About the Bible

     Very often, I have friends coming up to me citing a distasteful or a downright sinful incident that happened in the Bible. Lot's daughters committing incest. Excessive polygamy. With a look of (understandable) repulsion, they ask how could the Bible advocate such things?

     I'd like to address the perception is merely a book of moral teachings or encouraging sayings. Yes, the Bible puts forwards and proclaims the Good News of Jesus' death, and does touch extensively upon the necessity and the joy of leading peaceful and godly lives. 

But at the same time, the Bible is a historical record as well, an aspect that is often overlooked. There are many things that are horrific and violent, there are many things that our "heroes" do that are unscrupulous. Because just as much as the Bible is a book about God's holy character, the Bible also shows the fallenness and brokenness of our own human nature. It records these failings, not espouse them. And we can see as well the repercussions of these sins. Lot's descendants became the Moabites and the Ammonites, who were the enemies of Israel. King Solomon's wives were one of the reasons he turned away from God. Even if we do not see the consequences of an individual or nation's disobedience towards God, the Bible is consistent in saying that God will be the good and perfect Judge that He is. Hence, all I see is the thematic consistency in which humans continue to fail and disobey God, whereas God remains faithful, just, and merciful.