Why people downplay the evidences in the Bible.

While it is true that many are downplaying the Bible, on the other hand, there are likewise many that are believing and supporting the Bible. Do you know of any scientific, prophetic or historical fact in the Bible that has been proven false? Some false views of what the Bible says have been repudiated by skeptics and believers alike, and they should be. More and more books and articles have been and are being written to show the truth and reliability of the Bible. Plenty of evidence exists to substantiate faith in the biblical record. An honest person will want to investigate all the evidence on any question. If a person says something that raises a doubt in your mind about the Bible, God wants you to use all your mind to investigate the claim and either prove or disprove it. Truth has nothing to fear from an honest and thorough investigation. It’s like in a court of law, we want “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” It is not wrong to doubt and have questions. It is wrong to not investigate those doubts and search out the truth.

A person has to be willing to investigate and accept truth wherever he or she finds it. Some are too lazy to search out the truth. They prefer to enjoy the modern life of trusting in their own experiences, peers and appetites and desires. They are too busy making money, building a career, or pursuing their own interests to take time to seek God and his will. Some believe whatever they are told by their professors in the university or by what they read in books or hear on television. Others follow the popular views of the majority.

It has always been that way. Even in biblical times, the masses often crowded the real God out of their lives. To believe in God and the Bible, means that a person must obey what God says, or stand self-condemned and feel guilty. It’s easier just to shrug off theological concerns. Many don’t want to make a commitment to anyone or anything outside themselves. Believing the Bible may subject a person to ridicule, objection and criticism and many are not willing to pay that price.

Most of the people who are not believing and following the Bible have never read it. They have never considered the Bible because of their preconceptions that it’s out-of-date, too controversial, or difficult to understand. These misconceptions come from what they see and hear from the media or in the lives of others, including believers. They have rejected a caricature of God, not the real God.

On the other hand, there are some honest skeptics who are willing to investigate and be taught. They have intellectual problems with belief. Their minds are not closed to the evidence but they have never taken the time to research it or they do not know where to find it. Believers can point them to evidences for God, Jesus and the Bible. Nobody knows the truth about Jesus without being taught. They are like the Ethiopian reader of the book of Isaiah who did not understand what he was reading. He asked, “How can I unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31). That’s why believers must be well-grounded in their faith so that they give God’s answers to those who want to know the truth. The Bible says, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (I Pet. 3:15).