Dude, you have got to level this out by staying what you are actually talking about. Right now one could,as I suspect many already have taken this throw trth out the door. Third is just too vague. Now the atheists love you, because it sounds an aweful lot like
Love love love it Father Matthew!!!!!! The peculiar notion of Biblical Inerrancy is uniquely American and uniquely fundamentalist!!!! it is absolutely wrongheaded. And you take it down with wit!! I mean eat your heart out fundies!! MacArthur, James White, Piper, Packer and co. The Chicago statement is a kind of idolatry "our modern way of reading scripture is right"! thanks for standing up against this!!
@turbopro10 We use the Scriptures to discern the truth, and the Light, and the Wisdom of the world, using discernment. Heavy discernment that uses all of our clear-eyed faculties. I use the Bible by reading it through the lens of Jesus.
Very well said. Believing in Biblical inerrancy is idolatry of the Bible and anathema to faith. You are then idolizing a collection of books that you consider divine. It distracts from the inerrant God.
FatherMatthew,you made the following two statements:
1) "I understand the desire to have certainty in our world, the desire to have proof of our God and God's movement in our creation but this is not how faith works"
2) "Certainty in faith is alluring and addictive but like a dangerous drug it is ultimately destructive."
How do you reconcile this view with Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"?
@wlemusic Hmm. Perhaps faith is inherently certain. Good point. But most faith is intermixed with doubt. For me, the opposite of faith isn't doubt, but fear. Meaning that it is more a trust/fear dichotomy vs. a certainty/doubt dichotomy. I suggest we live in hope and not certainty. This is because certainty can lead to all kinds of abuses, if you aren't careful. My take is that the realm of faith, love, and trust in God is quite different than the realm of certainty in God.
@wlemusic For example, in Hebrews: "the evidence of things not seen" is nothing like scientific certainty. After all, typically evidence must be perceivable by the senses. But in faith, that kind of certainty isn't sustainable. And scientific certainty / inerrancy I see being brought to the Bible too often in damaging ways.
FatherMatthew, thank you for this video. It is entertaining and insightful. I have a question for you, however. If your faith is not based on the Bible, what is it based on? It seems to me the Bible is all we have to go on for faith and salvation.
@wlemusic my faith is based on the history of God's acts in the world, of which the Bible is a record. The primary act of God in my faith is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Most everything flows from the primacy of that.
Father Mathew, I grew up with Biblical Inerrancy and I really appreciate your challenge. I have gone through some tough times and learned to love the inspiration of the scriptures without Biblical Inerrancy. I am now Episcopalian and I feel free to think.
Father Matthew, I am unable to watch the rest of the video. You begin with ridicle and I believe that ridicule is for the ridiculous. It's pathetic that this is how you have to begin. One could do your same illustration and insert "God" or "the clergy" or anything they don't like. Your opening says nothing except that you have abject contempt for those you disagree with. I prefer a more tolerant approach. Peace.
@Marburg1529 So, because there was something you didn't agree with, the rest of it must be rubbish too? All he is doing is saying what he thinks is correct, and you cannot in any fashion say that you think anything is correct without the implication that anyone who believes different is wrong. What difference does it make if he simply makes his point, or makes his point and points out some people for doing something to further expound on his point?
@EyeLickChildren No. Because I have spent much of my life being ridiculed by people who choose not to understand me, and being hurt terribly by them, I will not risk being hurt again by someone who feels the need to resort to it. Did I say it was rubbish? No, I did not. I feel your question is intended to belittle just as this intriduction is. Why do so many feel they must belittle others?
@Marburg1529 I said nothing belittling. I simply asked questions and drew a parallel. Though, it seems you are willing to miss out on useful bits simply because you've had too much filler.
@ladylejean215 Thank you for this wonderful expression of hate. I sincerely hope that Father Matthew didn't teach you to talk like that. It's likely you've shamed a decent man.
I attended an Anglican church (Episcopalian in US) for many years, I enjoyed all the ceremonies but when I eventually read the Bible for myself I realized there was a problem between what the Bible teaches and what the Anglican (Episcopalian) branch teaches about different things. For example, Jesus taught Matthew 23:9
"And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." There are other things too but I choose to stick with the Bible.
@Bakmoon -In Matthew 23:2 we see Jesus was talking about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees-the religious leaders. He also told them in verse 8 not to call anyone "Rabbi, for you have one Teacher and you are ALL brothers." Was that also metaphorical? Jesus was telling them not to elevate anyone. Even tho' the apostles were to be respected, nowhere in the Bible did they say "Apostle Peter" or "Father Peter" "Rev. Peter" or even "Brother Peter". It was always on a first name basis.
@fearworshipGod You answered your own question, namely that it is expressing a principle of equality. However, that doesn't make it inconsistent with titles. And how can you say that the Bible doesn't use Apostle as a title? Just read the first verse of Romans, 2 Corintians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Timothy, which all start out with saying "The Apostle Paul"
@Bakmoon -Whenever the words "the apostle Paul" or "the apostles Paul and Barnabas", etc. were used they were not used as a title but to simply point out their position in the church-just as it also says "the elders". To say one is an apostle, an elder, a prophet, a pastor, a bishop is not the same as addressing one by that position's name. Throughout the Bible it's always "Peter/Paul/John, etc. said" not "Apostle Peter/Apostle Paul, Apostle John said". No titles- including "Father" were used.
@fearworshipGod You are missing the point of the text entirely through your literalism. Jesus is speaking in hyperbole to emphasize the equality of humanity, not to actually tell people not to use titles. There are other such hyperbolies in the gospel such as the sermon of the mount, and the "you must hate your family to follow me" thing. Hyperbole is a stylistic convention used in the gospels to make the message more poignant; It's part of the genre.
@Bakmoon You claim it is hyperbole-that is only your take on it. Please show me anywhere in the NT where Jesus' disciples called each other "Apostle John" or "Father Paul", or "Canon Matthew" or "Rev. Timothy", etc.. Jesus said "Do NOT call anyone on earth "father" "rabbi","teacher" etc. (Matt. 23) Jesus did not try to confuse us with hyperboles. He meant what he said.
@fearworshipGod Hyperbole is arhetorical and poetic technique Jesus used because it has shock value and forces the listener to think, not to confuse. There are numerous examples. Take Luke 14:26 for example. Did Jesus "mean what he said" in a literal way there too? Should we hate our parents or honour them? Or look at Mathew 5:29. Is Jesus suggesting self-mutilation? No! Jesus is using overstatement because it makes his words penetrate into a person and really stick.
@Bakmoon -The word "hate" in Luke has to be looked at with all of the other teachings of Jesus, not isolated. He teaches us to love everyone, to honour our parents, but also that our enemies will be from our own household. In other words, those closest to us can take the #1 place that's only for God. Matt. 10:37 explains it as "“Anyone who loves their father or mother MORE than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter MORE than me is not worthy of me." Family can be idols.
@fearworshipGod Exactly. Jesus used the word "hate" not literally, but used it for rhetorical effect. Jesus was also fond of using statements that sounded paradoxical on the surface such as the "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" or "He who seeks his life will loose it and he who gives up his life will gain it". It's not about abolishing or minimizing what he said, it's about putting what he said into its original context to give the words their proper power.
@Bakmoon -What I said is you can't take one verse out of context from the other verses that deal with the same topic. Going back to the original point, there is no support for using titles for clergy. Jesus' words are to be believed as written for : "anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:19
@fearworshipGod :eyeroll: I've heard this story from so many people, and apparently people do not realize why the Episcopal Church uses a lectionary. Jeez. Reading the Bible "for oneself" often leads to the kind of bibliolatry that Fr. Matthew describes in this video.
God is a sicko that wants to be worshipped. He had his son tortured. He likes to torture baby boys by cutting skin off their penises. (Genesis 17). He's a true pervert. "Thou cannot serve God and mammon." So a believer can never have a good relationship with anyone. That's one of the reasons there are so many "christian" divorces. Adulthood begins after the discarding of all gods, not before. The biblical god is a retard.
Father matthew, I love your videos, they give the TRUTH about things that people and "pastors" lost sight of. Because of your videos, I want to become a episcopal priest and spread the GOOD news of My savior Jesus Christ. And not be the guy who is brain washed and spreads the Bad news that you need to be perfect for God the love you. Live you videos!
I would add that even approaching Scripture in this manner is problematic from the outset. It is like asking someone if they rape people or not? For most, considering the question AS MEANINGFUL is stupid from the outset. Doctrine of inerrancy brings with it a whole baggage of questions that are absurd.
@3rosesred As a lifelong Episcopalian, I can say that the Episcopal Church encourages questions. The church is on a journey, as are all its members - a beautiful journey where we walk with God and grow. Learning and asking and inquiry are a huge part of it.
