Verbal Plenary Preservation (Part 3)

 1. Verbal Plenary Preservation

Verbal Plenary Preservation refers to the belief that not only is the Bible divinely inspired, but every word of it has been preserved by God in its original form.

"Verbal" implies that even the words, not just the ideas or thoughts, are inspired.

"Plenary" suggests that this inspiration and preservation apply to the whole Bible, not just parts of it.

The term “preservation” indicates that God has ensured that the Bible, as we have it today, remains faithful to the original autographs (the original manuscripts).

2. Errors in this Concept

Theological and Doctrinal Tensions: One possible critique of verbal plenary preservation is that it leads to a form of fundamentalism where even the smallest variations in manuscript tradition or translation are seen as problematic or heretical. This could lead to an overemphasis on the literal interpretation of every word, potentially at the expense of the broader message and context of the text.

Textual Variants: In textual criticism, it's widely acknowledged that there are thousands of textual variants among the existing manuscripts of the Bible, which complicates the idea of perfect preservation of every word. Some argue that these variants may point to scribal errors, but proponents of verbal plenary preservation might claim that God’s providence ensures no doctrinal error exists in the text.

Translation Issues: Translating texts from Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic to modern languages involves interpretation. Different translations can result in variations in wording and phrasing, which raises the question: can these differences still be considered faithful if the text is claimed to be perfectly preserved?

3. Criticism of Verbal Plenary Preservation

Historical Development of the Text: Some scholars argue that the process of preserving the Bible cannot be separated from historical context. Ancient manuscripts have gone through various stages of transmission, sometimes influenced by the socio-political and theological circumstances of their time.

Doctrine of Inerrancy: The doctrine of verbal plenary preservation often goes hand-in-hand with inerrancy, the belief that the Bible is without error in all its teachings. Critics argue that inerrancy and the expectation of verbal preservation can lead to theological rigidity, ignoring the complex realities of how the Bible has been transmitted, translated, and interpreted over centuries.

Overemphasis on the Letter: Some theologians argue that focusing on the exact wording can lead to a neglect of the deeper spiritual and moral messages of the text. They contend that the Bible’s purpose is not just a record of words but a living document meant to inspire ethical living and a relationship with God, which could be obscured by an overly literalistic approach.

4. Alternatives and Counterpoints

Dynamic Equivalence: Some modern scholars and translators advocate for a focus on the dynamic equivalence of meaning rather than a word-for-word preservation. They argue that what matters most is the conveyance of the intended message, rather than the precise preservation of each individual word.

Providential Preservation: Rather than insisting on a perfectly preserved text, some argue for a “providential” or “superintended” preservation, which allows for human error in the transmission process but trusts that God has overseen the process to ensure the integrity of essential teachings.

Conclusion

The "Errors of Verbal Plenary Preservation" may refer to the theological and practical issues that arise from expecting an inerrant, verbally preserved Bible. While some believe that every word is divinely preserved and inspired, others point to textual criticism, historical context, and translation challenges to argue that this model is overly rigid and potentially misleading.

After you've read this article. Do you still want to start fighting? Argue? Split the church? Divide the Body of Christ?