The Integrity ofThe Integrity ofThe WordThe Word

God’s Word Stands Against All God’s Word Stands Against All AttacksAttacks

QuestionsQuestions

Where does the Bible come Where does the Bible come from?from?

How did we get the books How did we get the books that make up the Bible?that make up the Bible?

Have there been challenges Have there been challenges to the make-up of the Bible?to the make-up of the Bible?

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The Origin of The Bible?The Origin of The Bible?

““The Bible did not arrive by fax from The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven… The Bible is the product of man, heaven… The Bible is the product of man, my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a definitive version History has never had a definitive version of the book…of the book…””

--Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code--Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code

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The New Testament The New Testament CanonCanon

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The New Testament is The New Testament is mostly a bunch of letters mostly a bunch of letters

written to churches around written to churches around the worldthe world

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While there was general While there was general consensus on what was consensus on what was Scripture, a recognized Scripture, a recognized ‘canon’ of Scripture was ‘canon’ of Scripture was

required to correct heresyrequired to correct heresy

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canoncanon /kanən/ /kanən/1.1.nounnoun - a general law, rule, - a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which principle, or criterion by which something is judged.something is judged.

synonymssynonyms: principle, rule, law, tenet, : principle, rule, law, tenet, preceptprecept

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‘‘Canon’ refers to the collection Canon’ refers to the collection of books that passed a test of of books that passed a test of

authenticity and authorityauthenticity and authority

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The Canon and The The Canon and The ChurchChurch

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When the decision was made as to When the decision was made as to what books were canonical, the what books were canonical, the

Church explicitly said “we receive” Church explicitly said “we receive” the Canonthe Canon

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What the Church said is that we What the Church said is that we receive these particular books as receive these particular books as

being canonical – as being the Word being canonical – as being the Word of God – and therefore we submit to of God – and therefore we submit to

their authoritytheir authority

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It’s one thing to make something It’s one thing to make something authoritative, and it’s another thing to authoritative, and it’s another thing to recognize something that already is recognize something that already is

authoritativeauthoritative

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False Church True Church

Determines Canon Discovers Canon

Mother of Canon Child of Canon

Magistrate of Canon

Minister of Canon

Regulates Canon Recognizes Canon

Judge of Canon Witness of Canon

Master of Canon Servant of Canon

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Categories of Categories of BooksBooks

Under ConsiderationUnder Consideration

The books that were tested for The books that were tested for canonicity fall into four categories:canonicity fall into four categories:

accepted by all accepted by all ((homologoumenahomologoumena))

rejected by all (rejected by all (pseudepigraphapseudepigrapha))disputed by some (disputed by some (antilegomenaantilegomena))and those accepted by some and those accepted by some

((apocryphaapocrypha))

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20 of the 27 we have now were 20 of the 27 we have now were undisputedundisputed

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So, what about the “disputed” books?So, what about the “disputed” books?

The ones that are Canon? And the The ones that are Canon? And the ones that are not?ones that are not?

Many Gospels?Many Gospels?

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““More than eighty gospels were More than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relatively few were chosen for yet only a relatively few were chosen for

inclusion – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John inclusion – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John among them… The early church needed among them… The early church needed

to convince the world that the mortal to convince the world that the mortal prophet Jesus was a divine being. prophet Jesus was a divine being.

Therefore, any gospels that described Therefore, any gospels that described earthly aspects of Jesusearthly aspects of Jesus’’ life had to be life had to be

omitted from the Bible.omitted from the Bible.””--Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code--Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code

Clearly RejectedClearly RejectedExamples:Examples: the Gospel of Thomas (a Gnostic writing with Jesus doing the Gospel of Thomas (a Gnostic writing with Jesus doing

childhood miracles)childhood miracles) Arabic Gospel of Childhood (more childhood miracles of Arabic Gospel of Childhood (more childhood miracles of