Remember Jesus' first sermon in the Nazareth synagogue? He quoted Isaiah and omitted the part about God's day of vengeance. Even Jesus knew that the Scriptures weren't perfect, especially when they point to a two-faced God of love for some and vengeance for enemies of God. Christians should read the Bible through the interpretive lens of Jesus and God in Christ, not the other way around. Your three verses (none from Jesus!) don't convince me to put the Bible above Christ...
@FatherMatthew The two are in accordance, the scriptures of (Moses, Psalms, and Prophets) and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. To fulfill the scriptures that prophesied about Him. Here are some scriptures, our Lord Jesus Christ, said he fulfilled: (KJV) Matthew 26:52-56 Mark 12:9-12; Psalms 118:22-23 (10-11 of Mark) Luke 1:68-71 Luke 24:25-27 & 44-48 John 2:21-23 John 5:38-47 John 7:37-39 John 10:32-36; Psalms 82:5-7 (34) John 13:16-18 John 17:11-14 John 19:23-30 & 34-37 John 20: 8-10
21. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
2 Timothy 3 (KJV)
5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3 (KJV)
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Thank you for trying to speak some sense to the american christian community Father Mathew. I am an athiest myself but I have far more respect for personal beliefs that do not hinder scientific progress. I think everyone has the right to believe what they want as long as it does not effect the rest of the community, otherwise how are different cultures ever supposed to get along peacefully?
I would like to ask you, do you accept that being an athiest does not hinder our ability to hold morals?
@torm0 You realise that your belief affects the beliefs of those who belive their beliefs should affect others' beliefs... so your belief is actually contradictory... or in otherwords, its hypocritical.
@ChristusVlCTOR So because I believe you shouldn't force others to believe what you believe i'm a hypocrit? Your logic is so flawed it shows your own ignorance. I don't give a crap if religeous people think they have the right to tell everyone how to live, stop being butthurt.
@torm0 *sigh*, I see this is going to be a pointless discussion. Try and follow... "A" believes peoples beliefs SHOULDN'T affect others. "B" believes peoples beliefs SHOULD affect others. "A" tells "B" his beliefs shouldn't affect others... thus "A"'s beleifs have now been shoved into "B"'s face... "A" is a hypocrite.
@ChristusVlCTOR Ok I believe people should have the right to believe what they want except when those beliefs effect people outside their religeous community. Everyones a hypocrit, I aint even mad tho.jpg
@ChristusVlCTOR Ok I believe people should have the right to believe what they want except when those beliefs effect people outside their religeous community. Everyones a hypocrit, get over it.
@torm0 See, you're still being a hypocrit, but atleast you acknowledge it... so please keep your belief in your own "religion/culture" and stop posting it on YouTube.
@torm0 Actually, they are both opinions. My Opinion is that people should be allowed to teach religious beliefs openly. You believe they should not... and yet I would bet you have no problem with Evoloution, a non-Scientific Theory/Religion being taught in schools all over the world. I bet you have no problem voicing your opinion that people shouldn't take your things, or stab you. These are your beliefs and you voice them. But other people should not be allowed to voice their beliefs?
@ChristusVlCTOR You just said evolution* is un-scientific even though it's the most basic principle to understanding biology. This is what happens when you take the bible literally, i'm not going to argue with you on how little you must understand on the subject but i'd encourage you to look it up on the internet. The scientific community doesn't have an agenda when they teach evolution in schools, they're educating from actual evidence, not a two thousand year old tome written by misogynists.
@torm0 Tilting your head backwards and looking down your nose at someone, does not make you "the winnner", I have studied evoloution, and I've rejected it on Scientific grounds. I don't "take the bible literally" I take it at face value.
I challenge you to present any of this so called "evidence", and when you fail to do so, I'd encourage you to repent, and seek the LORD who created you, whilst He can still be found.
@ChristusVlCTOR What scientific grounds could you possibly have for rejecting it? Why don't you check out talkorigins(dot)org it has a large fossil record. Is it the whole concept of evolution or just macro evolution you have a problem with? Dogs, cats, pigs, cows are examples of human selective breeding and when you apply those principles to a natural environment the species most suited to their environment passes on their genes, the others become extinct. Is that such a hard concept to grasp?
@torm0 I am aware of microevoloution tho I reject the term. It is simply variation within a kind... no NEW INFORMATION is EVER added, infact the EXACT OPPOSITE occurs, information is LOST. This never creates new animals, just new species of the same animal.
@ChristusVlCTOR Oh lordy here we go, I really can't be arsed to teach you things you should have learnt in school. CAPS LOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL.
@torm0 Caps lock is for emphasis, its all this medium allows for. Also, raising your nose again, does not make you right. You can not "teach me" because you do not possess any actual truth, so you simply dismiss my statement by trying to act high and mighty. The fact remains, microevoloution cannot account for macroevoloution, as there is no increase in the information found within the DNA of the animal. Eventually you end up with inbred, sterile or deformed offspring that die out.
@torm0 *rolls eyes*, how bout we just leave it here, I've got people, who actually exercise their own minds, to talk to. Feel free to respond if you must, but I have the feeling I likely won't respond.
@ChristusVlCTOR I never even wanted to get into this discussion, theres a difference between forcing your beliefs on people and expressing an oppinion. I'm not saying your forcing your beleifs just that there's no point having this discussion because neither one of us is going to change there minds. It's pointless. So I thought i'd show you a website that knows more about the subject than I do. Bye xxx
Wow, so the Bible is not certain, it's not inspired, and bubba has more authority than God himself:) What an idiot. This is how they lead people to hell?
I wonder if it was Father Matthew's ' Uncertian Faith' That inspired the great lights of the catholic faith; Aquinas and Agustine to call for torture and death of unbelievers, or was it commands from the bible to do so?
For me in my own understanding of the bible, I find that is the questions and doubts that bring me deeper into my faith. I made a decision about how different stories are told, I focus on the similarities and not the differences. I Love discussions like this because whether we mean to or not, we each one of us understand things differently, thus wouldn't that lead to differences in interpretation? God's Peace and merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah to everyone!
@jhansen1441 I may be a heretic according to you, but how can I be apostate when I am sticking to a tradition of biblical interpretation that has a long history? Anyway, my point is, I'm seeking faithfulness to Christ, not idolatry of the Bible, even if it is the best book in history. Peace!
@FatherMatthew I'm a retired priest myself (not Christian, but the godbothering business is the godbothering business even so...). I'm impressed with your comments and enjoy your presentation style. I've always liked Episcopalians; they always seem to have the best senses of humor and a strong willingness to consider alternatives. Bravo!
@FatherMatthew I'm a retired priest myself (not Christian, but the godbothering business is the godbothering business even so...). I'm impressed with your comments and enjoy your presentation style. I've always liked Episcopalians; they always seem to have the best senses of humor and a strong willingness to consider alternatives. Bravo!
@FatherMatthew I'm a retired priest myself (not Christian, but the godbothering business is the godbothering business even so...). I'm impressed with your comments and enjoy your presentation style. I've always liked Episcopalians; they always seem to have the best senses of humor and a strong willingness to consider alternatives. Bravo!
You all have too many different denominations for me! No, I figure that if a PERSONAL god truly existed and gave a flying fart about how man lives he/she/it would have made it very clear how we should live, that there shouldn't be literally thousands of different denominations! That's not to mention the horrible blood and gore that your so called advocated/commanded!
Father Matthew, I'm a deeply committed atheist, but I love all your videos and how you share your faith with others. This video in particular was great. Please keep up the good work, and best of luck to you in times to come. Your videos make me more interested in your faith than any Christian who has tried to push their beliefs onto me. I'm going to make a note that Biblical Innerency is a form of idolatry.
We know that Christianity is true because the Gospel writers, inspired by God who can make no error, recorded the founding events. For example, on the first Easter morning, the visitors to the tomb were greeted by which of the following:
a) A young man (Mark 16:5)
b) No, no, it was no man, it was an angel (Matthew 28:2-5)
@thorkyll Yes. It is the U.S. branch (sort of) of Anglicanism, the third largest group of Christians after Roman Catholic and Orthodox. I am one of about 80 million.
@thorkyll It's a denomination of Christianity that emphasizes the leadership of "Bishops" (Greek: episkopos, "overseers", "supervisors") rather than of Cardinals or the Pope.
If this piece of testable information is wrong then how can I trust the information that he was the son of God? if the bible cannot record correctly the events around his birth, how can it be trusted to record events around his divinity? If the bible is in fact the word of God, why is it wrong? and if parts of it are wrong, how can we decide which parts are right? how do we know that Jesus dying for our sins is not a mistake too? I'd be interested in any thoughts on this.
