Tuesday, April 22, 2008

On the Apocrypha

Since it seems much of the haggling is over apocrypha this, and bible that. I thought I would chime in. For the record, I will certainly will concede that I may have misinterpreted the Pope's prayer as a prayer for the dead. Casting this aside, I still believe prayer for the dead is without basis. And that to base this idea on anything but the Bible is wrong. For the sake of our readers, when I refer to the Bible I am referring to the "protestant" Bible. And since a prayer for the dead will eventually lead to purgatory, I will make an attempt to nip both of them in the bud. In an attempt to answer some questions that will inevitably arise I will consult the modern day crystal ball...google.

First, I will start with the idea of prayer for the dead which from what I can ascertain is a doctrine taken from the Apocrypha. I personally,do not see how one can reconcile the Apocrypha as the inspired Word of God for a number of reasons. First, in the NT there are numerous references to the Old Testament. If the Apocrypha was "truth" would there not be references made in the NT?
Second, unlike the other 66 books the Apocrypha was written in Greek and not Hebrew.
Third, there are many historical errors in the Apocrypha some of the examples are seen in Tobias where Tobias used magic, heart, liver, gall of a fish to drive away a demon. Also, in Tobias says he saw a revolt in the Northern Tribes(997 bc) and was deported to Nineveh in 740 bc, yet he only lived 102 years.
4th, the author of 2 Maccabees infers that his writings are not divinely inspired. But rather a writing of historical perspective.

To sum it up, if there are these glaring errors in the Apocrypha. One must consider/reconsider the doctrines that are pulled from these seemingly human inspired works. Within the canon of scripture lies what I consider the true and perfect Word of God.

Apologies to Amanda and One_Lost_Coin

As you can see the posting on April 15th has been deleted. The reason for this is I believe the pictures and tone served more to offend and mock, then to facilitate debate. Though I do disagree with many doctrines in the RCC, my sinful pride was on full display when I chose to mock and castigate those whom I disagree with. It did not serve me any purpose, by posting a likeness of the pope on fire, nor by suggesting that all who follow the pope are going to hell. In the Jesus is the Final Judge and only He knows whom he calls into Eternity. I will make a better effort to humbling assert my disagreements I have within the RCC. Once again, to Amanda and One_Lost_Coin I apologize for my foolish pride.

Justin Maberry