"Inspired"

[pjohns]

The author of II Timothy--who at least purports to be the apostle Paul (although some scholars believe that it was, instead, a close associate of his)--declares, in 3:16, that all scripture is theopneustos--literally, "God-breathed."

There is probably no need, now, to get into the matter of just what "scripture" he was referring to. (Since there was then no canon of the "New Testament," he was, presumably, referring to the "Old Testament." But it could be applied equally to both.)

Some view this as a confirmation of the so-called "Dictation Theory" of inspiration: i.e. that God dictated the words, verbatim; and that the writers simply took them down, word-for-word, like good stenographers.

The problem with this, it seems to me, is that it begs the question: Why does God use one style when He is writing through Paul, and an entirely different style when He is writing through Peter? Or one style when He is using Mark, and an entirely different style when He is using John?

This is why I tend toward thought inspiration instead.

Comments?

[roadmaster]

Ok but you are not going to like my comment, How many times does He have to say He was before man. The Word is God, the OT an NT.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.¹⁵ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Notice John said before me, Jesus said to them, He was before Abraham. You are trying to put doubt in the Word of God. We understand His Word.

[pjohns]

Ok but you are not going to like my comment, How many times does He have to say He was before man. The Word is God, the OT an NT.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.¹⁵ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Notice John said before me, Jesus said to them, He was before Abraham. You are trying to put doubt in the Word of God. We understand His Word.

It is not that I do not like your comment (as you have suggested); I merely do not understand its (supposed) relevance.

And what is your basis for the declaration that I am attempting to plant "doubt"? I am merely asking a rational question. (Or do you simply not believe that the Bible can be viewed in a rational manner?)