Hi, Im a former believer and bilical inerrancy is one (but not the only) thing which led me to bet my salvation on the fact that the christian god does not exist. The reason for this is this: The bible gives testable information like the fact that Jesus was born during the rule of Herod whilst Cyrenius was Governor of Syria. This turns out to be historically incorrect (Herod died in 4BC and Cyrenius did not come into power until 7AD. There was no census during this time).....
@HailZeon57 The Bible is the source of the Truth and the Gospel. It doesn't have to be perfect to be this source. The Bible is multi-vocal, written from various perspectives. And, IMHO, the perspective of Jesus Christ trumps some of the more violent interpretations of God in the Bible. All this takes prayerful discernment. And in 2 Tim.,Paul was talking about the Hebrew Scriptures. According to your quote, the Old Testament trumps the New! (for the New hadn't been collected by that point)
@FatherMatthew You voice your "opinion" in many comment responses which is fine as we all have opinions! The problem I have is when "you claim to know the truth" re a divine christ, how the bible is "properly read and interpreted", etc, YET you offer not one shred of evidence to back up your claims! Are seekers of truth suppose to accept such extraordinary claims on opinion? I sure hope not, on faith that an educated person "supposedly knows the truth"? I hope not again! Evidence is required!
How can you say that the Bible is the source of truth? It is the truth, not the source of the truth. You make "the truth" seem like it's some enigma. If the Hebrew side is God breathed, then why not the New? Those 'violent' interpretations of God in the Bible are his 'just' side; God does not tolerate sin. See, the problem with your church, not to be condemning, is that you have this false gospel of inclusiveness, that you can practice a sin (ex: homosexuality) with no consequence.
@HailZeon57 The Bible is the source of Truth, it is not the Incarnation of God's Word according to Christians, actually Jesus is the Incarnation of God's Word. The Bible is a human document that is a record of God's activity in the world, especially through Christ. It isn't perfect, but it is the greatest library of all.If you are comfortable with condemning, you are not showing the love of Christ who forgave even his executioners. Your "gospel" of condemnation and exclusivity is truly bad news.
@FatherMatthew Christ also said to the sinful woman in John 8:11 to "Go and sin no more." For someone like yourself who follows Christ, how can you rightly belong in a church that doesn't admonishes homosexuals to repent, but let's them become clergy while sinning without repentance? This is basic Christian doctrine we are talking about. You can't live by the gospel alone or vice versa. You need both law and gospel. Christ is the Word, but he's not here now which is why we have the Bible.
why would a non-seeking non-believer bother to listen to Father Matthew!! i love this guy as he teaches me a lot about my tradition (anglican). Too bad you come here to be uplifted but find negative people instead!!!
why would a non-seeking non-believer bother to lister to Father Matthew!! i love this guy as he teaches me a lot about my tradition (anglican). Too bad you come here to be uplifted but find negative people!!!
If anyone in here still thinks the Bible is the inerrant word of God, watch this and then rethink your position. It's awfully funny so don't eat while you watch it unless you want liquid shooting out of your nose:
@warren52nz The bible says the LORD created the world in 6 days, resting on the Sabbath. All in one week, and GOd stated this personaly 3 times in the Old testment. (Once audibly to the whole nation of Israel..Twice written in stone)..If the faith iss too much for you, dont worry just keep moving, we only advocate true christianity, not mixed with philosophy.
@Pmlani True christianity ?? God's moral standards? Look at how God rewards child sacrifice for Jephthah, how he arranges the killing of Job's beloved children just because Job trusted God, how God commands his people to rip little girls from the bloody arms of their murdered mothers and take them home to share with YHVH's priests, how he approves of public rape to punish people. Look at the command to practice ritualized cannibalism! What a wonderful pattern of love!
You Sir are promoting a type of Godliness..To strip the Holy word of its power and say its a feeble flimsy foundation to live on .. Is sickning ..1)Ur therefore advocating Catholic false tradition as equal to the WORD of GOD..2)Bible believing is equal to frying your brains as an egg 3)Your advocating EVOLUTION OVER CREATION..Im too disgusted ...You seem a nice guy , but you are so brainwashed its not even funny ...
@Pmlani Uhhh, just 1 problem. it's been PROVEN that Evolution happened beyond a shadow of a doubt. You can rely on it as much as you can rely on gravity to take you to your death if you jump off a cliff (whether you pray or not).
I think Father Matthews is on the right track. Not there yet but he's starting to open his eyes to the truth:
IN THE BEGINNING MAN CREATED GOD.
Once you realize that, everything falls into place and makes sense.
Waren, Im happy for you if your an atheist..Non God and Bible believer .. but please dont descibe yourself as a representative of the one true creator God if you will happily push up Worldly talk. Remeber Christianity starts with FAITH of the beilever in the Word and testimony of God ( Not infant baptism by the way) If that is too much for you , get out of your church and join a charity or something.
Moses, said to them, " The LORD God of Israel commands you to go through the camp, killing your relatives, your friends, and your neighbors." The men of the Levi tribe followed his orders, and that day they killed about three thousand men. Moses said to them, " You obeyed the LORD and did what was right, and so you will serve as his priests for the people of Israel. It was hard for you to kill your own sons and brothers, but the LORD has blessed you=The word of god LOL
Are you in rebelion to what the Lord commanded to be done? Was the Lord wrong in requesting this to be done? Do you understand why..?Please read it in context ..
@Pmlani If your religion is capable of bending your natural sense of good and evil, to such an extend, that you see this as normal, then your religion itself is evil..
@Pmlani It might be worth considering Phillipians 2, in particular verses 3-4, when you interact with people who do not agree with you. Unless you're only interested in the parts of the bible which make you feel superior to others.
The reasoning here is solid and very challenging. It's a tough fact to deal with if you've been raised on inerrancy, as I was. It's particularly difficult to deal with some of the Old Testament atrocities and bronze-age perspecitves.
I really enjoy watching your segments. I have gone a few times to an Episcopal church in Atlanta, GA and though it is incredibly formal (from how I was raised), I do enjoy it. I was given your YOU TUBE address by a member of the church so that I might see some "plain English" info. Thank you for your candor, your wit and the drive that God has given you to share what you know with others. God bless...
Many people (mainly fundamentalist christians) know next to nothing about the history of the bible and the early church. Ignoring science and scientific discoveries and just saying that there lies from satan. They have to understand that the book of genesis isn't scientific cosmology and st.augustine knew this and said that we didn't have to believe that god made the world in 7 days, nor did we have to beileve that the earth was 6000 years old!
One more thing skyydawg123- there is no problem with questioning in our church. The answer to your question about having to 'determine where God was kidding..etc' is yes. We're taught that the individual should read scripture, but understand it only in light of tradition reason and experience. The moment of connection with God comes when the light bulb goes off - when we understand the meaning- and yes it's very personal. Anything else would be intellectually dishonest. Just my thoughts.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. God breathed errors? He is sovereign, I think He has the power to uphold His Truth.
As for different accounts of resurrection in the gospels? Take for example a car accident. No witness will retell the account with the exact detail as another. Some will leave out a detail while others will expound on more while all being true. All the accounts complement the event.
To say inerrancy is idolatry is incorrect because the value on scripture actually points us more to God, so God is given the glory. So much for that arguement matthew. Father Matthew says- "And Jesus is the only Incarnation of God, not the Bible." It's funny you critique a subject that you aren't even well versed on. John 1:1 says In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. verse 14-The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
You seem to undermine the authority and trustworthiness of the Bible when you say the very act of God's inspiration has mistakes. You say people who believe the Bible are idolaters? Wasn't it Satan that first cast doubt on God's Word in the garden when speaking to Eve?
I have to disagree. We know that the Bible is without error because it is indeed the inspired word of God because it reveals to us what we need to know for our salvation, truths that can only come from God. We just need to look at the bible as a whole and in the light of truth. Sure we know that the universe in 15 bil years old, but the creation story is an allegory showing that the world came nto being by God in stages, like scientists will assert. So the Bible is indeeed without error.
What do you mean by Bible literacy? I do think there is a certainw way the bible must be read to understand it properly and avoid error, but I do not know if that is what you mean or not.
I spent many years in very "biblical" churches, even serving for a while as a teaching leder in a very conservative Presbyterian denomination but God really has worked on my heart and brought me to a much more balanced view of scripture. It is true that many christians really have made the bible into an idol of sorts. Perhaps the Episcopal church may be a good place for me and my family.....Peace
Father Matthew, what's your opinion on today's new changes in blessing same sex unions? A quote from the AP, " Episcopalians on Friday authorized bishops to bless same-sex unions and research an official prayer for the ceremonies, capping a meeting that moved the church closer to accepting gay relationships despite turmoil over the issue in the Anglican family." Off topic, but I thought I'd throw it in the mix since this is Father Matthew's denomination I think.
