Today I watched a video introduction to the TNIV, a new Bible translation that reflects recent changes in English, uses gender accurate language, and is committed to clarity (e.g. “Mary was pregnant” instead of “Mary was with child”). I’m very impressed with the translation, which you can download in its entirety here.

The video did mention the developing committee’s belief in Biblical inerrancy: “the complete accuracy of Scripture, including the historical and scientific parts.” Such a commitment to Biblical inerrancy always felt to me like sticking one’s head in the sand in the face of obvious problems with Scripture.

Many seeming contradictions are not problematic when taken in context (Exodus 15:3 vs. Romans 15:33). Some expose our inability to fathom a God who exists beyond our understanding of nature (John 10:30 vs. John 14:28). Some tell differing stories (Acts 9:7 vs. Acts 22:9). Others appear to be more blatant factual contradictions (Matthew 1:16 vs. Luke 3:23). Others seem to contradict known science (Leviticus 11:6, but rabbits do not chew their cud; Leviticus 11:21, but insects do not have four feet). And others are clearly (however inconsequential) mistakes of the original transcribers (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25).

There are many more contradictions of all these types listed on many websites: 1, 2, 3, etc.

I do not understand how so many incredibly intelligent people can read the same Bible I do and believe that it is totally accurate. I cannot be an authentic follower of Christ and believe that the Bible is inerrant.