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Charlatan · 09-26-2005, 09:16 AM

The original Bible was actually held in the oral tradition and as such was subject to change from time to time.

Later when the words were written down (in Hebrew) they were collected in scrolls. Different scholars at the time would change the text to suit the politics or culture of the day. If you read the bible now, you can find these different "voices" littered throughout the OT. For example, in the story of Moses parting the Red Sea... there are two versions of the story side by side. In one he takes them through the sea of weeds (ie a shallow area) in the other he parts the sea. There are many more examples of this sort of thing.

Much, much later a group of Jewish scholars got together and decided what would be the definiative OT. They dropped a few books that were found in one group of scrolls but not others.

Something similar occured with the NT. Some books were dropped while others became the word of God.

Ultimately, the nearest to God these texts can be is that they were inspired by God.

Then we have the various translations of the Greek and Hebrew texts out there... King James, Good News, New International... etc. They all translate to the best of their ability the original text.

The problem there is that something gets lost in translation.
Mary, a young woman turns into Mary, a virgin.
Paul's letter saying, Don't let the women who've been talking to false prophets teach. Turns into Don't let women teach (i.e. preach).

09-26-2005, 09:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	The original Bible was actually held in the oral tradition and as such was subject to change from time to time. Later when the words were written down (in Hebrew) they were collected in scrolls. Different scholars at the time would change the text to suit the politics or culture of the day. If you read the bible now, you can find these different "voices" littered throughout the OT. For example, in the story of Moses parting the Red Sea... there are two versions of the story side by side. In one he takes them through the sea of weeds (ie a shallow area) in the other he parts the sea. There are many more examples of this sort of thing. Much, much later a group of Jewish scholars got together and decided what would be the definiative OT. They dropped a few books that were found in one group of scrolls but not others. Something similar occured with the NT. Some books were dropped while others became the word of God. Ultimately, the nearest to God these texts can be is that they were inspired by God. Then we have the various translations of the Greek and Hebrew texts out there... King James, Good News, New International... etc. They all translate to the best of their ability the original text. The problem there is that something gets lost in translation. Mary, a young woman turns into Mary, a virgin. Paul's letter saying, Don't let the women who've been talking to false prophets teach. Turns into Don't let women teach (i.e. preach). __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke Last edited by Charlatan; 09-26-2005 at 09:20 AM..