Christianity & the Bible (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The word of God

The Bible as the Word of God

• The Bible is seen by Christians as the Word of God 

• This is confirmed within the Bible, which says:

• There are also other passages that highlight the importance of the Bible as the “Word of God”

• Christians use examples of laws from God that they must follow from the Bible

  • The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) are examples of this

• Some Christians (Evangelicals) take the Bible as inerrant and believe it should be followed literally

• Roman Catholics believe that the Bible is inspired by God but interpreted through the magisterium 

  • Within the Catholic Church, both scripture and tradition are equal sources of authority

• Liberal Christians believe that the Bible contains God’s message but must be understood in context

Why is the Bible as the Word of God important to Christians?

• There are many reasons why viewing the Bible as the Word of God is important to Christians, including that:

  • The Bible can provide moral guidance to Christians on many topics, including family life and individual behaviour

  • It is a source of comfort and encouragement in times of suffering: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105)

  • It is used in worship and teaching in church services, sermons and Bible study groups

  • It creates a sense of unity and authority and provides a common foundation across denominations, even if interpreted differently

Inspiration & revelation

The Bible as inspiration

• For Christians, the Bible was written by human authors but guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit, so it contains God’s truth

  • Christians believe that the Bible reflects human culture and language, but its message is inspired by God

• This is important for Christians because it gives the Bible authority, so it is seen as more than just a human book

  • It inspires the way Christians live their lives

  • It explains why the Bible can be trusted as guidance for life

The Bible as revelation

• The Bible also gives Christians the opportunity to learn something about God

  • Christians believe that through the revelation of the Bible, God made himself known in several ways

• Revelation can be seen in two different forms: general revelation (available to everyone) and special revelation (direct, personal)

General revelation

• General revelation can be seen in different ways

  • Through nature and creation

• Through the conscience — an inner sense of right and wrong — which is seen as God’s voice

• Through reason and experience, which Christians believe is God given

Special revelation

• Special revelation can also be seen in different ways

  • It can be seen through scripture, with the Bible viewed as a record of God’s words and actions

  • Through Jesus Christ, viewed as the ultimate revelation of God: “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14)

  • It can also be seen through religious experiences (for example, visions, miracles or answered prayers)

• For many Christians, the Bible is the main record of God’s revelation

Interpretations of Biblical writings

What are the different interpretations of biblical writings for Christians?

• Although the Bible is extremely important to all Christians, the writing may be interpreted differently depending on which religious tradition you belong to

Literalists and fundamentalists

• Literalists or fundamentalists believe the Bible is the literal Word of God

  • They therefore believe that every word is completely true and without error

  • For example, they believe that the whole of creation happened within six days, as per the Genesis 1 account

    • This view is common in Evangelical Protestant traditions

  • People in these faiths might look to verses from scripture that support this view

The conservative view

• The conservative view is that the Bible is the Word of God but was written by humans inspired by God

  • Therefore, they believe that scripture should be interpreted in relation to the context in which it is read

  • This means that stories may not be factually true but still contain religious truth

  • For example, Genesis shows God as Creator, but creation may not necessarily have been exactly as it says in the Bible

  • This view is common within Roman Catholic and Anglican teachings

The liberal view

• The liberal view would argue that the Bible is mainly a human document, reflecting people’s search for God

  • It is therefore inspired by God, but not all parts are literally from God

  • The liberal view might see some sections as symbolic or mythical

  • For example, the parables told by Jesus that focus on moral and spiritual truths rather than facts