The Science of Life Points to Godಮಾದರಿ

A Fable about the Bible

This is a conversation as I imagine it might have happened.

“Tell me something. Did either of you read what the other one wrote?”

The two authors looked at each other, and then back at the editor.

“Um, well, I mean . . . Not in, you know, detail,” said the first author. “But I thought he did a fine job.”

“Really? Did you happen to notice that the two of you wrote two chapters for one book that not only are inconsistent but contradict each other?” The editor was raising his voice.

“Everything we wrote was inspired directly by God,” said the writers.

A short time later, God called the editor for an audience.

“Yes, Lord?”

“Great job on the Genesis book. I love those first two chapters.”

“Um, thank you, Lord, but . . . I mean, are you sure? Don’t they strike you as . . . oh, I don’t know, a bit discordant with each other?”

The Lord smiled.

“You are a great editor. But there is something you need to learn about this project. I have chosen wonderful writers with great faith and passion. Every word they write is inspired by me but written by them. If I think they got it wrong, I have them change it. So you never have to worry that I don’t approve of what they hand in to you. You can consider it all preapproved.

“I don’t care about having a book that is an easy read. Many times it will not make sense at all. It will have violence, poetry, love, and anger. It will be exciting, and boring. It will appear to contradict itself. It will contain enigmas, puzzles, challenges, clues, mysteries, allegories, history, and lots of characters. Sometimes the heroes will seem to be villains, and even I will come off as unpleasant at times.”

“But Lord, I thought you wanted this book to stand the test of time, to inspire generations of people, to be spread throughout the world—to give comfort, advice, and inspiration to your people. Why would you want this book to be so hard to figure out?”

“Because that is exactly how it will stand the test of time and be spread around the world. This book will be read and discussed and debated. My people will find new ways to understand the world, and when they do, they will figure everything out, including my book. They will think and argue and do experiments—”

“Do what, Lord?” the editor interrupted.

“Never mind—you will find out. Anyway, eventually they will get it, and then when they praise me and the glory of my creation, they will really mean it, for its magnificent splendor will amaze and delight them.”

We hope you enjoyed this Bible-reading plan. If you would like more from the author, check out his book Beyond Evolution at your favorite online or local retailer or sygarte.com.