I'm not Father Matthews, but I am Episcopalian. You're actually not off topic at all. His point, and one that is to a great degree agreed to by even the RC Church, is that God is revealed to us "through" scripture. God does not "equal" scripture. The message of Genisis for example, is that grace is freely given. It has NOTHING to do with the creation of the planet. Exodus informs us that it's ok to kill your kid if said kid gets out of line. Do we still hold that as literally true? No (cont)
Anolther thought, I would like to add for your charlesfloyb is that while all that is necessary for salvation is in the bible, God has not stopped speaking to us. We see and listen to many saints in practice. We have stopped adding books to the bible, but God is still teaching us and sending his servants to instruct us.
In the New Testament, the institution of slavery is not only NOT called into question, it is tacitly approved - slaves should be obedient, masters good to their slaves. Do we still think slavery is moral? No. Truth continues to be revealed. Our understanding of scripture is (much like Jesus would have said) not etched in stone. Science is informing us now that the etiology of homosexuality is largely if not entirely biological. That may not be enough to convince some Christians that it's ok.
Charlesfloyb, I think it is important to read scripture in context. Linguistic, cultural, & in the context of the text. If the descriptions of gay sex involve prostitution, or rape, the act would be sinful. But is it because the act is essentially violent in nature? The story about Jonathon and David is pretty much what you see is what you get. Jesus also said nothing on the subject. It seems to me that keeping gays from loving relationships is truly evil. This is not easy for the church.
I'm a non believer in many ways- certainly when it comes to fundamentalist interpretations of any kind of scriptures. But I would like to add that Father Michael comes across as a good natured and sincere person who seems to apply the best teachings of it and this shows. For this he has my respect.
I'm Roman Catholic, but I believe Fr. Matthew has hit the nail on the head here. I also believe another mistake people make is believing that the bible is the only thing that was divinely-inspired. People today, are STILL divinely inspired sometimes when they feed the poor, contribute to the community, ect.
@MsNewgirl If you call yourself a Roman Catholic, you ought not to believe this video. The council of Trent states that EVERYTHING in the bible is true. Doesn't necessary mean literal, but it is true. What are you gonna trust, a decree protected by the Holy Spirit or an episcopalian?
@TheEcumenator ; So, if everything in the bible is true, you have to kill your rebellious offspring. You have to kill anybody working on the sabbath. etc. etc. You can see immediately that not everything in the bible is true. The Council of Trent has no longer any credibility.
@lizazoon you don't seem to understand the difference between something being true and something being literal. The bible isn't just merely a book, but rather a collection of books which include, liturgical, prayer and historical texts. To take all of them literal is to read poetry in the same way you read journalism and vice versa.
Because some proposition is true doesn't necessarily mean it is literal
Actually, philisophically speaking, it doesn't really matter if something is real or not. If the community output results in positive relationships because of a belief system, one could argue it's better for the community.
Hey whatsup, I am a young episcopalian from the Diocese of VA...I just wanted to know your views on Eucharist as opposed to the Catholic Church. What is the Episcopal Churches' stance on Eucharist?
JGW71489- it looks like nobody has answered your question. I'll try. Both the RC, and the Episcopal Church agree in the "Real Presence". That means that there is an objective presence of God in the Eucharist. The Sacrament becomes a visible sign of God's reaching out to us in an objective (not symbolic) way. We differ in what happens. Episcopalians have never denied the RC concept of transubstantiation (the bread and wine become the REAL blood etc). We avoid that, but not the Presence.
do the bird and the bee know you're using their song?
which book says women shouldn't be allowed to speak in a church or that if you rape one you need to pay her father 50 silver and marry her immediately so you can rape her some more? I get my books confused. Why did they leave out THOMAS again and merge books that violently disagree on events like the crusifiction of Jesus? Why were things later ommited like unicorns and added like virgin births?
Yes, I do have a question. If the bible is not the literal word of God, then how are we supposed to determine which verses are acceptable and which ones we are supposed to discard. If you do not agree that the bible is the inerrant word of the Lord, then you have essentially adopted a Jeffersonian model of Christianity.
So, let me see if i am grasping this concept properly. God finally allowed the first humans to evolve from a common ancestor around 200,000 years ago, he subsequently
allowed humans to tinker along for 190 thousand years, then finally unveils his glorious majesty via bronze age Israeli farmers. To make matters infinitely more confusing, now you are telling me that an all powerful, omnipotent being, is incapable of producing one factually sound documentation of his existence? Now what, I have to go through his holy book and try to determine where God was just kidding, or being metaphorical or allegorical! That is preposterous and you all know it!
Cellphone typos... I apologize
Hayesmarkham 1 day ago
"i have faith, but it's not really true"
Hayesmarkham 1 day ago
Dude, you have got to level this out by staying what you are actually talking about. Right now one could,as I suspect many already have taken this throw trth out the door. Third is just too vague. Now the atheists love you, because it sounds an aweful lot like
Hayesmarkham 1 day ago
Love love love it Father Matthew!!!!!! The peculiar notion of Biblical Inerrancy is uniquely American and uniquely fundamentalist!!!! it is absolutely wrongheaded. And you take it down with wit!! I mean eat your heart out fundies!! MacArthur, James White, Piper, Packer and co. The Chicago statement is a kind of idolatry "our modern way of reading scripture is right"! thanks for standing up against this!!
brendos444 1 month ago
Ok, so we understand that inerrancy may have issues; which may not be a good foundation upon which to build anything substantial. All well and good.
So, then, if the bible is not inerrant, how do we make use of it to seek after truth, light, wisdom, etc.?
turbopro10 1 month ago
@turbopro10 We use the Scriptures to discern the truth, and the Light, and the Wisdom of the world, using discernment. Heavy discernment that uses all of our clear-eyed faculties. I use the Bible by reading it through the lens of Jesus.
FatherMatthew 1 month ago
I believe where your wrong father is true trust in Gods word will reveal how trustworthy it is.Cource using the right translation helps too.
largadrive 3 months ago
Very well said. Believing in Biblical inerrancy is idolatry of the Bible and anathema to faith. You are then idolizing a collection of books that you consider divine. It distracts from the inerrant God.
hopeinsf 3 months ago
Was anyone else thrown off by how tiny the books actually are?
austinwil87 3 months ago
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My question is, why do you ignore this command? :
Matthew 23:9
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
blurryshiny 3 months ago
Marburg, just zip it.
ladylejean215 3 months ago
Marburg, just zip it.
ladylejean215 3 months ago
FatherMatthew, if the Bible has mistakes how can we deem it a reliable source of information about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
wlemusic 3 months ago
FatherMatthew,you made the following two statements:
1) "I understand the desire to have certainty in our world, the desire to have proof of our God and God's movement in our creation but this is not how faith works"
2) "Certainty in faith is alluring and addictive but like a dangerous drug it is ultimately destructive."
How do you reconcile this view with Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"?
Isn't faith inherently certain? Thanks.
wlemusic 3 months ago
@wlemusic Hmm. Perhaps faith is inherently certain. Good point. But most faith is intermixed with doubt. For me, the opposite of faith isn't doubt, but fear. Meaning that it is more a trust/fear dichotomy vs. a certainty/doubt dichotomy. I suggest we live in hope and not certainty. This is because certainty can lead to all kinds of abuses, if you aren't careful. My take is that the realm of faith, love, and trust in God is quite different than the realm of certainty in God.
FatherMatthew 3 months ago
@wlemusic For example, in Hebrews: "the evidence of things not seen" is nothing like scientific certainty. After all, typically evidence must be perceivable by the senses. But in faith, that kind of certainty isn't sustainable. And scientific certainty / inerrancy I see being brought to the Bible too often in damaging ways.
FatherMatthew 3 months ago
FatherMatthew, thank you for this video. It is entertaining and insightful. I have a question for you, however. If your faith is not based on the Bible, what is it based on? It seems to me the Bible is all we have to go on for faith and salvation.
wlemusic 3 months ago
@wlemusic my faith is based on the history of God's acts in the world, of which the Bible is a record. The primary act of God in my faith is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Most everything flows from the primacy of that.
FatherMatthew 3 months ago
Father Mathew, I grew up with Biblical Inerrancy and I really appreciate your challenge. I have gone through some tough times and learned to love the inspiration of the scriptures without Biblical Inerrancy. I am now Episcopalian and I feel free to think.
earlofca 4 months ago
Thumbs up for Episcopalians! :D
sinecurve9999 4 months ago
Wow. He did a great job setting up those books as dominoes. Most impressive part of the video.
filorps 4 months ago
Father Matthew, I am unable to watch the rest of the video. You begin with ridicle and I believe that ridicule is for the ridiculous. It's pathetic that this is how you have to begin. One could do your same illustration and insert "God" or "the clergy" or anything they don't like. Your opening says nothing except that you have abject contempt for those you disagree with. I prefer a more tolerant approach. Peace.
