First, let me say this. None of the Gospels that chronicle Jesus' life were witnessed by the authors. Mark--written between 65-70 AD. Matthew--written between 70-100 AD. Luke--written between 80-100 AD. John--written between 90-100 AD. And, the four Gospels differ depending on the emphasis the writer intended.
The stories of Christ were first handed down verbally. That means that the writers had to rely on word of mouth depictions of events and words.
So, even the writers of the time can be accused of putting words into Jesus' mouth that he didn't say.
This is in no way to refute any of the Bible, nor anything else. This is just reality. Try recounting a conversation, word for word, five minutes after with another it is over. Most people can't do it.
God claims he superintended the writing of Scripture so that it is without error and worthy of our full trust. The verbal argument can be used to justify weaseling anything into any any ones mouth or history for their own purposes.
sr4402 replied (with which I totally agree): God claims he superintended the writing of Scripture so that it is without error and worthy of our full trust. The verbal argument can be used to justify weaseling anything into any any ones mouth or history for their own purposes.
To which I add: It isn't so much about recording all the words that Jesus said or the things that He did. John said in John 21:25 that the world could not contain all the books that would be written. But John also said in his gospel in chapter 20 that the things that were written were written "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."
The gospels, along with all of the rest of scripture are written to teach us WHO God is (the triune God) and who we are (sinners) so that we come to repentance knowing that we are sinners and that we need a Savior - Jesus Christ the Lord.
It isn't about refuting the Bible, for the Bible is the Word, and that Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. If one tries to refute the Word, or take away from it, or add from it, then they are trying to change WHO God is. And that is what this movie does. Period. And that will not bode well with those who made it. Something about a millstone around their neck??? =:o
The Bible was HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED. NOT word of mouth!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1