Jesus while in Egypt)Jesus while in Egypt) the Gospel of Joseph the Carpenter (written by a cult that the Gospel of Joseph the Carpenter (written by a cult that

glorified Joseph)glorified Joseph) the Passing of Mary (relates the bodily assumption of Mary the Passing of Mary (relates the bodily assumption of Mary

and other things involving Mary worship)and other things involving Mary worship) the Gospel of Mary (promotes Mary worship and served as the Gospel of Mary (promotes Mary worship and served as

the basis for popular medieval stories)the basis for popular medieval stories) the Acts of Peter (contains the legend that Peter was the Acts of Peter (contains the legend that Peter was

crucified upside down)crucified upside down) the Acts of Andrew (a Gnostic story of the imprisonment and the Acts of Andrew (a Gnostic story of the imprisonment and

death of Andrew)death of Andrew) the Acts of Thomas (presents the mission work and the Acts of Thomas (presents the mission work and

martyrdom of Thomas in India)martyrdom of Thomas in India)19

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Since some of them may contain Since some of them may contain some truth (and certainly present a some truth (and certainly present a

clear view of various teachings of the clear view of various teachings of the time), they are of value for historians, time), they are of value for historians,

but are fanciful and contain many but are fanciful and contain many errors & heresieserrors & heresies

Modern Interest In Gnostic Modern Interest In Gnostic GospelsGospelsThe Gospel of Thomas has gained a tremendous The Gospel of Thomas has gained a tremendous

amount of attention latelyamount of attention lately

From the Amazon.com synopsis on one of the major From the Amazon.com synopsis on one of the major translations:translations:

The gospel according to Thomas is an ancient collection of sayings attributed to Jesus and thought to be recorded by his brother Judas, the Twin (Thomas means ‘twin’ in Aramaic). Some scholars suggest that this gospel was collected from New Testament sayings, while others believe it springs from a completely independent author because many of the quotations are not in the New Testament at all… It is considered by many to be perhaps the closest we’ll ever get to reading what was actually said by the historical Jesus. In The Gospel of Thomas, you’ll discover a different kind of Christ – a wandering spiritual teacher from Galilee who performs no miracles, reveals little prophecy, announces no apocalypse, and dies for no one's sins.

The gospel according to Thomas is an ancient collection of sayings attributed to Jesus and thought to be recorded by his brother Judas, the Twin (Thomas means ‘twin’ in Aramaic). Some scholars suggest that this gospel was collected from New Testament sayings, while others believe it springs from a completely independent author because many of the quotations are not in the New Testament at all… It is considered by many to be perhaps the closest we’ll ever get to reading what was actually said by the historical Jesus. In The Gospel of Thomas, you’ll discover a different kind of Christ – a wandering spiritual teacher from Galilee who performs no miracles, reveals little prophecy, announces no apocalypse, and dies for no one's sins.

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The Tests for The Tests for CanonicityCanonicity

Regards itself as Scripture (e.g., does not Regards itself as Scripture (e.g., does not explicitly say it is not Scripture)explicitly say it is not Scripture)

Written by an Apostle (defined as person Written by an Apostle (defined as person seeing Jesus Christ after His resurrection) seeing Jesus Christ after His resurrection) or companion of Apostleor companion of Apostle

Testified to by other Scripture (self Testified to by other Scripture (self recognition)recognition)

No contradiction in core teachings of the No contradiction in core teachings of the faith (analogy of faith)faith (analogy of faith)

Accepted early and by majority of churches Accepted early and by majority of churches (catholicity)(catholicity)

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7 of the 277 of the 27

The books that were included in the Canon but were questioned The books that were included in the Canon but were questioned were:were:

Hebrews (unknown author)Hebrews (unknown author)

James (because of apparent conflicts with the Gospel as James (because of apparent conflicts with the Gospel as presented in the clearly accepted books)presented in the clearly accepted books)

2 Peter (because of significant style differences between this 2 Peter (because of significant style differences between this and 1 Peter)and 1 Peter)

