My friend Doug would appreciate some feedback on this before he decides whether or not to sit down and write a book, or teach a class on this subject in his class. It is a long read, but a good thought provoking one.
A very thought provoking question! It is too hard for to conceive not having a Bible in our lfe time. I have been a Christian since May 1953 (about 58 years).
In my younger years I did not avail myself in a consistant study and memory of God’s word.
My wife and children have always had access to the Bible, so I think it hard to visualize living the Christian life, having never had access to the word of God.
My knowledge of God, and His soverngity,teach me He lead Holy men to write and publish His word, and we are blessed in our time to have it available.
Jesus taught: “To whom little is given little is required, and to whom much is given, much is required,”
I’m now nearing 78 years, and I just shut down my TV cable, and had my computer off. This gave me time to refresh my Bible memory work.
I do not want to boast, but I have 30+ plus random verses rememberized. How refreshing,its restoring, how cleansing and how restoring it is of the Spirit.
I started with Psalm 119:9,10&11, then Psalm 150:6; Proverbs 16:6, 16:25; Then Isaiah 1:18, and Isaiah 53:6,then Proverbs 16:6 and 15:25(just to give you an idea of such memory work).
Let me recommend every believer do the same!
It sounds like your friend Doug thinks he can be a Christian without the Bible. Yes?
What does he say about Holy Tradition?
John 21: (We'll be using the KJV today to keep things on even footing): "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."
The Bible Itself declares that it doesn't contain everything.
Before deciding if Christianity needs the Bible, your friend may want to read, think, and understand the meanings communicated by Scripture.
FWIW, those who are believers are members of the Body of Christ. All believers are brought into the Body of Christ by one Baptism, by one Holy Spirit. The Bible contains Scripture which communicates the Word of God who is identified as the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who will remain forever.
The Bible is one of if not the major source for veritable truth regarding what God provides for us. Throw that out, and one simply throws away many blessings.
I have to respectfully disagree.
Jesus and Paul had the old testament to rely on.
Jesus needed the old testament to prove who He said He was. Prophesy is nearly a third of the bible and that is for a reason.
Peter called Paul’s writing “scripture.” Without scripture, there is no gospel. Without the gospel to preach, there is no salvation.
I could come up with a wacky doctrine and orthodox Christians would have no defense without the scripture to show I was wrong. The bible is essential!!!
Thanks for the ping!