December 14, 2010 – Catechism 638-640

We sometimes gloss over the fact that the writings of the Bible are so old.  In almost all other cases, something that is very old is seen as more authentic than something that is written further away from the actual events.  When I was going to school for history, we were encouraged to read books written about events, but if you really wanted a clearer picture about something, look to the newspapers written the days or weeks following it.  Those are considered a more accurate portrayal. 

That argument seems to get swept under the rug when people argue against the belief in the Bible and it being a description of actual historical events.  No matter how much you may tell someone or show them how these words were written in the few decades after Christ died, they will completely refuse to believe it is historical because it is the Bible.  In certain circles, basically because it is the Bible, it is not a historically accurate document.  Those same circles will more easily believe a writing such as the Gospel of Thomas or the like as being more historically accurate because it is not a part of the Bible. 

I think it is essential for us to understand and reflect on the historical certainty of the Bible.  Yes the teachings are essential for us to live our lives and the way it guides us in prayer leads us to God, but sometimes we may forget that this actually happened.  We are so far removed from it and moving further and further away, that we must reach back and cling to that certainty that it did really and historically happen.    “The mystery of Christ's resurrection is a real event, with manifestations that were historically verified, as the New Testament bears witness.”  I don’t know why the Bible has been given the stigma that because it is a religious work it is any less historically accurate.  Take confidence in its accuracy because it is the Word of God which is truth.