2 & 3 John (because of the anonymity of the author [2 & 3 John (because of the anonymity of the author [““the the elderelder””] and they had a very limited distribution)] and they had a very limited distribution)

Jude (because it referenced clearly non-Biblical books)Jude (because it referenced clearly non-Biblical books)

Revelation (because of the Revelation (because of the ““millenniummillennium”” of Revelation 20) of Revelation 20)

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Despite the questions, once all of the Despite the questions, once all of the facts were known, no one questioned facts were known, no one questioned

their place in the Canontheir place in the Canon

The only serious questioning since The only serious questioning since the Forth Century was in regards to the Forth Century was in regards to

James...James...

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Self Recognition:Self Recognition:

If well-established Scripture regards If well-established Scripture regards another writing as being Scripture, another writing as being Scripture,

then it’s Scripture.then it’s Scripture.

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““and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother also our beloved brother PaulPaul, according to the wisdom , according to the wisdom

given him, wrote to you, as also in all given him, wrote to you, as also in all his lettershis letters, , speaking in them of these things, in which are some speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and things hard to understand, which the untaught and

unstable distort, as they do also the unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the rest of the ScripturesScriptures, to their own destruction.” –2 Peter 3:15-16, to their own destruction.” –2 Peter 3:15-16

““and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother also our beloved brother PaulPaul, according to the wisdom , according to the wisdom

given him, wrote to you, as also in all given him, wrote to you, as also in all his lettershis letters, , speaking in them of these things, in which are some speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and things hard to understand, which the untaught and

unstable distort, as they do also the unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the rest of the ScripturesScriptures, to their own destruction.” –2 Peter 3:15-16, to their own destruction.” –2 Peter 3:15-16

““For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his The laborer is worthy of his

wageswages.”” –1 Timothy 5:18; cf. Luke 10:7.”” –1 Timothy 5:18; cf. Luke 10:7

““For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his The laborer is worthy of his

wageswages.”” –1 Timothy 5:18; cf. Luke 10:7.”” –1 Timothy 5:18; cf. Luke 10:7

What about Paul/Saul?What about Paul/Saul?He was not He was not ““one of the Twelveone of the Twelve””

that studied at Jesusthat studied at Jesus’’ feet feetJesus did come to and teach Jesus did come to and teach

Paul after Accession (Acts 9)Paul after Accession (Acts 9)

What about Paul/Saul?What about Paul/Saul?He was not He was not ““one of the Twelveone of the Twelve””

that studied at Jesusthat studied at Jesus’’ feet feetJesus did come to and teach Jesus did come to and teach

Paul after Accession (Acts 9)Paul after Accession (Acts 9)

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What about the book of Hebrews?What about the book of Hebrews?Though the ideas and form are similar Though the ideas and form are similar

to Paul, the Greek is much more to Paul, the Greek is much more ““educatededucated”” than Paul. It also specifically than Paul. It also specifically denies that it was written by one who denies that it was written by one who ““heardheard”” the Lord (i.e., an Apostle) in the Lord (i.e., an Apostle) in 2:3.2:3.

Virtually everyone agrees from many Virtually everyone agrees from many clues in the book that it was written by clues in the book that it was written by someone commissioned/trained by someone commissioned/trained by PaulPaul

What about the book of Hebrews?What about the book of Hebrews?Though the ideas and form are similar Though the ideas and form are similar

to Paul, the Greek is much more to Paul, the Greek is much more ““educatededucated”” than Paul. It also specifically than Paul. It also specifically denies that it was written by one who denies that it was written by one who ““heardheard”” the Lord (i.e., an Apostle) in the Lord (i.e., an Apostle) in 2:3.2:3.

Virtually everyone agrees from many Virtually everyone agrees from many clues in the book that it was written by clues in the book that it was written by someone commissioned/trained by someone commissioned/trained by PaulPaul

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James: Contradictions In The Core James: Contradictions In The Core Faith?Faith?

““You see that a person is justified by what You see that a person is justified by what he does and he does and not by faith alonenot by faith alone..””