Marburg1529 4 months ago
@Marburg1529 So, because there was something you didn't agree with, the rest of it must be rubbish too? All he is doing is saying what he thinks is correct, and you cannot in any fashion say that you think anything is correct without the implication that anyone who believes different is wrong. What difference does it make if he simply makes his point, or makes his point and points out some people for doing something to further expound on his point?
EyeLickChildren 4 months ago
@EyeLickChildren No. Because I have spent much of my life being ridiculed by people who choose not to understand me, and being hurt terribly by them, I will not risk being hurt again by someone who feels the need to resort to it. Did I say it was rubbish? No, I did not. I feel your question is intended to belittle just as this intriduction is. Why do so many feel they must belittle others?
Marburg1529 4 months ago
@Marburg1529 I said nothing belittling. I simply asked questions and drew a parallel. Though, it seems you are willing to miss out on useful bits simply because you've had too much filler.
EyeLickChildren 4 months ago
@Marburg1529 Pole up your ass much? You need to go buy a sense of humor. What's pathetic is that you can't take a damn joke.
ladylejean215 3 months ago
@ladylejean215 Thank you for this wonderful expression of hate. I sincerely hope that Father Matthew didn't teach you to talk like that. It's likely you've shamed a decent man.
Marburg1529 3 months ago
@3rosesred They're great with ketchup.
episcored 5 months ago
I attended an Anglican church (Episcopalian in US) for many years, I enjoyed all the ceremonies but when I eventually read the Bible for myself I realized there was a problem between what the Bible teaches and what the Anglican (Episcopalian) branch teaches about different things. For example, Jesus taught Matthew 23:9
"And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." There are other things too but I choose to stick with the Bible.
fearworshipGod 6 months ago
@fearworshipGod He was speaking metaphorically. If you take it literally, you couldn't call your actual biological father by the name 'Father'.
Bakmoon 5 months ago
@Bakmoon -In Matthew 23:2 we see Jesus was talking about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees-the religious leaders. He also told them in verse 8 not to call anyone "Rabbi, for you have one Teacher and you are ALL brothers." Was that also metaphorical? Jesus was telling them not to elevate anyone. Even tho' the apostles were to be respected, nowhere in the Bible did they say "Apostle Peter" or "Father Peter" "Rev. Peter" or even "Brother Peter". It was always on a first name basis.
fearworshipGod 5 months ago
@fearworshipGod You answered your own question, namely that it is expressing a principle of equality. However, that doesn't make it inconsistent with titles. And how can you say that the Bible doesn't use Apostle as a title? Just read the first verse of Romans, 2 Corintians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Timothy, which all start out with saying "The Apostle Paul"
Bakmoon 5 months ago
@Bakmoon -Whenever the words "the apostle Paul" or "the apostles Paul and Barnabas", etc. were used they were not used as a title but to simply point out their position in the church-just as it also says "the elders". To say one is an apostle, an elder, a prophet, a pastor, a bishop is not the same as addressing one by that position's name. Throughout the Bible it's always "Peter/Paul/John, etc. said" not "Apostle Peter/Apostle Paul, Apostle John said". No titles- including "Father" were used.
fearworshipGod 5 months ago
@fearworshipGod You are missing the point of the text entirely through your literalism. Jesus is speaking in hyperbole to emphasize the equality of humanity, not to actually tell people not to use titles. There are other such hyperbolies in the gospel such as the sermon of the mount, and the "you must hate your family to follow me" thing. Hyperbole is a stylistic convention used in the gospels to make the message more poignant; It's part of the genre.
Bakmoon 5 months ago
@Bakmoon You claim it is hyperbole-that is only your take on it. Please show me anywhere in the NT where Jesus' disciples called each other "Apostle John" or "Father Paul", or "Canon Matthew" or "Rev. Timothy", etc.. Jesus said "Do NOT call anyone on earth "father" "rabbi","teacher" etc. (Matt. 23) Jesus did not try to confuse us with hyperboles. He meant what he said.
fearworshipGod 5 months ago
@fearworshipGod Hyperbole is arhetorical and poetic technique Jesus used because it has shock value and forces the listener to think, not to confuse. There are numerous examples. Take Luke 14:26 for example. Did Jesus "mean what he said" in a literal way there too? Should we hate our parents or honour them? Or look at Mathew 5:29. Is Jesus suggesting self-mutilation? No! Jesus is using overstatement because it makes his words penetrate into a person and really stick.
Bakmoon 5 months ago
@Bakmoon -The word "hate" in Luke has to be looked at with all of the other teachings of Jesus, not isolated. He teaches us to love everyone, to honour our parents, but also that our enemies will be from our own household. In other words, those closest to us can take the #1 place that's only for God. Matt. 10:37 explains it as "“Anyone who loves their father or mother MORE than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter MORE than me is not worthy of me." Family can be idols.
fearworshipGod 5 months ago
@fearworshipGod Exactly. Jesus used the word "hate" not literally, but used it for rhetorical effect. Jesus was also fond of using statements that sounded paradoxical on the surface such as the "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" or "He who seeks his life will loose it and he who gives up his life will gain it". It's not about abolishing or minimizing what he said, it's about putting what he said into its original context to give the words their proper power.
Bakmoon 5 months ago
@Bakmoon -What I said is you can't take one verse out of context from the other verses that deal with the same topic. Going back to the original point, there is no support for using titles for clergy. Jesus' words are to be believed as written for : "anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:19
fearworshipGod 5 months ago
@fearworshipGod :eyeroll: I've heard this story from so many people, and apparently people do not realize why the Episcopal Church uses a lectionary. Jeez. Reading the Bible "for oneself" often leads to the kind of bibliolatry that Fr. Matthew describes in this video.
ladylejean215 3 months ago
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God is a sicko that wants to be worshipped. He had his son tortured. He likes to torture baby boys by cutting skin off their penises. (Genesis 17). He's a true pervert. "Thou cannot serve God and mammon." So a believer can never have a good relationship with anyone. That's one of the reasons there are so many "christian" divorces. Adulthood begins after the discarding of all gods, not before. The biblical god is a retard.
geehuckwow 8 months ago
Father matthew, I love your videos, they give the TRUTH about things that people and "pastors" lost sight of. Because of your videos, I want to become a episcopal priest and spread the GOOD news of My savior Jesus Christ. And not be the guy who is brain washed and spreads the Bad news that you need to be perfect for God the love you. Live you videos!
baritonesinger95 10 months ago
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2 Timothy 3 (KJV)
15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
archpolice 10 months ago
I would add that even approaching Scripture in this manner is problematic from the outset. It is like asking someone if they rape people or not? For most, considering the question AS MEANINGFUL is stupid from the outset. Doctrine of inerrancy brings with it a whole baggage of questions that are absurd.
brooss 10 months ago
@3rosesred As a lifelong Episcopalian, I can say that the Episcopal Church encourages questions. The church is on a journey, as are all its members - a beautiful journey where we walk with God and grow. Learning and asking and inquiry are a huge part of it.
differnet 10 months ago
Beautifully done, Matthew.
LeaningTowardsPisa 10 months ago
Remember Jesus' first sermon in the Nazareth synagogue? He quoted Isaiah and omitted the part about God's day of vengeance. Even Jesus knew that the Scriptures weren't perfect, especially when they point to a two-faced God of love for some and vengeance for enemies of God. Christians should read the Bible through the interpretive lens of Jesus and God in Christ, not the other way around. Your three verses (none from Jesus!) don't convince me to put the Bible above Christ...
FatherMatthew 11 months ago
archpolice 11 months ago
Daniel 10 (KJV)
21. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
2 Timothy 3 (KJV)
5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3 (KJV)
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
archpolice 11 months ago
Thank you for trying to speak some sense to the american christian community Father Mathew. I am an athiest myself but I have far more respect for personal beliefs that do not hinder scientific progress. I think everyone has the right to believe what they want as long as it does not effect the rest of the community, otherwise how are different cultures ever supposed to get along peacefully?
I would like to ask you, do you accept that being an athiest does not hinder our ability to hold morals?
torm0 1 year ago 4
@torm0 Of course you have morals.
FatherMatthew 11 months ago 3
@torm0 You realise that your belief affects the beliefs of those who belive their beliefs should affect others' beliefs... so your belief is actually contradictory... or in otherwords, its hypocritical.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR So because I believe you shouldn't force others to believe what you believe i'm a hypocrit? Your logic is so flawed it shows your own ignorance. I don't give a crap if religeous people think they have the right to tell everyone how to live, stop being butthurt.
