Is the Bible truly unique?

Eric Strong
Religion

Let’s imagine for a moment that every Bible, every catechism and creed, every Christian writing altogether disappears from the face of the Earth. In fact, let’s pretend that Christianity itself is removed from the world forever. Convince yourself of this scenario by whatever means necessary; perhaps an evil dictator decides to eradicate Christianity, or the rapture occurs, or any number of possible, albeit unlikely, scenarios.

How would the Christian God communicate his “truth” to mankind when all records of this truth are gone?

Now, certainly, you can argue that the scenario described above will never happen: Christianity will never be eradicated from the face of the Earth. And you’re probably right. Successful religions, by definition, have always had means of ensuring that they never completely die out. But it’s strange that God would allow even the possibility of something as important as his only book describing the true way to “salvation” to be lost forever.

In fact, why would God write down what he wanted to tell humanity in a book, anyway? Why use a form of communication that is so widespread, so easily copied? And why use the same kind of communication that most other “gods” have done throughout history? Couldn’t the One True God think of a more special way to communicate Absolute Truth? Perhaps a story told by the stars, or truly “written on our hearts”, as Jeremiah would say? Why place so much significance on the Bible when there are so many more meaningful ways to communicate truth?

Just some thoughts to think about, as you reflect on your views about the inerrancy of the Bible.

Further references:

The Formation of the New Testament Canon

Early Christian Writings