–James 2:4–James 2:4““For it is by grace you have been saved, For it is by grace you have been saved,

through faiththrough faith—and this not from —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by

works, so that no one can boast.works, so that no one can boast.””–Ephesians 2:8,9–Ephesians 2:8,9

““You see that a person is justified by what You see that a person is justified by what he does and he does and not by faith alonenot by faith alone..””

–James 2:4–James 2:4““For it is by grace you have been saved, For it is by grace you have been saved,

through faiththrough faith—and this not from —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by

works, so that no one can boast.works, so that no one can boast.””–Ephesians 2:8,9–Ephesians 2:8,9

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James: No Contradictions In The James: No Contradictions In The Core FaithCore Faith

It was because of things like this that James It was because of things like this that James was one of the was one of the ““debateddebated”” books, and Martin books, and Martin Luther famously called it Luther famously called it ““an epistle of strawan epistle of straw””Luther didn’t have the all the writings of Luther didn’t have the all the writings of

the Fathers that we have now, so he didn’t the Fathers that we have now, so he didn’t know that battle had already been foughtknow that battle had already been fought

Once it was understood that James confirms Once it was understood that James confirms and reinforces the and reinforces the ““by faith alone, but not a by faith alone, but not a faith that faith that isis alone alone”” position of the rest of the position of the rest of the Bible, JamesBible, James’’ position as part of the Canon position as part of the Canon became stronger than everbecame stronger than ever

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““Changes” to Changes” to The CanonThe Canon

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The Canon is something we The Canon is something we recognize/receive from God, but recognize/receive from God, but

there are religious groups that have there are religious groups that have taken it upon themselves to sit in taken it upon themselves to sit in judgment upon what makes up judgment upon what makes up

ScriptureScripture

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Reasons vary, but the examples we’ll Reasons vary, but the examples we’ll look at all have the defining feature of look at all have the defining feature of people wanting Scripture to support people wanting Scripture to support

their views/beliefstheir views/beliefs

It’s very inconvenient when you want God to agree with you, It’s very inconvenient when you want God to agree with you, but the Bible expressly contradicts your teachings...but the Bible expressly contradicts your teachings...

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The Apocryphal The Apocryphal BooksBooks

In Roman Catholic and In Roman Catholic and Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Bibles, Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Bibles, there are several books (and there are several books (and amendments to Esther and Daniel) amendments to Esther and Daniel) that are not in that are not in ““catholiccatholic”” Bibles Bibles

They were part of the Septuagint They were part of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old (Greek translation of the Old Testament), but not the Hebrew Testament), but not the Hebrew BibleBible

Three are not considered Three are not considered canonical, but the others are canonical, but the others are termed termed ““DeuterocanonicalDeuterocanonical”” ( (““second second canoncanon””; delayed acceptance); delayed acceptance)

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While they fail the tests that While they fail the tests that the the other books had to go the the other books had to go through and therefore clearly through and therefore clearly

not the same status as not the same status as Scripture, they are generally Scripture, they are generally good for study and reflectiongood for study and reflection

They were included in many They were included in many Bibles over the centuries as Bibles over the centuries as

““supplementalsupplemental”” reading reading

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Why the Apocrypha Isn't in the Bible:Why the Apocrypha Isn't in the Bible:1.1.Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language, which Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language, which was alone used by the inspired historians and poets of the Old Testament. was alone used by the inspired historians and poets of the Old Testament. All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is exists only in Latin.All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is exists only in Latin.

2.2.None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.

3.3.The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and destroyed the apocrypha after the overthrow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.destroyed the apocrypha after the overthrow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

4.4.The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the Christian churchthe first four centuries of the Christian church

5.5. The Apocrypha contains fabulous statements which not only contradict the The Apocrypha contains fabulous statements which not only contradict the “canonical” scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of “canonical” scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in three different places.three different places.

6.6.The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection.prayers for the dead and sinless perfection.

