Was Her Riding Hood Really Red?

Why did we ever insist on the infallibility and inerrancy of the scriptures?

Here's why: because we read them as if they were a science or history textbook. In those fields, it's critical that the data be accurate.

For example, if you were entering the field of Radiology, you would want to know that your text books were accurate. Errors could be deadly.

Our infatuation with 'inerrancy' and 'infallibility' is an indication that we are constructing a faith system scientifically. Truth simply isn't conveyed that way. Jesus didn't spend His time convincing people to read the Old Testament more.

Consider the Scofield edition of the KJV. Use scripture to prove scripture. Back up conclusions with cross-references. It's a scientific approach. Very western, and very misguided.

Fortunately, the scriptures are not a science or history book. The scriptures are first of all a story book--a record of many of the events of history when God showed up. Moments when He intervened in the affairs of mankind.

Did you ever in your life wonder if a detail in a story was accurate or not? I think not. Have you ever wondered how the story teller knew that Little Red Riding Hood's hood was actually red? Or whether her cloak was even hooded at all? Of course not. Why not? Because your enjoyment of the story doesn't depend upon the accuracy of the details.

You simply read the story for the sake of the story.

With that in mind, here's a good version of the scriptures, if you want something to help you get out of the 'scientific' mode of reading:

The Story (Zondervan)

They rearrange all of the writings into pretty much the order in which they occurred, remove the verses and chapter headings(!), and print it the full width of the page. Very highly recommended.

When was the last time you sat down on a rainy Sunday afternoon, cuddled up under a blanket, and read a good story--from the scriptures? This book will do it for you.