Bible as LIterature

[Scott]

This article in the LA Times, Why the Bible Belongs in America's Public Schools, is interesting.

It shows how an ignorance of the Bible leads to an ignorance and misunderstanding of English literature. The proposed solution (having Bible literacy courses in public schools) presents problems, though. Many would be taught by pagans, who would undermine confidence in the Bible. Further, teaching the Bible as something sterile - always forbidden to ask "is is true" about the more important things - is a wrong way to handle the Word. As I recall, Machen opposed this sort of thing.

 

[Ex Nihilo]

I agree--the Bible can't even be understood properly as literature from an unbeliever's perspective, yet, as a literature student, I'd agree that you can't understand literature properly without knowing a good bit of the Bible. This really is just one more point in favor of distinctly Christian education.

 

[PuritanCovenanter]

The Word of God is what converts souls.

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.


I believe God can use Pagans to reach His elect. He may even convert a few non believing instructors. But I don't think it is a good idea. Who really knows what God will do in His Sovereignty?

I do agree with this point.

Americans should demand that their children be taught what their cultural heritage (their literature, their history) is all about.

Our children do deserve a better education about their heritage. Our Nation does suffer from a lack of Knowledge about God and His general will. (i.e. The Ten Commandments)

[Edited on 5-29-2005 by puritancovenanter]

 

[RamistThomist]

Originally posted by Ex Nihilo
I agree--the Bible can't even be understood properly as literature from an unbeliever's perspective, yet, as a literature student, I'd agree that you can't understand literature properly without knowing a good bit of the Bible. This really is just one more point in favor of distinctly Christian education.

This is sort of like the transcendental argument for reading the bible as literature:
The infidel cannot understand it, but he can't understand anything else without it.

 

[Preach]

This may be a little off topic, but somewhat, if not directly related. What do you think of the following statement?:

"An unbeliever can certainly interpret the Word of God as good as a believer can."

 

[Scott Bushey]

At one time, the bible was just literature to all of us.

 

[Craig]

At this point, I'm with Machen.

This can only result in systematic undermining of Scripture...kids will try to debate it and the Christian kids will try to prove it's truth, but nothing will avail. This is another reason public education has proven to be a terrible thing.

 

[RamistThomist]

1 Corinthians 2:14,
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Now, he will be like a razor sharp buzz saw that has been tinkered with. It'll cut the wood wonderfully, only its design willl be off. He will interpret the word of God according to an unregenerate framework.

 

[Preach]

Jacob, I hear what you are saying brother. Van Til was right on that illustration. All I am saying is that any unbeliever (providing he employs basic and standard rules of interpretation) can interpret the Word of God correctly. For example, Rudolf Bultmann could interpret the Scripture. The difference between him and you is that you believe what it says. He can tell you what it says, but he doesn't believe it.

Or rather, he didn't believe it. He believes it all too well now.
"In Christ",
Bobby

 

[RamistThomist]

Originally posted by Preach
Jacob, I hear what you are saying brother. Van Til was right on that illustration. All I am saying is that any unbeliever (providing he employs basic and standard rules of interpretation) can interpret the Word of God correctly. For example, Rudolf Bultmann could interpret the Scripture. The difference between him and you is that you believe what it says. He can tell you what it says, but he doesn't believe it.

Or rather, he didn't believe it. He believes it all too well now.
"In Christ",
Bobby

Agreed