Question
Gramps,
I am trying to understand more fully at what junctures the bible lost some of the “plain and precious truths.” Can you help me understand the history of the bible?
Keisha
Answer
Keisha,
The Bible, as we know it today, is a compilation of texts that have undergone extensive transmission over centuries. The original manuscripts of the Bible no longer exist; what we have are copies made by scribes who transcribed the texts by hand. This process inherently introduces the possibility of errors, both accidental and intentional. Scholars have noted that the early Christian community faced significant challenges in preserving the integrity of the scriptures. As noted by scholars like Dr. Kenyon, the original texts were lost under a mass of variants created by errors and conscious alterations during the early centuries of Christianity.
The lack of original manuscripts means that textual critics rely on a variety of later manuscripts to reconstruct the original texts. The most prominent manuscripts, such as Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, and Alexandrinus, date back to the fourth century A.D., which is several centuries after the original writings. This temporal gap raises concerns about the accuracy of the biblical texts we have today, as they may have been altered or corrupted during the transmission process.
The early Christian church was not monolithic; it was characterized by a diversity of beliefs and practices. As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches, there were significant influences from what is referred to as the “great and abominable church,” which sought to alter the gospel and remove “plain and precious parts” from the scriptures. This perspective aligns with the belief that many important teachings were lost or distorted after the death of the apostles, leading to a gradual apostasy within early Christianity.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie emphasized that the scriptures became a target for corruption due to their divine nature, stating, “Satan hates and spurns the scriptures (Mormon Doctrine). The less scripture there is, and the more it is twisted and perverted, the greater is the rejoicing in the courts of hell.” This assertion highlights the belief that the Bible, while sacred, has been subject to human error and manipulation throughout history.
The term “translation” encompasses more than merely converting words from one language to another. It involves interpreting meaning, context, and cultural nuances. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, languages that carry specific connotations and idiomatic expressions that may not have direct equivalents in English or other modern languages. As such, the translation process is fraught with challenges, and even expert translators can struggle to convey the original intent of the authors.
Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, acknowledged the complexities of biblical translation. He stated, “There are many things in the Bible which do not, as they now stand, accord with the revelations of the Holy Ghost to me.” This perspective holds that divine revelation is necessary to fully understand the scriptures, as human translators may inadvertently introduce errors or misinterpretations.
In the context of Latter-day Saint theology, the role of prophets is crucial in interpreting scripture. The Church teaches that prophets receive divine guidance, allowing them to provide context and clarity to the scriptures. This belief is rooted in the understanding that language is inherently arbitrary and that spiritual insight is necessary to grasp the true meaning of sacred texts.
For instance, when interpreting ancient Hebrew texts, even native speakers may struggle to derive meaning without the context provided by prophetic revelation. This is particularly relevant when considering the differences in understanding that arise from individual backgrounds and doctrinal beliefs. As noted in the Church’s teachings, “translated” in the Eighth Article of Faith refers not only to linguistic conversion but also to the broader process of deriving meaning from the written word.
The Eighth Article of Faith has been a point of contention for some critics who argue that it contradicts the Church’s reverence for the Bible. Critics often point out that the Church’s acknowledgment of potential errors in biblical translation seems to undermine the Bible’s status as the Word of God. However, this perspective fails to consider the Church’s nuanced understanding of scripture and revelation.
The Church maintains that while the Bible is indeed the Word of God, it is not immune to the effects of human error and corruption. This belief is rooted in the understanding that the Bible, as it exists today, may not fully reflect the original teachings of Christ and His apostles. As stated in the Book of Mormon, “many plain and precious things” have been taken away from the gospel, leading to a diminished understanding of God’s word.
To reconcile the Church’s teachings with the Eighth Article of Faith, it is essential to recognize the importance of contextual understanding. The Church does not dismiss the Bible; rather, it emphasizes the need for ongoing revelation and interpretation to grasp the fullness of God’s word. This perspective aligns with the belief that God continues to communicate with His children through modern prophets, providing clarity and guidance in a world filled with confusion and misinformation.
In this light, the Church’s stance on the Bible can be seen as complementary to its teachings on ongoing revelation. The acknowledgment of potential errors in translation does not diminish the Bible’s sacredness; instead, it highlights the need for divine guidance in understanding its teachings.
Gramps
