This thread seems to have drifted away from the actual challenge, so not sure if anyone is really interested in my endeavor. I have read the book of John 4 times. Twice in the NIV version and twice in the New Century Version, which really is a better read than the NIV. I also prayed sincerely before each reading.
I read the book with an open mind, which means open to new ideas with no bias. So I didn’t assume it was true and I didn’t assume it was false. I asked God to show me the truth (not necessarily your truth) and the below is what I received.
According to John 20:31 the book of John was written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
To trust in something means I must have confidence that the information given is true. The question for me is does the book of John hold verifiable truth? Here is what came to light.
1. John 21:23-25 Leaves the author and his backers unknown. The disciple who Jesus loved is not identified.
2. The short OT references, which the writer uses to confirm the truth of his writing, don’t really back up the writer’s point. Several are lines taken from Psalms which are songs.
3. None of these references seemed to describe the messiah when the entire scripture was read.
4. Never found the mention of the rising after three days.
5. The whole flesh eating and blood drinking scenario even grossed out the speakers audience. An odd comment since the Jews aren’t supposed to drink blood.
6. John 14:15 If you love me you will keep my commandments. They would seem to be different than God’s commandments. John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept my father’s commandments and abide in his love. But the commandments of Jesus aren’t given.
7. Testimony: John 5:31-32 If I alone testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies of me, and I know that the testimony which he gives about me is true. That testimony is not written down and it seems that at the time this statement was made John was dead. John 5:35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. The Pharisees called him on the self testimony in John 8:13 So the Pharisees said to Him, You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true. But then John 8:14 Jesus answered with Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true. And with John 8:17-18 Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. I am he who testifies about myself, and the father who sent me testifies about me.
8. There are 3rd party conversations that didn’t include the writer or Jesus. John 4:51-53
9. John 7:53-8:11 My bible states that the earliest manuscripts and many other ancient witnesses do not have these verses. This makes that section suspect.
The quotes are full of double talk (if that is the correct term for that). Quite frankly it is like reading a politician’s speech. The rules change to fit the need.
Overall I felt the book was aimed at the people of the time and as I stated before I didn’t really pull any wisdom for the ages out of it.
Dear Zachariah and RiverRat: Your posts lead me to believe that you were hoping for an emotional response. The style of writing in the book of John doesn’t really evoke an emotional response. (That’s how advertising gets you to buy the stuff you don’t need.)
On its own merits the book of John didn’t give me any truths that I can verify today or that would alter my way of life.
™ Version 4.2
