Is the Bible incomplete?

Edwin Amah · Post by **Edwin Amah** » 05 Jun 2020, 02:34

Well, I think it is not our jobs to discuss the completeness of the Bible as Christians. God only provides to us what he knows is the best for us. So what we have written in the Bible is what God purposed for us.

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 05 Jun 2020, 02:36

Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 20:16
Readerjorge wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 18:36 The Bible refers to facts but does not always put all the details. This does not mean that it is incomplete. We must understand that the wisdom of God is higher than that of humans. Surely there is an intention that we do not know.
That is correct. We can never know the actual reason why some details are left out from the Bible

I agree. But actually, some are obvious. How many centuries does the Bible cover? What size of a book will it take to record all the events within this period?

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 05 Jun 2020, 02:39

Laura Lee wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 21:05 It really depends on how you interpret "incomplete." When it comes to "instruction in righteousness" and doctrine, etc., the Bible states that it IS complete. As for all the interesting, fascinating little details that make stories interesting, I'd say, yes, a lot was left out of the Bible.

I came to that conclusion after reading the Book of Jasher (referenced several times in the Bible). The Book of Jasher is fascinating because it adds in all the little details the Bible leaves out. I haven't finished reading Killing Abel yet, but I am interested to see if the author "fills in" with details drawn from Jasher. Anyone who has ever read Jasher will probably tell you: "Yeah, the Bible leaves out a LOT of details!"

Yeah, it's all about the context. The biblical stories are complete if you view it in the spiritual aspect. So many minor details are left out. I haven't read Jasher yet, but I'd like to read it.

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 05 Jun 2020, 02:41

Samgum50 wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 21:25 I don't believe that it's okay to add after notes to the Bible. However I think that what the Bible looks like now isn't how it might have originally looked like. Some things could've been lost during the translation and editing process. However I feel like the message and lesson are more important than full stories and depictions in the Bible. The scripture is as God intended it to be, therefore it should be sufficient.

What if we look at the book as a fiction? Does it still breach the biblical laws of not adding anything to the pre-existing stories?

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 05 Jun 2020, 02:42

Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 21:26
Laura Lee wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 21:05 It really depends on how you interpret "incomplete." When it comes to "instruction in righteousness" and doctrine, etc., the Bible states that it IS complete. As for all the interesting, fascinating little details that make stories interesting, I'd say, yes, a lot was left out of the Bible.

I came to that conclusion after reading the Book of Jasher (referenced several times in the Bible). The Book of Jasher is fascinating because it adds in all the little details the Bible leaves out. I haven't finished reading Killing Abel yet, but I am interested to see if the author "fills in" with details drawn from Jasher. Anyone who has ever read Jasher will probably tell you: "Yeah, the Bible leaves out a LOT of details!"
That was my point. Considering the chronological order, there are details that are left out from the bible

Yeah, and I think they were all intentionally left. As long as we can fully understand the stories, and they can assist in our spiritual growth, then I don't see any problem

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 05 Jun 2020, 04:36

JM Reviews wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 02:15
B Creech wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 18:13
Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 10:06 The author gives additional descriptions, which are not found in the original Bible, to the story from creating Adam and Eve, up to the worldwide flood. Most of who has studied the Bible must have had his/her own thoughts regarding these lacking parts. Does this mean that the Bible is incomplete? On the other hand, is it righteous to add after-notes to a religious book like the Bible?
I do not believe the Bible is incomplete. There would not be enough room to write everything about God! I believe it is as complete as God wants it to be, we are not meant to know everything because we are not on the same realm as God. We are human, He is spiritual so we could not comprehend it all in our present state. That is just my opinion. Is it righteous to add after-notes to a religious book like the Bible? I say it is not righteous. I understand the author is using his imagination to fill in the gaps, which is what makes the book fiction. However, in the story of Adam and Eve, there wasn't just gaps being filled in, there were changes made to what the Bible actually says, which I have a problem with. I will continue reading to see how it goes unless I feel too much is being changed and not just being 'filled in.' Thanks for these questions!
What if we just view this book as a standalone fiction? Like we completely ignore its connection with the Bible? I agree that we shouldn't add anything to the Bible. But this is a fictional book that isn't meant to replace the Bible.

I believe it would be difficult to ignore the connection of this book to the Bible since the stories the author has expanded on are Bible stories. I agree the book is not meant to replace the Bible, but it is thought-provoking and encourages the reader to use their own imagination.

Aaron Ambers · Post by **Aaron Ambers** » 05 Jun 2020, 04:52

No, the Bible is complete.
The story is an interplay between biblical facts and fiction.

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 05 Jun 2020, 05:51

Sushan wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 01:52
Nerea wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 01:08
Faridah Mwilson wrote: ↑04 Jun 2020, 15:03

In light of this, are you okay with the book?? would you recommend it to me?
I'm not. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Some books are not meant for all. Maybe this is such a book

Very true.

Patricia_louise · Post by **Patricia_louise** » 05 Jun 2020, 07:05

I don’t think the Bible is incomplete. I mean how else would we learn about the word of God. Could we trust any other sources than from Bibles, such as online sources.