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 *sigh*, I see this is going to be a pointless discussion. Try and follow... "A" believes peoples beliefs SHOULDN'T affect others. "B" believes peoples beliefs SHOULD affect others. "A" tells "B" his beliefs shouldn't affect others... thus "A"'s beleifs have now been shoved into "B"'s face... "A" is a hypocrite.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR Ok I believe people should have the right to believe what they want except when those beliefs effect people outside their religeous community. Everyones a hypocrit, I aint even mad tho.jpg
torm0 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR Ok I believe people should have the right to believe what they want except when those beliefs effect people outside their religeous community. Everyones a hypocrit, get over it.
I aint even mad tho.jpg
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 See, you're still being a hypocrit, but atleast you acknowledge it... so please keep your belief in your own "religion/culture" and stop posting it on YouTube.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR The difference is mine is an oppinion not doctrine.
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 Actually, they are both opinions. My Opinion is that people should be allowed to teach religious beliefs openly. You believe they should not... and yet I would bet you have no problem with Evoloution, a non-Scientific Theory/Religion being taught in schools all over the world. I bet you have no problem voicing your opinion that people shouldn't take your things, or stab you. These are your beliefs and you voice them. But other people should not be allowed to voice their beliefs?
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR You just said evolution* is un-scientific even though it's the most basic principle to understanding biology. This is what happens when you take the bible literally, i'm not going to argue with you on how little you must understand on the subject but i'd encourage you to look it up on the internet. The scientific community doesn't have an agenda when they teach evolution in schools, they're educating from actual evidence, not a two thousand year old tome written by misogynists.
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 Tilting your head backwards and looking down your nose at someone, does not make you "the winnner", I have studied evoloution, and I've rejected it on Scientific grounds. I don't "take the bible literally" I take it at face value.
I challenge you to present any of this so called "evidence", and when you fail to do so, I'd encourage you to repent, and seek the LORD who created you, whilst He can still be found.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR What scientific grounds could you possibly have for rejecting it? Why don't you check out talkorigins(dot)org it has a large fossil record. Is it the whole concept of evolution or just macro evolution you have a problem with? Dogs, cats, pigs, cows are examples of human selective breeding and when you apply those principles to a natural environment the species most suited to their environment passes on their genes, the others become extinct. Is that such a hard concept to grasp?
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 I am aware of microevoloution tho I reject the term. It is simply variation within a kind... no NEW INFORMATION is EVER added, infact the EXACT OPPOSITE occurs, information is LOST. This never creates new animals, just new species of the same animal.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR Oh lordy here we go, I really can't be arsed to teach you things you should have learnt in school. CAPS LOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL.
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 Caps lock is for emphasis, its all this medium allows for. Also, raising your nose again, does not make you right. You can not "teach me" because you do not possess any actual truth, so you simply dismiss my statement by trying to act high and mighty. The fact remains, microevoloution cannot account for macroevoloution, as there is no increase in the information found within the DNA of the animal. Eventually you end up with inbred, sterile or deformed offspring that die out.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR /watch?v=ho7GaI2rCwI&feature=player_embedded#at=488
torm0 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR talkorigins(dot)org/faqs/comdesc/
torm0 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR talkorigins(dot)org/faqs/comdesc/
torm0 11 months ago
@torm0 *rolls eyes*, how bout we just leave it here, I've got people, who actually exercise their own minds, to talk to. Feel free to respond if you must, but I have the feeling I likely won't respond.
ChristusVlCTOR 11 months ago
@ChristusVlCTOR I never even wanted to get into this discussion, theres a difference between forcing your beliefs on people and expressing an oppinion. I'm not saying your forcing your beleifs just that there's no point having this discussion because neither one of us is going to change there minds. It's pointless. So I thought i'd show you a website that knows more about the subject than I do. Bye xxx
torm0 11 months ago
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As long as you all realize that the bible it fiction.
gigisdad 1 year ago
Doubt is only good if it leads to greater understanding of the Bible and God, not less as this idiot proposes! What? Are we Buddhists????!
cranmer1959 1 year ago
Wow, so the Bible is not certain, it's not inspired, and bubba has more authority than God himself:) What an idiot. This is how they lead people to hell?
cranmer1959 1 year ago
Are you familiar with the works of Bart D. Ehrman?
Shalek 1 year ago
I wonder if it was Father Matthew's ' Uncertian Faith' That inspired the great lights of the catholic faith; Aquinas and Agustine to call for torture and death of unbelievers, or was it commands from the bible to do so?
gusb232 1 year ago
Hallzion57,
For me in my own understanding of the bible, I find that is the questions and doubts that bring me deeper into my faith. I made a decision about how different stories are told, I focus on the similarities and not the differences. I Love discussions like this because whether we mean to or not, we each one of us understand things differently, thus wouldn't that lead to differences in interpretation? God's Peace and merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah to everyone!
NancyVanderBrink 1 year ago
I worked for the episcopal diocese of L.A...And many were like this guy,just a bunch of apostate heretics.
jhansen1441 1 year ago
@jhansen1441 I may be a heretic according to you, but how can I be apostate when I am sticking to a tradition of biblical interpretation that has a long history? Anyway, my point is, I'm seeking faithfulness to Christ, not idolatry of the Bible, even if it is the best book in history. Peace!
FatherMatthew 1 year ago 12
@FatherMatthew I'm a retired priest myself (not Christian, but the godbothering business is the godbothering business even so...). I'm impressed with your comments and enjoy your presentation style. I've always liked Episcopalians; they always seem to have the best senses of humor and a strong willingness to consider alternatives. Bravo!
JohnHedtke 1 year ago
@FatherMatthew I'm a retired priest myself (not Christian, but the godbothering business is the godbothering business even so...). I'm impressed with your comments and enjoy your presentation style. I've always liked Episcopalians; they always seem to have the best senses of humor and a strong willingness to consider alternatives. Bravo!
JohnHedtke 1 year ago
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@FatherMatthew I'm a retired priest myself (not Christian, but the godbothering business is the godbothering business even so...). I'm impressed with your comments and enjoy your presentation style. I've always liked Episcopalians; they always seem to have the best senses of humor and a strong willingness to consider alternatives. Bravo!
JohnHedtke 1 year ago
@FatherMatthew > Jhansen.... Logic'd!!!
xibalba91 4 months ago
is this guy for real?
Tomslifesongs 1 year ago
@Tomslifesongs yes. I am really an Episcopalian priest up in NY.
FatherMatthew 1 year ago
You all have too many different denominations for me! No, I figure that if a PERSONAL god truly existed and gave a flying fart about how man lives he/she/it would have made it very clear how we should live, that there shouldn't be literally thousands of different denominations! That's not to mention the horrible blood and gore that your so called advocated/commanded!
mythicalhell 1 year ago
Father Matthew, I'm a deeply committed atheist, but I love all your videos and how you share your faith with others. This video in particular was great. Please keep up the good work, and best of luck to you in times to come. Your videos make me more interested in your faith than any Christian who has tried to push their beliefs onto me. I'm going to make a note that Biblical Innerency is a form of idolatry.
ddrninjette 1 year ago
Interesting. This is the first time I've ever heard this view of the bible.
sleazybtd 1 year ago
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We know that Christianity is true because the Gospel writers, inspired by God who can make no error, recorded the founding events. For example, on the first Easter morning, the visitors to the tomb were greeted by which of the following:
a) A young man (Mark 16:5)
b) No, no, it was no man, it was an angel (Matthew 28:2-5)
c) You're both wrong, it was two men (Luke 24:4)
d) Damn it, there was nobody there (John 20:1-2)
MrTruthAddict 1 year ago
what is an episcopal church? is that a denomination? o_O
thorkyll 1 year ago
@thorkyll Yes. It is the U.S. branch (sort of) of Anglicanism, the third largest group of Christians after Roman Catholic and Orthodox. I am one of about 80 million.
FatherMatthew 1 year ago
@thorkyll It's a denomination of Christianity that emphasizes the leadership of "Bishops" (Greek: episkopos, "overseers", "supervisors") rather than of Cardinals or the Pope.
IWannabeJew 1 year ago
If this piece of testable information is wrong then how can I trust the information that he was the son of God? if the bible cannot record correctly the events around his birth, how can it be trusted to record events around his divinity? If the bible is in fact the word of God, why is it wrong? and if parts of it are wrong, how can we decide which parts are right? how do we know that Jesus dying for our sins is not a mistake too? I'd be interested in any thoughts on this.
skepticalsociety 1 year ago
Hi, Im a former believer and bilical inerrancy is one (but not the only) thing which led me to bet my salvation on the fact that the christian god does not exist. The reason for this is this: The bible gives testable information like the fact that Jesus was born during the rule of Herod whilst Cyrenius was Governor of Syria. This turns out to be historically incorrect (Herod died in 4BC and Cyrenius did not come into power until 7AD. There was no census during this time).....
skepticalsociety 1 year ago
@skepticalsociety :p
mythicalhell 1 year ago
@skepticalsociety did you do a video on this? If not, you should!!
mythicalhell 1 year ago
Scripture interprets itself, not sinful man.