7.7.It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation.magical incantation.

8.8.No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old Testament is referred to hundreds of times.Testament is referred to hundreds of times.

9.9.Not even Jerome, who did the Vulgate translation that Rome uses as the Not even Jerome, who did the Vulgate translation that Rome uses as the “official” version of the Bible, considered them Scripture.“official” version of the Bible, considered them Scripture.

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Rome Elevates Rome Elevates Some BooksSome Books

Before the Council of Trent, Before the Council of Trent, Rome had held the Apocrypha as Rome had held the Apocrypha as holy, but not Scripture (per prior holy, but not Scripture (per prior

Popes and Councils that had Popes and Councils that had made express declarations to made express declarations to

that point)that point)

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However, Rome considers However, Rome considers itself to be the Mother of itself to be the Mother of

Scripture, and therefore has Scripture, and therefore has the authority to elevate the authority to elevate

booksbooks

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Why would Rome Why would Rome contradict Nicaea and contradict Nicaea and more than a millennia more than a millennia of her own teachings of her own teachings on those books? (And on those books? (And

why then?)why then?)42

Trent is where Rome condemns Trent is where Rome condemns the Protestants as heretics, the Protestants as heretics, and the “deuterocanonical” and the “deuterocanonical” books are the only scriptural books are the only scriptural

support Rome has for some of support Rome has for some of the major points of contention the major points of contention

with the Protestantswith the Protestants

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ExamplesExamplesBasis for the doctrine of purgatory:Basis for the doctrine of purgatory:

2 Maccabees 12:43-45, 2,000 pieces of silver were sent to 2 Maccabees 12:43-45, 2,000 pieces of silver were sent to Jerusalem for a sin-offering...Whereupon he made reconciliation Jerusalem for a sin-offering...Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.

Salvation by works:Salvation by works: Ecclesiasticus 3:30, Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms Ecclesiasticus 3:30, Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms

maketh atonement for sin.maketh atonement for sin. Tobit 12:8-9,17, It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for Tobit 12:8-9,17, It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for

alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.Magic:Magic:

Tobit 6:5-8, If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they Tobit 6:5-8, If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and gall of a fish...and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and gall of a fish...and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore.never come again anymore.

Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception):Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception): Wisdom 8:19-20, And I was a witty child and had received a Wisdom 8:19-20, And I was a witty child and had received a

good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.undefiled.

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The Church of The Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of

Latter-Day Latter-Day SaintsSaints

Joseph Smith was Joseph Smith was ““divinely inspireddivinely inspired”” to declare the King James Bible to to declare the King James Bible to be the closest to actual Scripturebe the closest to actual Scripture

He then made thousands of He then made thousands of changes to it, including adding a changes to it, including adding a

passage to Genesis 50 saying passage to Genesis 50 saying ““That That seer will I bless... And his name seer will I bless... And his name

shall be called Joseph.shall be called Joseph.””

Joseph Smith was Joseph Smith was ““divinely inspireddivinely inspired”” to declare the King James Bible to to declare the King James Bible to be the closest to actual Scripturebe the closest to actual Scripture

He then made thousands of He then made thousands of changes to it, including adding a changes to it, including adding a

passage to Genesis 50 saying passage to Genesis 50 saying ““That That seer will I bless... And his name seer will I bless... And his name

shall be called Joseph.shall be called Joseph.””

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The Book of Mormon (which would The Book of Mormon (which would be be ““deuterocanonicaldeuterocanonical””) is an exact ) is an exact

recitation into English of the recitation into English of the Reformed Egyptian tablets Smith Reformed Egyptian tablets Smith

foundfound

Sadly, it would appear that Smith was not a very good Sadly, it would appear that Smith was not a very good conveyor of what the angel told him, because it has conveyor of what the angel told him, because it has

been edited/revised over four thousand timesbeen edited/revised over four thousand times

It includes a number of It includes a number of ““liftslifts”” from the the original KJV from the the original KJV along with the KJV translatorsalong with the KJV translators’’ comments and errors... comments and errors...

