Bible Reliable? I heard errors or altered
No longer trust Bible because I heard it was edited and altered.
Q:
I’ve been thinking, and I feel like I don’t believe the Bible I’m reading. Not because I don’t believe in God, because I absolutely do, but because I heard it has been altered by so many people.
There’s so many different versions of the bible, how do I know for sure that the one I’m reading is absolutely truthful and hasn’t been changed? or if it hasn’t left out any significant information?
for example, i saw a video on social media by a non Christian who showed the NIV leaves out a whole lot of things. I don’t read NIV, but I feel that means the one I’m reading may be just like it - leaving something out and I’m missing the most important details.
I do not like the fact that I’m having these doubts, but I just want to live my life for Jesus and fill myself with things that He wants me to know. I do not want any worldly things to lead me, because I know it will lead me in the wrong direction. How I can trust that what I’m reading is true?
You can research Bible versions, their history, who wrote them, and how they stack up against early Bible manuscripts. But the decievers duping young people today know that you have not been taught about manuscript reliability, have no way to find out, or think you will simply believe their lies over God.
This will greatly help you...
It shows the Scriptures are reliable and trustworthy; and points out that the world around you [like Satan in Eden] is trying to decieve you. Trust God. God doesnt lie and His Word is true.
Also... Christianity is an evidence based faith. It isnt Some random wishful hope - it is a trustworthy to trust in.
See the lower inner link too (in above link) for a deeper look. Neat stuff in there. 👍
Regarding Manuscripts...
There are reasons certain Bibles leave out a couple verses or history/stories. If you examine it you will find it has to do with what manuscripts were used. >This has nothing to do with Scripture reliability tho...
Manuscripts hsd to constantly be copied because as they were used they wore out; they used various materials too.
When copying...
*Some scribes added a story (rare) that was passed down in John's students lifetime from hearing stories left out of Scripture. It doesnt mean it wasnt true it just wasnt out in there by the writer author at the time of writing it.
*another time such as Mark gospel scribes thought it ended abruptly so they added pieces from other gospels to wrap up the gospel, but Mark as the author intended it to end abruptly.
It goes to show that we are not to alter Scripture. But we do *know* from earliest manuscripts that those added verses were not in the originals. 👍
This is not something a young believer would know unless we were taught & understand manuscript history or read Bible intro pages at the front explaining this... which is also noted in Bible footnotes it will say something like
* not in most manuscripts
* not in majority text
* omitted
The publisher goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity and reliability of the translation.
There are Paleaolographers. I forgot the word for it but...There is an entire historical industry or specialized area preseving Scripture that from the beginning of Scripture and beginning of the NT till now. And because of that preservation we know the Bible is 100% reliable.
Hope that helps further clarify 😊.
Regarding Versions...
The only versions that are not reliable are ones that alter gender in modern times or were translated by one person. That link should take you here at some point but if not... go here.
Additional helps on the topic:
Has the Bible changed
Reconciling Christianity and Science
How Technology is challenging our Faith
How to avoid Satan's biggest trap
How to strengthen your Christian worldview
Related Resources
Read the Bible resources & helps
God bless!
Bookmark this page so you can go through everything here. 😊
