Chapter 30
God Revealed through Scripture

In the previous chapter, we saw that we can learn about God through other people who have experienced God. In this chapter we explore a narrower slice of that same idea: Some people have experienced God so directly that what those people wrote is considered by many to be “scripture.”

While some religions are largely passed on orally (by word of mouth, not by writing) and by local tradition, this is not generally the case with religions that are widespread. Written text is usually a key factor in communicating religious beliefs broadly.

Calling written text “scripture” is simply elevating it above other writings, and often believing that it is divinely inspired somehow. Most religions have written texts which are considered foundational to their beliefs. Written texts enable religious beliefs to transcend time and place.

An obvious question arises: How do we determine whether or not a religious writing is true, and whether or not it should be viewed as “scripture”? The principles discussed in the previous chapter can easily be adapted:

• Look for consistency from multiple sources or different authors. Again, truth about God should not be dependent on a single person’s testimony.
• Consider the credibility of the authors. Do their lives give you reason to trust them? Is there reason to think they encountered God more deeply than other people?
• Look for writings with spiritual truths that don’t change with time.
• Look for writings with spiritual truths that are in agreement with self-evident truth.
• Do not rely on religious writings that are known to include false teaching. Again, all religions have at least some beliefs that are mostly true. However, if a religious writing is truly divinely inspired, it should not include any teachings that are false.
• Do not rely on writings associated with false prophecies. The inclusion of false prophecies in a religious writing is an obvious indication that it should not be considered “scripture,” and that its author is not receiving inspiration from God.
• Multiple fulfilled prophecies are evidence of divine inspiration. However, it is sometimes difficult to truly know the validity of such claims, so use caution.

Of course, most religious groups are quick to claim that their “scriptures” are the only—or the best—source of truth. You should decide for yourself which, if any, religious writings you will accept as scripture, and not just accept the beliefs of those around you without serious consideration.

For myself, I have found the writings included in the Bible to satisfy the above criteria in a way that no other religious writings do. For me, the Bible is “scripture.”

Of course, since I consider the Bible to be scripture, I think it would be a good thing for you to also consider the Bible to be scripture. However, that is a decision you should make for yourself, based on your own observation and reasoning. If you would like an overview of the main teachings of the Bible, I recommend that you read the book “Foundations for Eternal Life,” by the same author as this book (a free eBook version may be available at www.ShalomKoinonia.org). Or, if you prefer, simply get a good translation of the Bible, and read it for yourself.

For Further Reflection:

• Which, if any, religious writings do you consider to be “scripture”? Why do you consider them to be scripture?

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