Dee_Robert · Post by **Dee_Robert** » 05 Jun 2020, 08:13

Sushan wrote: ↑03 Jun 2020, 09:55
Dee_Robert wrote: ↑03 Jun 2020, 07:38
espo wrote: ↑02 Jun 2020, 05:41

I am Christian and I have no problem with fictional stories about the Bible, as long as the authors make it clear that they are fictional and make no claim to authenticity. Religious texts will always be talked about and interpreted. These interpretations will always be embodied and contextualized in the societies through which they travel. This is inevitable and I have no problem with that. As long as the core messages of Christianity are left intact, which I think they often are in these fictional stories, I do not see it as offensive or unrighteous.

Growing up, I was often told stories about the Bible and saints which I am sure were heavily "fictionalized," but the purpose behind it was always to bring me closer to God in a way that was suitable to my age. I think everything is considered fair as long as there are no claims to authenticity to the Scriptures and the core Christian values are not altered. After all, do we not see images of Jesus and saints that might not be even close to reality? And have they not contributed to us feeling closer to them and enhancing our spirituality?
True, they do enhance our spirituality and usually the fictionalizing of these elements work to draw us closer.
I agree with what you have said. I was wondering about the borderlines?, what happens when fiction do alter core Christian values and bring in foreign ways of thinking?
Well I suppose we can only hope it eventually doesn't
The core is always same. Only the icing part will be changed from author to author, and from book to book

Very True.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 05 Jun 2020, 08:14

JM Reviews wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 02:23
Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 20:09
Officialboluwatife wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 16:04 Seeing the book is presented as fiction, I see no reason for the comparison. As Christians, I don't think our mind should be after the completeness of the bible. Rather it should be about the significance of the bible we have at hand in our life.
That is true. What we have to think of is what we can get from it to our lives
I agree with you. We should just appreciate that everything we need can be gotten from its current contents. Debating on whether or not it's complete, or becoming angry because we feel that the Bible has been viewed as incomplete, won't do us any good.

That is a good point. There is no need in arguing for or against the bible

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 05 Jun 2020, 08:18

edwardcruz1998 wrote: ↑04 Jun 2020, 19:56 Before I answer, I want everyone to know that I am a Christon myself self and These answers are not to talk bad about or blame anyone. It is important to know that the Christen holy Bible is incomplete for many reasons. The first being the fact that language has evolved into many of the current forms we have today. This means some of the stories have been lost due to the translation being incorrect. Secondly, around 1400 ad, The christen church was not in favor of the printing press because it would mass produce any written literature during that time. Thus, meaning the church had to gut the bible, which made the church favorable to the public and to keep them in power. Lastly, over some rules of current Popes, the bible story had to be were written in order for them to stay in power. Although the last one is more of a theory, it does support the calms that the church has made Jesus more God-like then he was in reality.

Sadly those political agendas might have had a big role in making the bible how it is now

Dee_Robert · Post by **Dee_Robert** » 05 Jun 2020, 08:18

Sushan wrote: ↑03 Jun 2020, 09:57
Dee_Robert wrote: ↑03 Jun 2020, 07:42
Sushan wrote: ↑02 Jun 2020, 08:36

That is a nice way of thinking. So even in the Bible there is space for free will and imagination
Absolutely.
Within the context of core Christian values of course.
So one doesn't freely think himself away from Christianity..

Imagine that!
No one will try to change the core concepts, and if that happened none of the true believers will believe that

Yeah, but those new to Christianity may be confused at it all

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 05 Jun 2020, 08:33

Sushan wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 08:14
JM Reviews wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 02:23
Sushan wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 20:09

That is true. What we have to think of is what we can get from it to our lives
I agree with you. We should just appreciate that everything we need can be gotten from its current contents. Debating on whether or not it's complete, or becoming angry because we feel that the Bible has been viewed as incomplete, won't do us any good.
That is a good point. There is no need in arguing for or against the bible

Yeah. I'm glad you agree with me

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 05 Jun 2020, 08:35

B Creech wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 04:36
JM Reviews wrote: ↑05 Jun 2020, 02:15
B Creech wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 18:13
I do not believe the Bible is incomplete. There would not be enough room to write everything about God! I believe it is as complete as God wants it to be, we are not meant to know everything because we are not on the same realm as God. We are human, He is spiritual so we could not comprehend it all in our present state. That is just my opinion. Is it righteous to add after-notes to a religious book like the Bible? I say it is not righteous. I understand the author is using his imagination to fill in the gaps, which is what makes the book fiction. However, in the story of Adam and Eve, there wasn't just gaps being filled in, there were changes made to what the Bible actually says, which I have a problem with. I will continue reading to see how it goes unless I feel too much is being changed and not just being 'filled in.' Thanks for these questions!
What if we just view this book as a standalone fiction? Like we completely ignore its connection with the Bible? I agree that we shouldn't add anything to the Bible. But this is a fictional book that isn't meant to replace the Bible.
I believe it would be difficult to ignore the connection of this book to the Bible since the stories the author has expanded on are Bible stories. I agree the book is not meant to replace the Bible, but it is thought-provoking and encourages the reader to use their own imagination.

That's right. But I don't think the author intended that the readers use their imaginations to come up with stories that would replace the biblical ones.