Does the Bible Contain Propositional Truths?
Posted: Monday, April 27, 2009
by Dennis Wilhoit
Sonrise Bible Studies
"More missional readings of the Bible" according to Brian McLaren, includes "What am I-and what are we-supposed to be doing in this world these days, to fit in with God's creative and ongoing mission?" [1] This statement is offered as a correction to the traditional "propositional or doctrinal readings" of the Bible.
How may an answer to "What are we supposed to be doing" be stated in terms other than a propositional truth or doctrinal statement?
Tony Campolo's response is helpful, "the Bible should not be considered a mere repository of propositional truths" (p. 89). But, "There are sections of the Bible that do contain propositional truths."
That Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross is proposed as a truth in the New Testament. That claim is either true or false. If true, it says something about "Who I am" and "What I am to do." If untrue, it says nothing about "Who I am" and "What I am to do."
That Jesus was resurrected to life on the third day is proposed as a truth in the New Testament. That claim is either true or false. If true, it says something about "Who I am" and "What I am to do." If untrue, it says nothing about "Who I am" and "What I am to do."
An exception should be made for those who choose to believe (and live as if) propositions or doctrines they consider untrue.
How can there be Christianity without Christ, without Christ crucified, without a resurrected Christ? There can be if the propositional truths and doctrinal statements of the Bible are unnecessary to answer "What am I-and what are we-supposed to be doing in this world these days, to fit in with God's creative and ongoing mission?"
[1] Brian D. McLaren and Tony Campolo, p. 83. Adventures in Missing the Point: How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel. Zondervan: Grand Rapids , 2003.
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