a great job at giving the reader a better idea of what is going on in the world of New Testament scholarship. For instance, it introduces the readers to good bit of evidence that throws doubt on the traditional opinions of authorship for some NT books (especially Hebrews, as well as 1 Timothy, and more).

Taking the time to learn more about the context of the bible certainly creates a more nuanced view of the texts. I think the important thing to realize is that there are two components to "the Bible". There is the text (which can sometimes be disputable due to variations in manuscripts), but also there is the stuff that people (i.e. you, me, and everybody else) puts on top of that text. This includes ideas like "the bible is a letter from god to his children", or "the Bible tells a story about life from beginning to end". The Witnesses, for example, love to talk about how the "theme of the Bible is Gods restoration of Paradise".

Where do these things come from? From the text itself? No. You cannot explicitly find these things inside the text itself. Rather, people read these things into the text. Getting away from this mindset is liberating, regardless of whether or not you eventually decide to be a christian (or jew, or whatever else!)

Hmmm, interesting Drew.  I will check it out.  But, the bible does say that it is inspired from God.  So, if it was inspired, why does it not make sense in so many instances?  Maybe that book will help give me some clarity.  Thanks for the link Drew!

How do we know the bible is from God?

Duh... because it says it is silly.

You bring up an excellent example:

2 Timothy 3:16 (New American Standard Bible) ^16(A)All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

Define what the authory of 2 Timothy means by "scripture". Does this include his own book? Does it include other NT books that may have not yet been written?

These are important questions. The Watchtower typcially applies this passage very broadly (others do too), yet it is clear that to apply this verse to a collection of books organized centuries after the passage was written may not reflect the authors original intent.

For some further clairification, Ehrmans book is an introduction to NT scholarship. It is not a religious text. It does not discuss what to "beleive". It is actually structured for use in an academic setting. That said, I've read it and think it is a great intro.

Just wanted to add:

Regarding belief in god, this has to be my all time favorite thread on this board....

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/123482/1/Maybe-Theres-a-Heaven

Thanks so much Drew!  I'm going to read up on all the info.

Tues - lol, hopefully it's a bit more then that...

Here something that is very eye opening it is a documentary on the bible done by a theologian:

Who Wrote The Bible? (1/12)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suseKsLEWKo&NR=1

Who Wrote The Bible? (2/12)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URt8UcuOTxY&feature=related

Who Wrote The Bible? (3/12)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mnX80nwRJY&feature=related

Something I have never been able to wrap myself around is the idea that god, this all powerful being chose to convey his all important "requirements" for pleasing him though a vehicle such as the bible.  Surely there is a better way.  This book has been interpreted in thousand of different ways.    

I've read most of Bart Ehrman's books and I think he is right on spot.  It changed my perspective of the meaning of scriptures much different than how churches and even JW's understand the words.  Everything Drew Sagan has mentioned is great information. 

Ruth

Brief Lecture on biblical manuscript tampering by Dr. Bart Ehrman:

http://www.videosift.com/video/Dr-Bart-Ehrman-Historically-accurate-criticism-of-the-Bible 

His website:

http://www.bartdehrman.com/

Dr. Bart Eherman Commentaries recorded

http://www.bartdehrman.com/multimedia.htm

Maybe a larger question is why do you have to believe the bible is from God when everything you are saying shows you otherwise? Do you have to have the bible BE from God or if you never ever saw one, would you believe anyway?

Isn't is interesting how we always have to try to make some other piece fit somewhere when in reality, if every bible on the planet was burned, your faith would be the same, wouldn't it?

WLG

I really want to believe it, but, sometimes it is very difficult to figure out how it can be from God.

Maybe god IS an asshole.

I mean, where do we get off expecting that the universe owes us a good, kind, loving god?

His natural world is for sure not exactly overflowing with warm fuzzy compassion and love.

[inkling]

May you have peace!

The Bible is NOT from the MOST Holy One of Israel, dear one.  It was not conscripted by Him... nor was it compiled by Him... or anyone who served Him.  The Bible contains "scripture," which IS from God.  But not all of the Bible is "scripture."  "Scripture" is Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets (before Christ came in the flesh)... and the Revelation and Apostle John's account... after Christ came in the flesh.  "Scripture" is that which men wrote as they were borne along by the Holy Spirit... and TOLD to write.  The rest is histories, records, chronologies, viewpoints, and letters to congregations and individuals (and a letter to an individual, while possibly containing some helpful/useful information for others, is still that:  a letter to ONE person.  For such letters in the Bible, while indeed their contents is insightful, if the MOST Holy One of Israel INTENDED it to go to a group of people, He would have had the writer ADDRESS it to and GREET the entire group intended).

So, who is truly behind the compilation of the Bible?  You only need to look at what it itself states... and the results of its existence... utter confusion, division, sects, war, murder, mental illness, hypocritical judging, hate, bigotry, abuse, and more... to know the answer:

"For false christs (anointed) and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders... so as to MISLEAD, IF POSSIBLE... EVEN THE CHOSEN ONES."   Matthew 24:24

The chosen ones were told who to put their faith in... who to listen to... by God... AND the One chose/chooses them.  And that One speaks to them even to this day.  He is WITH such ones... and HE leads them.  Why?  Because our Adversary, Satan... KEEPS transforming himself into an angel... of light.  Thus, ALL who have come in place of our Lord... are thieves and plunderers.  And all who deny him are antichrists.

Perhaps when you get a chance, you will re-read John 5:39, 40.  Before you do, however, IF you are TRULY wishing to know the TRUTH, go to the Father in prayer, in PRIVATE... and THROUGH Christ... and ask HIM to send you HIS Truth.  Ask HIM to open the spirit realm to you... so that NO ONE of earthling man, including me, your servant, need teach you ANYTHING.  Ask Him to send you His Holy Spirit... and ask Him to let That One teach you.  Then... be ready.  Do NOT doubt... and do not be in fear.  Just be ready... and put FAITH... in what you hear... and, eventually, what you see.  You can even ask Him if I am His servant through Christ... so that YOU will know.  He will answer you... and if you are TRULY wishing it... it will be "opened" to you. 

But don't think it will be as earthling man has told you.  No golden-haired angels singing choirboy songs and strumming cherrywood harps.  Uh-uh.  Be ready, and have courage.  You CAN do this!

I bid you the GREATEST of peace... and ears to hear... IF you truly wish them!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

SA

The Bible contains "scripture," which IS from God.  But not all of the Bible is "scripture."  "Scripture" is Moses, Psalms and the Prophets

So the genocide, slavery, sexism, witchhunting, stoning, baby-stabbing, and general overwhelming dickishness parts...

All "from god"?

Maybe a larger question is why do you have to believe the bible is from God when everything you are saying shows you otherwise? Do you have to have the bible BE from God or if you never ever saw one, would you believe anyway?

I feel there has to be something more to the bible.  Since history seems to point to pieces of the bible being truthful, then I would think that other things such as Jesus miracles would be true.  And if those are true, then what he promises should be true also.

Frankie - Thanks for the links!

Aguest - Thank-you so much for your input and help!  I will do that!

Inkling - It says in the scriptures that Satan is the ruler of the system.  What if that is because God can't win Satan right now for some reason?  What if they are about equal in power?  What if what happened on earth was recorded in scripture as what Satan did, however, what Jesus told his apostles to write were actually from God?  What if there is more to it that we just don't know about?

I have one question:  Where does the Bible get its authority from, the Bible?  Where does it say that the Bible never lies, in the Bible?

When something gets its authority from itself, it is time to start questioning if it is even valid.