2 Timothy 3:16
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
The Bible should be a source of truth, not doubt.
HailZeon57 1 year ago
@HailZeon57 The Bible is the source of the Truth and the Gospel. It doesn't have to be perfect to be this source. The Bible is multi-vocal, written from various perspectives. And, IMHO, the perspective of Jesus Christ trumps some of the more violent interpretations of God in the Bible. All this takes prayerful discernment. And in 2 Tim.,Paul was talking about the Hebrew Scriptures. According to your quote, the Old Testament trumps the New! (for the New hadn't been collected by that point)
FatherMatthew 1 year ago
@FatherMatthew You voice your "opinion" in many comment responses which is fine as we all have opinions! The problem I have is when "you claim to know the truth" re a divine christ, how the bible is "properly read and interpreted", etc, YET you offer not one shred of evidence to back up your claims! Are seekers of truth suppose to accept such extraordinary claims on opinion? I sure hope not, on faith that an educated person "supposedly knows the truth"? I hope not again! Evidence is required!
mythicalhell 1 year ago
How can you say that the Bible is the source of truth? It is the truth, not the source of the truth. You make "the truth" seem like it's some enigma. If the Hebrew side is God breathed, then why not the New? Those 'violent' interpretations of God in the Bible are his 'just' side; God does not tolerate sin. See, the problem with your church, not to be condemning, is that you have this false gospel of inclusiveness, that you can practice a sin (ex: homosexuality) with no consequence.
HailZeon57 1 year ago
@HailZeon57 The Bible is the source of Truth, it is not the Incarnation of God's Word according to Christians, actually Jesus is the Incarnation of God's Word. The Bible is a human document that is a record of God's activity in the world, especially through Christ. It isn't perfect, but it is the greatest library of all.If you are comfortable with condemning, you are not showing the love of Christ who forgave even his executioners. Your "gospel" of condemnation and exclusivity is truly bad news.
FatherMatthew 1 year ago
@FatherMatthew Christ also said to the sinful woman in John 8:11 to "Go and sin no more." For someone like yourself who follows Christ, how can you rightly belong in a church that doesn't admonishes homosexuals to repent, but let's them become clergy while sinning without repentance? This is basic Christian doctrine we are talking about. You can't live by the gospel alone or vice versa. You need both law and gospel. Christ is the Word, but he's not here now which is why we have the Bible.
HailZeon57 1 year ago
why would a non-seeking non-believer bother to listen to Father Matthew!! i love this guy as he teaches me a lot about my tradition (anglican). Too bad you come here to be uplifted but find negative people instead!!!
mbasamable 1 year ago
why would a non-seeking non-believer bother to lister to Father Matthew!! i love this guy as he teaches me a lot about my tradition (anglican). Too bad you come here to be uplifted but find negative people!!!
mbasamable 1 year ago
If anyone in here still thinks the Bible is the inerrant word of God, watch this and then rethink your position. It's awfully funny so don't eat while you watch it unless you want liquid shooting out of your nose:
/watch?v=TY5WF8Ky2zE
warren52nz 1 year ago
@warren52nz The bible says the LORD created the world in 6 days, resting on the Sabbath. All in one week, and GOd stated this personaly 3 times in the Old testment. (Once audibly to the whole nation of Israel..Twice written in stone)..If the faith iss too much for you, dont worry just keep moving, we only advocate true christianity, not mixed with philosophy.
Pmlani 1 year ago
lizazoon 1 year ago
You Sir are promoting a type of Godliness..To strip the Holy word of its power and say its a feeble flimsy foundation to live on .. Is sickning ..1)Ur therefore advocating Catholic false tradition as equal to the WORD of GOD..2)Bible believing is equal to frying your brains as an egg 3)Your advocating EVOLUTION OVER CREATION..Im too disgusted ...You seem a nice guy , but you are so brainwashed its not even funny ...
Former Anglican
Pmlani 1 year ago
@Pmlani Uhhh, just 1 problem. it's been PROVEN that Evolution happened beyond a shadow of a doubt. You can rely on it as much as you can rely on gravity to take you to your death if you jump off a cliff (whether you pray or not).
I think Father Matthews is on the right track. Not there yet but he's starting to open his eyes to the truth:
IN THE BEGINNING MAN CREATED GOD.
Once you realize that, everything falls into place and makes sense.
warren52nz 1 year ago
@warren52nz
Waren, Im happy for you if your an atheist..Non God and Bible believer .. but please dont descibe yourself as a representative of the one true creator God if you will happily push up Worldly talk. Remeber Christianity starts with FAITH of the beilever in the Word and testimony of God ( Not infant baptism by the way) If that is too much for you , get out of your church and join a charity or something.
Pmlani 1 year ago
@Pmlani Exodus 32:26
Moses, said to them, " The LORD God of Israel commands you to go through the camp, killing your relatives, your friends, and your neighbors." The men of the Levi tribe followed his orders, and that day they killed about three thousand men. Moses said to them, " You obeyed the LORD and did what was right, and so you will serve as his priests for the people of Israel. It was hard for you to kill your own sons and brothers, but the LORD has blessed you=The word of god LOL
lizazoon 1 year ago
Are you in rebelion to what the Lord commanded to be done? Was the Lord wrong in requesting this to be done? Do you understand why..?Please read it in context ..
Pmlani 1 year ago
@Pmlani : If you don`t see this is WRONG, then there is something WRONG with you . Context or no context, THIS IS EVIL.
lizazoon 1 year ago
@lizazoon Whats evil about GOD commanding Moses to eliminate SIN and rebelion from among his chosen people ?
Pmlani 1 year ago
@Pmlani If your religion is capable of bending your natural sense of good and evil, to such an extend, that you see this as normal, then your religion itself is evil..
lizazoon 1 year ago
@Pmlani It might be worth considering Phillipians 2, in particular verses 3-4, when you interact with people who do not agree with you. Unless you're only interested in the parts of the bible which make you feel superior to others.
jacksawild 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@jacksawild If your neighbours work on Saturday, kill them.
If your child throws oatmeal at you, kill him.
If your mom plants corn and pumpkins in the same field, kill her.
If your sister has premarital sex, kill her
(but don't think twice about her sex partner).
If the folks in the next town aren't Christians,
kill them all and take their baby girls home for sex slaves.
It's all there, advice for a perfect life.
lizazoon 1 year ago
The reasoning here is solid and very challenging. It's a tough fact to deal with if you've been raised on inerrancy, as I was. It's particularly difficult to deal with some of the Old Testament atrocities and bronze-age perspecitves.
Pacisdiligo 1 year ago
@Pacisdiligo The O.T. is plain nonsense.
lizazoon 1 year ago
@lizazoon OK........ I guess that settles it, doesn't it? Everyone can go home now.
Pacisdiligo 1 year ago
@Pacisdiligo :That`s right, there is not much more to say about the O.T.
lizazoon 1 year ago
I really enjoy watching your segments. I have gone a few times to an Episcopal church in Atlanta, GA and though it is incredibly formal (from how I was raised), I do enjoy it. I was given your YOU TUBE address by a member of the church so that I might see some "plain English" info. Thank you for your candor, your wit and the drive that God has given you to share what you know with others. God bless...
HeatherDavis1968 1 year ago
Many people (mainly fundamentalist christians) know next to nothing about the history of the bible and the early church. Ignoring science and scientific discoveries and just saying that there lies from satan. They have to understand that the book of genesis isn't scientific cosmology and st.augustine knew this and said that we didn't have to believe that god made the world in 7 days, nor did we have to beileve that the earth was 6000 years old!
HyperNessie 1 year ago
Cathoilcs and non-believers agreeing with the video. That says alot.
Godsquad588 1 year ago
This is a nice video. I think I agree with what you said here.
Drregaleagle 1 year ago
"ask and you shall recieve" If holy! That statement is complete BS
sk8ter756 1 year ago
I really enjoyed this Fr. Mathew. Thank you. May I put in a request for a video portraying the role of doubt in ones life of faith?
MusclecarsMeditation 1 year ago
Very good video. Founding faith on BI is a very brittle foundation. The Bible was so clearly a work of man, even if it was inspired by God.
cheetah100 1 year ago
The Bible says that humans are made of dirt.
And that snakes and donkeys talk.
And that insects have 4 legs.
And that bats are birds.
And that the earth is flat.
And that the sun revolves around the earth.
And that animals appeared AFTER man but BEFORE woman.
If the the parts we can verify are false,
how can we rationally rely upon the parts that are not verifiable?
Imaginefree69 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The bible is inerrant.
