What's in a Word?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: KJV

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: IV

At first blush these passages look pretty much alike, but look again. Notice the absence of the word "is" in the IV. (Get thee behind me, Bill Clinton!) Further on, the word "and" comes before "is". This changes the meaning of the IV drastically from KJV. How, you may ask. Well, if you insert the words "that is" between "scripture" and"given" you'll see the change: All scripture that is given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:".

What does that mean? By default that implies some scripture is not given by inspiration of God, according to the IV. What scripture would that be? According to Mr. Strong, scripture is a holy writ. Mr. Webster states "the Books of the Bible." But we can't go along with Mr. W. because, according to Joseph Smith, the three standard books are considered scripture. However, this presents a dilemma: the Book of Commandments would have been considered scripture, but was mostly destroyed. The Doctrine and Covenants is considered scripture, but contains sections which have been consigned to the Appendix because they are no longer considered—scripture. Does this mean that at one time these sections were inspired by God but that He changed His mind? Ludicrous as it sounds that's exactly the way it seems, because that's exactly what the RLDS/Restored Church did. Sections of the Doctrine and Covenants have been hop-scotching around since the first "Thus saith the Lord" erupted from the mouth of the prophet.

But the real quandary lies in the implication that some "scripture" is not inspired of God. But I thought scripture was holy. And I thought the Inspired Version was—inspired. So which part of inspired is not inspired? If every word Joseph put into the Inspired Version was inspired, fine. But why would this disclaimer be slipped in? If every word he put into the D&C is not inspired, where did he draw the line? By what authority? What about sections which have been added since his death? Again, whose authority? This verse seems to leave "wiggle room" for whatever has come forth since the beginning of the church. Convenient.

In His Love

Seeker

Monday Morning Rant (9)

Since I won’t be available to vent my views for a week or so, you’ll just have to wait. I have twenty grand kids including five in Las Vegas and six in Tucson. It’s been far too long since we have gotten together. Now is the time. Since I don’t have a lap-top and I’m driving, I will be (blessedly) relieved of my responsibility for a short time. But rest assured, when I get home I should have plenty to say.

Happily, a couple of these kids are being home schooled. Their parents are very active Christians and that means they are in a parochial school. I am much relieved they are free from the influences of a public education. They will also be free to fail, to achieve, and to learn as a result. They will be exempt from the warped “modern” ideas promoted by the NEA and the government. The emphasis will be shifted to the three R’s and morality rather than a focus on political correctness and diversity. They will be able to call on the Greatest Teacher to enhance their learning. Rejoice with me on this one.

What about those less fortunate who have to endure the curricula proffered by agenda driven bureaucrats and the peace at any price crowd. Many families are not in a position, either financially or intellectually to follow this path. School vouchers are not universally available either. Are we prepared to step in and supplement their “educations” with real experience and hard won knowledge? Will we be there to correct the misinformation, the Darwinism, the cultural clap-trap and the rest of the ideological brainwashing which is perpetrated by the educational establishment? As a grandparent, I feel a keen obligation to assist my children, if they wish, to provide additional insights for their use in the little ones' development. My only wish is that they were closer.

Since I will be on the road, I would appreciate your prayers. I’ll see you in about ten days.

In His abiding love

Cecil Moon