God Working Beyond Error: On the Faith of Biblical Inerrantists
※ This article does not definitively speak for any specific denomination or position, but is an attempt to reflect on the nature of faith. While respecting the freedom of religion, thought, and conscience, I hope you will read this as one perspective.
1. Introduction: Where is the Center?
As a premise, this article does not take the position of biblical inerrancy—that is, the stance that every word and phrase is historically accurate.
It is possible to emphasize that even if the Bible can be said to have been written under the inspiration of God, it is a collection of documents formed within human history, culture, and language, and that many human elements were involved in its formation process.
However, at the same time, this article maintains the understanding that the fact of Christ's atonement and resurrection is at the center of faith.
In this one point, the value of the Bible is infinite, and protecting this center is considered the foundation of Christian faith.
Standing on that premise, this is what I would like to consider in this article.
How can we evaluate those who are biblical inerrantists?
2. Faith That May Contain Historical Errors: The Limits of a Position
As mentioned above, let us consider biblical inerrantists as those who view every word and phrase of the Bible as the word of God, which is completely without error, including in historical terms.
That position would view the Bible itself as perfect revelation, based on the omnipotence and perfection of God. This attitude seems, in a sense, extremely pious as an expression of absolute trust in the word of God.
However, from a historical perspective, it appears that the Bible's collection of documents contains changes in style and thought, as well as fluctuations in historical understanding.
For example, the stories of creation and the flood in Genesis are sometimes said to share commonalities with the cosmology of the ancient Orient. Also, there are differences in detail in the accounts of the four Gospels.
Given these facts, one can consider that claiming "every word and phrase is inerrant" is, in a sense, beyond the limits of what humans can claim.In other words, from the perspective of historical accuracy, one can see that the position of biblical inerrancy may contain errors.
However, the issue here is also the perspective of whether the existence of error itself diminishes the value of faith.
3. The Zeal to Spread the Gospel: Goodness as an Act
Biblical inerrantists believe the words of the Bible literally and try to convey them to people in that form. That attitude might sometimes appear fanatical, but it can also be seen as an expression of love and mission.
Believing in the resurrection of Christ, confessing it, and trying to convey it to others—that itself is the central value that permeates the entire New Testament.
The Apostle Paul says this in his letter to the Philippians.
Christ is preached in every way. That makes me happy, and I will continue to be happy.
This passage shows the position that whatever the motive for evangelism, if Christ is preached as a result, it is good. The Apostle Paul transcended differences in form and position for the purpose of conveying God's truth.
Therefore, even if biblical inerrantists are imperfect in their historical understanding or scientific knowledge, as long as they convey the Gospel of Christ, their actions can still be evaluated as good before God.
Furthermore, if one were to read this passage in the manner of a biblical inerrantist, one could understand this as the very will of God. That is, "In whatever way it may be, if Christ is preached, it is good."
4. A Naturalistic Perspective: An Illusion When Viewed from the Outside
On the other hand, from a purely scientific and naturalistic standpoint, the faith of biblical inerrantists may appear "irrational" or "superstitious."
Treating ancient religious texts as equivalent to modern scientific truth may be seen as an intellectual fallacy. Socially, they might even be viewed as a group acting on religious illusions.
However, even within such critical views, the ethical actions of biblical inerrantists can be said to remain.
Prayer, service to others, tithing, charity, and evangelism—all can be perceived as practices of love that desire the happiness of others.
If there is "trust in God" and "love for one's neighbor" behind them, then even if the content of the faith is mistaken, the way of life itself can be said to be ethically worthy of respect.
It is also possible to consider that there is a "structural paradox of faith" here.
Even if it is a fiction when viewed from the outside, they live in truth on the inside.
And if God exists, and if the resurrection of Christ is true, then the faith of biblical inerrantists is not mistaken at its core, and can become "a good that carries truth as a result."
5. Theological Evaluation: Good Within Error
According to the Bible, it is thought that God works even through human error. Moses' impatience, Jonah's flight, Peter's denial—all can be interpreted as acts contrary to God's will. However, in the end, they are seen as events that advanced God's plan. In other words, it is possible to think that God accomplishes perfection even through human imperfection.
If we stand on this perspective, it can be said that the faith of biblical inerrantists may also be used within their errors.
If the zeal and actions of biblical inerrantists lead people to Christ, those actions can be seen as a part of God's work.
It can be said that God uses even human misunderstandings for His purposes.
The Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans spoke as follows.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.
This "all things" includes errors, immaturity, and overconfidence. Even through these, God's providence works.
If so, I think the faith of biblical inerrantists can also be understood as a faith that produces good even if it contains errors.
6. God Working Beyond Even Error
Ultimately, while the faith of biblical inerrantists may contain historical and academic errors, it is possible to consider it clearly good in its purpose of believing in and conveying Christ's atonement and resurrection.
It is thought that God can convey His own truth beyond the imperfections of human knowledge.
If the gospel of Christ is true, then all actions that convey it—even if there are deficiencies in form or understanding—are considered works that please God.
Even if it is a faith that contains errors, the understanding is that those who sincerely convey Christ are in the hands of God.
People look at the outward appearance. But it is said that God looks at the heart.
It is also possible to think that God values a sincere heart of faith more than an accurate understanding of things.
7. Conclusion
We can all be said to live while harboring some kind of error.
Biblical inerrantists, as well as those with other views, cannot fully understand God. However, if there is a heart that believes in Christ's atonement and resurrection, it is possible to think that the center is one.
It is possible to think that the truth of faith is not confirmed by the accuracy of knowledge, but by the sincerity of the direction one is heading.
It seems we can think that God sees those who do good, even if they are in error.
If the resurrection of Christ is true—I believe that biblical inerrantists, too, will be remembered for their sincerity as "a good that may contain errors" serving the expansion of the Kingdom of God.