Out of date

I find one argument I hear often is regarding the age or 'out-of-date' ness of the Bible. It goes something like this: its old and irrelevant for today. This argument implies two false ideas-1. That old things are outdated 2. The Irrelevancy of scripture for our oh so modern society.

Although, when discussed this argument is so very often just a diversion. By this I mean it is a common argument which some people have perhaps just picked it up from what they hear. It can also be a cover, a way of keeping people at arms length or a simple belief that means that the person has an excuse to not look into matters properly. That is up to them. But never doubt, having some clear responses to this can help you not waver in your own faith.

The first aspect of the argument is in respect to age. In reality a lot of what we do is not new. The methods might be new, but not the principle. For example, we play games. We always have and always will. The methods change but the principle does not. Humans have sex and make babies. That's always happened, it is a really old practice, but again, not likely to change. People fight disease, we win and lose.

So, what does this mean for us? Well, it means that the age of the Bible is irrelevant. It can speak right into our situation today over many areas of human life and experience. You want to discuss mental health-it is in the Bible, disease management-Bible, immigration issues-Bible, family issues-Bible, birth and death-Bible, horrific sin-Bible, hope-Bible. All these principles and themes that we experience today are all there in scripture in one form or another. So how old the BIble is becomes irrelevant.

The next aspect of this argument, that it does not speak today flows naturally from this first point. Because the Bible addresses issues relevant beyond time, they become relevant for today. Although we often refer to Jesus' teaching on love your neighbour from 2000 years ago. Humanists will argue that this principle was suggested by others as well even before Jesus' earthly life. And I would agree. Jesus was quoting the Old Testement. In facts those principles were based on the Torah which was hundreds and hundreds of years older. So is that irrelevant? Should we no longer think of our neighbour because it is in an old and irrelevant book? Of course not.

The fact is the better we know the Bible, the better we can be empowered to engage with people presenting arguments about our faith. Sometimes we can get stuck simply because we do not get to know the scriptures very well or rely on sermons and talks to give us our primary input. The fact is the age of the Bible is irrelevant, or, is only relevant in that its age verifys its authenticity. It has survived, and is still very relelvant to all human experience even though it is so old.

Take for example the Old Testament uncleanliness laws. These helped with disease management during Israelite history. The method is different, but not the principle. Now, we have to self isolate for 2 weeks regarding Covid-19 symptoms (similar to isolation requires through being regarded as 'unclean').

Knowing scripture is empowering in itself, both for yourself but also in engaging well with the world around you. But also, do not forget, a lot of these arguments are covers for other issues which you may or may not be priviledged to learn about, so don't be too harsh on people.