You’ve probably seen articles exposing commonly held Bible myths. Some of these myths are held by both Christians and skeptics. Of course, there are plenty more of them around. Here is a small list of some of the most common ones, in no particular order:
1) Money is the root of all evil
This is a misrepresentation of 1Timothy 6:10 which really says:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
2) Cleanliness is next to godliness
Nowhere will you find this verse in the Bible. Perhaps it grew out of the ceremonial cleansing requirements given to Israel in the Old Testament. What brings us close to God is our justification through Christ’s work on the cross and the process of sanctification. Nothing else.
3) Judge not, that you be not judged (Matthew 7:1)
This is a favorite defense of some people who say, “Don’t judge me.” Yet these people often also indulge in some form of judging. The point of the verse is to expose pride and hypocrisy rather than to discourage the use of legitimate discernment. The ESV Study Bible states:
Jesus does not forbid all evaluation or even judgment of others, for ultimately the one who feels grieved and humbled over his own sin can help remove the “speck” from others. What Jesus does rule out is pride that views oneself as better than others.
4) We are All God’s Children
That’s a nice thought. Some prominent Christian leaders have even declared that. However, it isn’t biblical. Who are the children of God? This is what the Bible says:
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:14-16
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26
GotQuestions?org expresses this very well:
In Scripture, the lost are never referred to as children of God. Ephesians 2:3 tells us that before we were saved we were “by nature objects of wrath” (Ephesians 2:1-3). Romans 9:8 says that “it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.” Instead of being born as God’s children, we are born in sin, which separates us from God and aligns us with Satan as God’s enemy (James 4:4; 1 John 3:8). Jesus said, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me” (John 8:42).
5) God wants us to be happy
Yes God wants His children to be happy. Unfortunately this sentiment is often used by people who are seeking worldly happiness. However, our true joy should be found in Him, and not derived from the temporary pleasures of this world. Christians for centuries have endured hardship, persecution and even martyrdom while finding joy in the Eternal Blessed Hope.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor 2:9
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
6) We worship the same God
It is common to hear that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Is this true? The god of the Qur’an denies that he has a son and that Christ died on the cross for our sins. Moreover, New Age cults also declare that there are many paths to that one God. But this is what the Bible tells us:
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Co 15:3-4
Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 1 John 2:22
7) We can’t trust the accuracy of the Bible as it has been translated and copied so many times
This myth is commonly used by skeptics. I’ve also come across this argument when New Age adherents want to appeal to a particular verse in the Bible, while arbitrarily discounting another which contradicts their view.
Dr. Ken Boa writes:
There are three lines of evidence that support the claim that the biblical documents are reliable: these are the bibliographic test, the internal test, and the external test. The first test examines the biblical manuscripts, the second test deals with the claims made by the biblical authors, and the third test looks to outside confirmation of the biblical content…keep reading
You can also read an interview with scholar Dr. Daniel B. Wallace HERE
8) The resurrection of Jesus Christ borrows ideas from earlier pagan myths
This myth is inevitably resurrected (pun intended) every Easter. The Zeitgeist Movie circulated many of these false notions. We previously addressed this one HERE J. P. Holding’s book Shattering the Christ Myth is highly recommended reading. He provides further written resources on the subject on the Tektonics Apologetics Website.
See also Creation Ministries International’s article Was Christianity plagiarized from pagan myths?
Purchase Shattering the Christ Myth!
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