I am Christian. I recently listened to a audio CD called "Don't Know Much About the Bible" that gave an interesting commentary on the history of the Bible and some perceived inconsistencies. After asking my pastor about some of the questions I had, he replied in writing with Biblical references (answers) for some of my questions.

Knowing that the Jews did not have a standard collection of writings until after 100 AD and that many of the text was derived largely from stories transmitted verbally through generations I am having some doubts. This is especially true because I am not sure of the degree of divinity that inspired the collectors, cannonizers, and multiple levels of translators involved in generating the documents that we now call the Bible (there are many many versions. There are in fact, recently discovered texts that date back to biblical times that may have been included in the Bible, had they been known.

Can someone please help me understand the level of inspiration from the Holy Spirit that the cannonizers (despite their ritual) and others had in producing what we now base our faith in? Is any English Bible an appropriate tool to use for study or reference when seeking God's guidance?


(references appreciated)

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These professional religionists have a long list of stock answers for the many contradictions and anomalies that arise for the curious. A great deal of what they do in their seminaries is preparation for such questions.
As you should.
The Jews were forced to rethink what it meant to be a Jew after the destruction of their temple by the Romans in the Jewish/Roman War 70-73 C.E. With their central organizing entity in rubble, they moved into their rabbinic period. The idea here is that the traditions, teachings and history is what really defined what it meant to be a Jew and not the ritual sacrifices, High Priests and buildings.
If you mean the Nag Hammadi texts, they were 2nd century Christian writings which had their roots in the communities of North Africa. Being gnostic in their slant, they were shunned by the Roman wing of the Church.
If you mean the Dead Sea Scrolls then, yes, they would influence the understanding of most Christians understanding of their early history.
1. The "Holy Spirit" is an entirely non-biblical invention. You may find it interesting to read into the formation and development of the third leg of the trinity.
2. The cannon was a production of power politics among many and diverse Christians. I think it's fair to say that the adherents to the various schools of theologic thought were roughly equal in their level of inspiration.
An ironic historical footnote:
Constantine assembled the many and varied Christian bishops to a great council so as to iron out the differences among the factions. He knew that if this new and large religion were unified it would make governing the Empire easier. Ultimately, the results of the Council of Nicaea bore the fruit of the Nicene Creed.
Constantine was baptized as a Christian on his deathbed. The favored sect at that time later lost the power struggle (Arian Heresy) but not before they anointed him a "Christian."
In reality, Constantine was a polytheist. His major god was Sol Invictus, the sun god. It was on the coins minted during his reign.
Every Judeo-Christian sect and sub-sect will have their own unique answer to this.
You might just want to pick the one that suits your preconceptions or...
look at them all as work products of their environment.

I believe the more important thing is the level of inspiration in the reader. A Christian in fellowship with Christ need not fear a mistranslation. Once you place your faith in Him, He will help you understand what He wants you to understand. He has no human limitations. Never think you are studying alone.


If you are a serious Bible scholar, you may want to find a church with a pastor who teaches from the original languages. Berachah Church is one, I'm sure there are others.

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