Does it matter if the bible is not true?

[Soph0571]

There are of course several schools of thoughts when it comes to the veracity of the Bible. For many the Bible is literally the word of God. The authors of the bible were transmitting the very word of God and the bible is therefore infallible and not to be questioned. Of course, for many others they believe in the underlying truth of the bible but recognise it was written by man, as a way to govern nations and establish rules of behaviour.

As we know, the Bible was written by 40 different authors over a span of 1600 years. Not only that it was written on 3 continents, in 3 languages and has literally hundreds of stories, allegories, songs, poems and fables. We know that the bible offers some archaeological evidence from the time. It offers many prophecies. It is very difficult to verify many of the stories told in the Bible as there are limited other sources with which to reaffirm the written word. Although this is not to say some things cannot be independently verified, for example, some of the kings in the Old Testament are mentioned elsewhere outside the Bible.

If you are believer you will have faith that the Bible is Gods written word. You will believe in creation, Noah and the Flood, the miracles of Jesus. You will govern your life by rules and regulations laid down by religious leaders 5,000 years ago, and this gives you spiritual sustenance.

If you are not a believer you will see the Bible as a mix of things. Some fact and legends and myths, some great allegories and beautiful songs. You might be a bit excised by the wars that have been fought and the blood that has been shed over a book of stories though.

Either way, does it matter if the bible is not true?