Expert: Scott Talbot - 11/13/2004

Question
I had a short conversation with a professor of philosophy last night. In the course of this conversation, the professor stated that he would not even consider trying to have a discussion about the Bible with someone who was not familiar with the "p" writer or the "j" writer. As I am one of the people of whom he spoke, I guess I was too intimidated to ask him what in the world he was talking about. Do you know?  

Answer
Hi, Charles! Thanks for the question.

Years ago I studied textual criticism, and I remember coming across something like this. If I remember correctly, it has to do with a view held by some that states that the Bible (specifically, the first five books) was written, not by Moses, as is commonly believed. Rather, it is a compilation of writings from several different sources.

The underlying premise of the theory is that the Bible is not truly a unique, divinely-inspired book. It is not God's revelation to mankind, but instead of book produced by man's efforts. It's an attempt to deny the authenticity, accuracy, and authority of God's Word by theorizing that it is something other than what God says it is.

Not only are these theories erroneous and humanistic assumptions which rule out God's identity and character, as well as the miraculous and providential revelation of God to mankind, but they seek to preempt debate by hiding behind a facade of false intellectual snobbery.

The professor of which you speak seems to take great pride in this complex theory he desperately clings to--a pride which seems to boost his sense of self. Maybe it makes him feel intellectually superior due to the fact that he has familiarized himself with these theories. The fact that he refuses to discuss the Bible without your having climbed the same intellectual ladder tells me that he is simply hiding behind his feigned intelligence as a form of self-defense.

The reason I say "self-defense" is that he's probably afraid to discuss the Bible. Either that, or his only intent is to try to sway someone to his own way of thinking.

Discussing the Bible shouldn't require one to become an expert in liberal theories based on erroneous beliefs regarding God and His Word. The Bible was intended to be read, understood, and discussed freely by anyone desiring to do so--whether simple or bright, educated or uneducated.

Reactions such as the one you received from this professor turn me off, as they reek of arrogance. However, I need to be careful how I react. While I'm tempted to become angry, I (we) need to understand that, based on the little I know about him, he has not yet discovered the liberating truth of God's Word, nor has he experienced its life-changing power. Let's pray that he will. (See I Corinthians 2:6-16, John 10:10, Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 22:17.)

Let me encourage you to pray with me, and to respond to this gentleman with the same kindness, compassion, and love with which Christ would treat him. I'm guessing he would not be swayed by intellectual debate, but God knows the way into his heart.

Let me know if I can be of further help. And I would also love to hear of any further discussions you have with this man.

Scott