“The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.” Really?!
Many theologians and pastors strongly disagree. If there was such a thing as a fantasy theology team, my top (living) draft picks would include: Dick Woodward, William Lane Craig, Hugh Ross, Ravi Zacharias, Matt Slick, Tim Keller, John Yates, Michael Card, Ray Vander Laan, Andy Stanley, Lee Strobel—and Daniel Wallace.
Here’s a slightly irreverent, very funny, and spot-on lecture by Dr. Wallace given at Dallas Theological Seminary about the “worst Christian slogan ever concocted” (my apologies in advance to people from Arkansas).
Seriously, how much research is there to corroborate Dr. Wallace’s observations and conclusions? How reliable are the Bibles we have today?
It turns out Dr. Wallace has serious credentials, having conducted exhaustive research in the field of textual criticism. He founded the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, highlighted in this earlier post. Their work was also documented in the first two parts of a three-part series by the Day of Discovery folks. These videos make an overwhelming case for the reliability and value of the Scriptures (not just the accuracy of the manuscripts).
There are skeptics who will attack the Bible over textual variants. Take a few minutes to watch these videos, and become acquainted with intelligent, overwhelming, objective research that is easy to understand and easy to use when answering cynics. As Dr. Wallace notes in his lecture above, it is incumbent upon Christians to enlighten those who dispute the facts, often without considering the evidence—not unlike those who would revert to the cliché at the beginning of this post.
Enjoy!
Veracity 
October 27th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
What always amazes me is that there is more evidence both manuscript and archeological for the Bible, both Old and New Testament than any other ancient writing and so many scholars discount the accuracy of the Bible and hold it to a higher critical standard. Fortunately the Bible can answer that higher standard. That is a great “dream team” but I would add Norman Geisler, maybe Gary Habermas, but I wouldn’t turn down your team. David
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October 28th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Hmmm…gives me an idea for a post. Something along the lines of “Veracity’s Top 10 Scorers” (working title only), highlighting people who really know how to put the puck in the net. We could ask readers to comment on their favorites as well. Hockey motif–could cross cultural lines. I’ll add it to my post ideas backlog. Thanks!
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October 28th, 2012 at 7:33 am
By the way, here’s a link to the polar bear attack Dr. Wallace alluded to in his conclusion: http://theconservativetreehouse.com/2012/02/17/polar-bear-attacks-canadian-man-witnesses-stood-by/
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October 28th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
The pace at which Dr Wallace and his team are finding New Testament manuscripts is in itself faith building not to mention the vast geography that these finds cover. I find it interesting that this is occurring on such a scale at this time in history.
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October 28th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
The amazing part for me is what Dr. Wallace says at the end of his two-part video. It’s not just all the jots and tittles he has birddogged (impressive as that effort may be), but it is the truth he finds after 40 years in the trustworthiness and authority of Scripture. Amazing. And thanks for weighing in Steve!
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