Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible's Authority

Dr. Jonathan Morrow is an accomplished author, speaker, and adjunct professor at Biola University who is known for his expertise in Christian apologetics and worldview issues. In Questioning the Bible, Morrow gives well-researched answers to common objections and doubts about the Bible. Issues of historical reliability are discussed followed by a rehearsal of scientific, social, moral, and interpretative issues questioning the authority of the Bible. Morrow's work includes archaeological evidence as well as thoughtful analysis to equip Christians and engage open-minded skeptics. These issues have importance and relevance for people from all cultures who seek to understand the Bible's reliability.

Morrow seeks to give a deeper understanding of the origin of the Bible in order to determine its trustworthiness. He begins by establishing the intellectual (rational) viability of the Bible (ch 1). This is followed by examining the historical reliability of the Bible's teaching, discussing Jesus, the gospels and the epistles, biblical authorship, the reliability of the biblical text, and perceived contradictions in the Bible (chs 2–7). Next Morrow tackles issues modern readers bring to the Bible, demonstrating the Bible's authority in an age of science and in a time of moral flux regarding questions of sex, race, sexual mores, and human rights (chs 8–9). Finally, Morrow lays out a framework for an understanding of the Bible based on apprehending its divine origin and applying sound interpretative principles (chs 10–11). Three appendices provide further rational and historical evidence as well as a discussion supporting the Bible's reliability. Each chapter includes three final elements: a summary of its main ideas, tips for conversing with others about the topic, and recommendations for further reading.

Morrow brings solid research and scholarship to bear on this topic, including archaeological and historical evidences. His presentation, even of complex ideas, is clear, friendly, and accessible. He translates the technical language of biblical scholarship into everyday language and examples, further enhancing the reader's understanding. He references a broad variety of sources, including scholarly works, historical documents, and personal anecdotes. He references authors that are familiar to many readers who have interest in this topic such as Freud, Lewis, and Ehrman—writers who have had broad influence on contemporary culture's view of truth, including the truth of the Bible. He also presents the thinking of a wide range of recognized evangelical scholars such as Bock, Carson, and Habermas, among others. Questioning the Bible is characterized by fairness and balance, including dealing authentically with difficult issues, such as the problem of evil or the apparent contradictions in the Bible, engaging with them directly and providing thoughtful and nuanced responses.

A good example of Morrow's even-handed approach is his discussion of the formation of the canon of the New Testament (ch 4: "Why Were Some Gospels Banned from the Bible?"). Morrow builds a case for the correctness of the identification of the books chosen to be included in the Bible while avoiding a simplistic, "sanitized" version of the process of canonization. He openly acknowledges the disagreements and diversity of opinion that existed around the canon as well as the misguided, popular notion that the canon was forced upon the church in the fourth century (e.g., Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code). But he argues that Christ's fulfillment of the promised New Covenant involved a process over time by which early Christians could come to understand this fulfillment. Furthermore, early Christians accepted the role of the apostles as authors of authoritative texts which communicated the New Covenant message to the world. The chapter includes three pages of relevant quotes of the earliest testimonies to the canon. Morrow also puts rival Gnostic texts into perspective both by citing texts from one gospel—The Infancy Gospel of Thomas—as well as by providing a clear chart of how Gnostic teaching contrasts with the sound doctrine held by the apostles (p. 72).

When it comes to defending the Bible's reliability against accusations that it is sexist, racist, homophobic, and genocidal, Morrow shows himself once again unafraid to give answers (ch 9: "Is the Bible Sexist, Racist, Homophobic and Genocidal?"). These concerns are deeply felt in contemporary society and cause many to reject the Bible as true and reliable. And indeed, in light of the world view from which the accusers bring their charges, answering is no easy task! However, Morrow directs his reader to understand the Bible's words from within the context in which they were written and not to judge from the contemporary world view from which they are read. Thus, where biblical writings include records of slavery, sexism, and oppression, a distinction must be made between what information is the product of the culture within which they are written and what the Bible actually teaches concerning these matters. Morrow concludes that the Bible actually provides powerful moral correctives to sinful beliefs and behaviors instead of affirming or even teaching them.

Morrow's appendix, offering a noncircular argument for the Bible as God's word, is an apropos complement to his book because it lifts the discussion above comparative arguments that can also be made about other holy texts. It grounds confidence in the Bible in the unique testimony of Jesus Christ, who claimed that the Bible was the divinely inspired word of God. This and all Jesus' teachings were authenticated by God when he raised Jesus from the dead.

Any book dealing with such a wide-ranging and hotly-debated topic is forced to limit both the depth and breadth of its presentation. Those seeking either in-depth discussion of the latest debates or simple apologetics will likely come away dissatisfied from Morrow's book. Skeptics, particularly radical skeptics, may find this book insufficient to convince. Nonetheless, Questioning the Bible is a valuable resource for readers seeking a solid understanding of Scripture's credibility. Readers interested in understanding an evangelical view of the reliability and authority of the Scripture will find this book helpful. Christians, both those doubting as well as maturing, will strengthen their understanding of the Bible's reliability for their faith. Skeptics, at least those who are serious thinkers interested in understanding the foundations of the Christian confidence and trust in the Bible, will find that Morrow offers well-founded answers in a fair and balanced manner to the objections that are commonly held.

Morrow's Questioning the Bible is a helpful and worthwhile contribution to the literature on the reliability and authority of the Bible. Particularly in an age where questions of authority are at the forefront of major sociological shifts and the Bible is portrayed as a "fiction," this book will help its readers understand solid reasons for confidence in the Bible for truth and for life.