The Book of Mormon (which would The Book of Mormon (which would be be ““deuterocanonicaldeuterocanonical””) is an exact ) is an exact

recitation into English of the recitation into English of the Reformed Egyptian tablets Smith Reformed Egyptian tablets Smith

foundfound

Sadly, it would appear that Smith was not a very good Sadly, it would appear that Smith was not a very good conveyor of what the angel told him, because it has conveyor of what the angel told him, because it has

been edited/revised over four thousand timesbeen edited/revised over four thousand times

It includes a number of It includes a number of ““liftslifts”” from the the original KJV from the the original KJV along with the KJV translatorsalong with the KJV translators’’ comments and errors... comments and errors...

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The Jesus The Jesus SeminarSeminar

Founded in 1985, this is a group of about 150 Founded in 1985, this is a group of about 150 scholars with advanced degrees in biblical studies, scholars with advanced degrees in biblical studies, religious studies or related fieldsreligious studies or related fields

One of the most active groups in biblical criticism, One of the most active groups in biblical criticism, the seminar uses votes with colored beads to the seminar uses votes with colored beads to decide their collective view of the historicity of decide their collective view of the historicity of Jesus, specifically what he may or may not have Jesus, specifically what he may or may not have said and done as a historical figuresaid and done as a historical figure

In addition, the seminar popularizes the quest for In addition, the seminar popularizes the quest for the the ““historical Jesushistorical Jesus””

They produced new translations of the New They produced new translations of the New Testament and apocrypha to use as textual Testament and apocrypha to use as textual sourcessources

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““The seminar's reconstruction of the historical Jesus The seminar's reconstruction of the historical Jesus portrayed him as an portrayed him as an itinerant Hellenistic Jewish sage itinerant Hellenistic Jewish sage and faith healer and faith healer who preached a gospel of liberation who preached a gospel of liberation

from injustice in startling parables and aphorisms. An from injustice in startling parables and aphorisms. An iconoclast, Jesus broke with established Jewish iconoclast, Jesus broke with established Jewish

theological dogmas and social conventions both in his theological dogmas and social conventions both in his teachings and behaviors, often by turning common-teachings and behaviors, often by turning common-

sense ideas upside down, confounding the sense ideas upside down, confounding the expectations of his audience: He preached of expectations of his audience: He preached of

"Heaven's imperial rule" (traditionally translated as "Heaven's imperial rule" (traditionally translated as "Kingdom of God") as being already present but "Kingdom of God") as being already present but

unseen; he depicts God as a loving father; he unseen; he depicts God as a loving father; he fraternizes with outsiders and criticizes insiders. fraternizes with outsiders and criticizes insiders. According to the seminar, According to the seminar, Jesus was a mortal man Jesus was a mortal man born of two human parents, who did not perform born of two human parents, who did not perform

nature miracles nor die as a substitute for sinners nor nature miracles nor die as a substitute for sinners nor rise bodily from the deadrise bodily from the dead. Sightings of a risen Jesus . Sightings of a risen Jesus were nothing more than the visionary experiences of were nothing more than the visionary experiences of

some of his disciples rather than physical some of his disciples rather than physical encounters.” – Wikipedia (emphasis mine)encounters.” – Wikipedia (emphasis mine)

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The Final WordsThe Final Words

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But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of

everything I have said to you.–John 14:26everything I have said to you.–John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of

everything I have said to you.–John 14:26everything I have said to you.–John 14:26

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the

foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.–Eph 2:19-20chief cornerstone.–Eph 2:19-20

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the

foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.–Eph 2:19-20chief cornerstone.–Eph 2:19-20

"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." ... I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: this book." ... I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:

If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will

take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.–Rev 22:7,18-19described in this book.–Rev 22:7,18-19

"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." ... I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: this book." ... I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:

If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will

take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.–Rev 22:7,18-19described in this book.–Rev 22:7,18-19