You can't go to church if your testicles are damaged or your penis has been cut off. (Read Deuteronomy 23:1
lizazoon 2 years ago
This video is made of so much win.
chalicechiq 2 years ago
One more thing skyydawg123- there is no problem with questioning in our church. The answer to your question about having to 'determine where God was kidding..etc' is yes. We're taught that the individual should read scripture, but understand it only in light of tradition reason and experience. The moment of connection with God comes when the light bulb goes off - when we understand the meaning- and yes it's very personal. Anything else would be intellectually dishonest. Just my thoughts.
dsindc 2 years ago
also 2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. God breathed errors? He is sovereign, I think He has the power to uphold His Truth.
As for different accounts of resurrection in the gospels? Take for example a car accident. No witness will retell the account with the exact detail as another. Some will leave out a detail while others will expound on more while all being true. All the accounts complement the event.
degsta 2 years ago
God didn't breath errors but humans wrote errors in the Bible.
MassLiberal1 2 years ago
To say inerrancy is idolatry is incorrect because the value on scripture actually points us more to God, so God is given the glory. So much for that arguement matthew. Father Matthew says- "And Jesus is the only Incarnation of God, not the Bible." It's funny you critique a subject that you aren't even well versed on. John 1:1 says In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. verse 14-The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
degsta 2 years ago
"The Word" in that passage refers to Jesus.
lockerby 2 years ago
You seem to undermine the authority and trustworthiness of the Bible when you say the very act of God's inspiration has mistakes. You say people who believe the Bible are idolaters? Wasn't it Satan that first cast doubt on God's Word in the garden when speaking to Eve?
AmericanWayne 2 years ago
I have to disagree. We know that the Bible is without error because it is indeed the inspired word of God because it reveals to us what we need to know for our salvation, truths that can only come from God. We just need to look at the bible as a whole and in the light of truth. Sure we know that the universe in 15 bil years old, but the creation story is an allegory showing that the world came nto being by God in stages, like scientists will assert. So the Bible is indeeed without error.
cheesemonkey1990 2 years ago
Are you saying that you believe that the Bible is without error but you disagree with Biblical literacy? If so, I agree.
redneckmarine87 2 years ago
What do you mean by Bible literacy? I do think there is a certainw way the bible must be read to understand it properly and avoid error, but I do not know if that is what you mean or not.
cheesemonkey1990 2 years ago
So you like Biblical illiteracy?
pharmfarm59538 2 years ago
I spent many years in very "biblical" churches, even serving for a while as a teaching leder in a very conservative Presbyterian denomination but God really has worked on my heart and brought me to a much more balanced view of scripture. It is true that many christians really have made the bible into an idol of sorts. Perhaps the Episcopal church may be a good place for me and my family.....Peace
boomac62 2 years ago
Father Matthew, what's your opinion on today's new changes in blessing same sex unions? A quote from the AP, " Episcopalians on Friday authorized bishops to bless same-sex unions and research an official prayer for the ceremonies, capping a meeting that moved the church closer to accepting gay relationships despite turmoil over the issue in the Anglican family." Off topic, but I thought I'd throw it in the mix since this is Father Matthew's denomination I think.
charlesfloyb 2 years ago
I'm not Father Matthews, but I am Episcopalian. You're actually not off topic at all. His point, and one that is to a great degree agreed to by even the RC Church, is that God is revealed to us "through" scripture. God does not "equal" scripture. The message of Genisis for example, is that grace is freely given. It has NOTHING to do with the creation of the planet. Exodus informs us that it's ok to kill your kid if said kid gets out of line. Do we still hold that as literally true? No (cont)
dsindc 2 years ago
Anolther thought, I would like to add for your charlesfloyb is that while all that is necessary for salvation is in the bible, God has not stopped speaking to us. We see and listen to many saints in practice. We have stopped adding books to the bible, but God is still teaching us and sending his servants to instruct us.
differnet 2 years ago
In the New Testament, the institution of slavery is not only NOT called into question, it is tacitly approved - slaves should be obedient, masters good to their slaves. Do we still think slavery is moral? No. Truth continues to be revealed. Our understanding of scripture is (much like Jesus would have said) not etched in stone. Science is informing us now that the etiology of homosexuality is largely if not entirely biological. That may not be enough to convince some Christians that it's ok.
dsindc 2 years ago
Charlesfloyb, I think it is important to read scripture in context. Linguistic, cultural, & in the context of the text. If the descriptions of gay sex involve prostitution, or rape, the act would be sinful. But is it because the act is essentially violent in nature? The story about Jonathon and David is pretty much what you see is what you get. Jesus also said nothing on the subject. It seems to me that keeping gays from loving relationships is truly evil. This is not easy for the church.
dsindc 2 years ago
I'm a non believer in many ways- certainly when it comes to fundamentalist interpretations of any kind of scriptures. But I would like to add that Father Michael comes across as a good natured and sincere person who seems to apply the best teachings of it and this shows. For this he has my respect.
PravdaDeus 2 years ago 2
Please forgive my error- Father Matthew I meant to say of course!!!
PravdaDeus 2 years ago
I'm Roman Catholic, but I believe Fr. Matthew has hit the nail on the head here. I also believe another mistake people make is believing that the bible is the only thing that was divinely-inspired. People today, are STILL divinely inspired sometimes when they feed the poor, contribute to the community, ect.
MsNewgirl 2 years ago 8
@MsNewgirl: Episcopalians and Catholics have similar views on how to read the Bible.
chalicechiq 2 years ago
@MsNewgirl If you call yourself a Roman Catholic, you ought not to believe this video. The council of Trent states that EVERYTHING in the bible is true. Doesn't necessary mean literal, but it is true. What are you gonna trust, a decree protected by the Holy Spirit or an episcopalian?
TheEcumenator 1 year ago
@TheEcumenator What decree is protected by the holy spirit ? Any evidence ?
lizazoon 1 year ago
@lizazoon It was somewhere in the Fourth Session, im sure of that, but im guessing the decree was artes liberales or de reformatione.
Either way the entire council is dogmatic, hence protected by the Holy Spirit
TheEcumenator 1 year ago
@TheEcumenator ; So, if everything in the bible is true, you have to kill your rebellious offspring. You have to kill anybody working on the sabbath. etc. etc. You can see immediately that not everything in the bible is true. The Council of Trent has no longer any credibility.
lizazoon 1 year ago
@lizazoon you don't seem to understand the difference between something being true and something being literal. The bible isn't just merely a book, but rather a collection of books which include, liturgical, prayer and historical texts. To take all of them literal is to read poetry in the same way you read journalism and vice versa.
Because some proposition is true doesn't necessarily mean it is literal
TheEcumenator 1 year ago
Actually, philisophically speaking, it doesn't really matter if something is real or not. If the community output results in positive relationships because of a belief system, one could argue it's better for the community.
NormanMinetaTestimon 2 years ago
Hey whatsup, I am a young episcopalian from the Diocese of VA...I just wanted to know your views on Eucharist as opposed to the Catholic Church. What is the Episcopal Churches' stance on Eucharist?
JGW71489 2 years ago
I made a video on the Eucharist last year. Check it out by going to my account homepage.
FatherMatthew 2 years ago
JGW71489- it looks like nobody has answered your question. I'll try. Both the RC, and the Episcopal Church agree in the "Real Presence". That means that there is an objective presence of God in the Eucharist. The Sacrament becomes a visible sign of God's reaching out to us in an objective (not symbolic) way. We differ in what happens. Episcopalians have never denied the RC concept of transubstantiation (the bread and wine become the REAL blood etc). We avoid that, but not the Presence.
dsindc 2 years ago
ps- nice stainless steel appliances and granite in your church... isn't there something in a book about that?
to pick and choose is better you are right... stoning people who work saturdays must have gotten tiresome.
KempsGrl 2 years ago
that's just your brain on god.
do the bird and the bee know you're using their song?
which book says women shouldn't be allowed to speak in a church or that if you rape one you need to pay her father 50 silver and marry her immediately so you can rape her some more? I get my books confused. Why did they leave out THOMAS again and merge books that violently disagree on events like the crusifiction of Jesus? Why were things later ommited like unicorns and added like virgin births?
KempsGrl 2 years ago
Yes, I do have a question. If the bible is not the literal word of God, then how are we supposed to determine which verses are acceptable and which ones we are supposed to discard. If you do not agree that the bible is the inerrant word of the Lord, then you have essentially adopted a Jeffersonian model of Christianity.
So, let me see if i am grasping this concept properly. God finally allowed the first humans to evolve from a common ancestor around 200,000 years ago, he subsequently
skyydawg123 2 years ago 3
allowed humans to tinker along for 190 thousand years, then finally unveils his glorious majesty via bronze age Israeli farmers. To make matters infinitely more confusing, now you are telling me that an all powerful, omnipotent being, is incapable of producing one factually sound documentation of his existence? Now what, I have to go through his holy book and try to determine where God was just kidding, or being metaphorical or allegorical! That is preposterous and you all know it!
skyydawg123 2 years ago 2