"Goat Herders?" Why Educated People Should Know the Bible

Is the Bible really the work of ignorant, “bronze age goat herders?” The above meme is a popular catch phrase among those who would try to discredit it. As usual, however, such characterizations are utterly ridiculous.

Approximately 40 people were used by God to bring us the Bible. Given the agrarian nature of the culture, it should not be surprising that some of them did indeed work in agriculture and livestock. Examples would include King David (in his early years) as well as the prophet Amos. Some others also worked in what we would today call “blue collar” occupations. For example several of Jesus’ disciples, including the apostle John (who wrote four books) were commercial fishermen. However, to acknowledge that uneducated people could produce a work of such magnitude argues for, not against it’s supernatural origin. Nonetheless, the Bible authors were hardly a monolithic group. Let’s look at just a few of them:

Moses-A Prince who was educated in all of the wisdom of Egypt (Acts 7:22). In other words, he learned from those who built the pyramids.
Joshua-A military leader
David-Israel’s greatest king, who was also a military genius (1 Samuel 18:7) as well as a master musician (1 Samuel 16:18)
Solomon-Also a king who was known for his tremendous wisdom, also possessed a massive knowledge of many different subjects, such as agriculture and wildlife (1 Kings 4: 30-34).
Daniel- An advisor to multiple Babylonian and Persian kings
Nehemiah-An assistant to the king
Ezra-A scribe, which would indicate that he was a very well educated man. He was also a priest and in that role he would also act as a lawyer, a notary public and other civic duties.
Matthew-A tax collector
Luke-A physician, in other words, a man of science
Paul-One of the premiere Jewish scholars of his time, trained by the brilliant Hebrew scholar Gamaliel (Acts 22:3)

Again, this diversity simply shows God’s ability to use all kinds of people for His purposes. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, “He chooses the foolish things in the world to confound the wise.”

There are many who ignorantly try to say that science and the Bible are incompatible. While admittedly some of the issues have been poorly argued, the modern scientific method was developed in medieval Christian Europe and some of the greatest scientists in history have been Bible believers. In fact, Johannes Kepler described scientific inquiry as “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.”

In addition, the Bible has repeatedly shown itself to be very much ahead of it’s time in regards to scientific discoveries. Consider the following:

In light of these facts, I would like to quote from a statement signed by over eight hundred British scientists, and is recorded at the Bodelian Library in Oxford, England:

We, the undersigned, Students of the Natural Sciences, desire to express our sincere regret that researchers into scientific truth are perverted by some in our own times into occasion for casting doubt upon the truth and authenticity of the Holy Scriptures. We conceive that it is impossible for the Word of God written in the book of nature, and God’s Word written in Holy Scripture, to contradict one another…physical science is not complete, but is only a condition of progress .¹

Next, we will look at the Bible’s contribution to education. Contrary to the claims of some, Christianity is far from being anti-intellectual.

The fact is that a proper education in Western culture is impossible without a working knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith. Whether it be history, art, music or countless other areas, the Christian influence is virtually inescapable. For example, The writings of William Shakespeare contain roughly 1300 biblical references. Bach’s “Passion of St. Matthew” and Handel’s “Messiah” are some of the most cherished musical works ever produced. None of these great works can be fully appreciated apart from the faith that inspired them.

Almost every one of the first 123 colleges and universities in the United States has Christian origins. They were started by Christians for Christian purposes, to train ministers…Harvard, Yale, William and Mary, Brown, Princeton, New York University, Northwestern University, and other schools have thoroughly Christian roots. Harvard got its start from the donation of money and books from the Rev. John Harvard. ²

Many high school teachers also proclaim that Bible knowledge is crucial to a good education. So educated people, along with all other people, owe it to themselves to become familiar with the Bible. This is why there is a growing bipartisan effort to reintroduce nonsectarian Bible courses into our public school systems. Professors at Harvard, Yale and Princeton all affirm that “Students need to know the Bible.”

President Theodore Roosevelt stated that “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.”In my own life journey, I can honestly say that studying the Bible is the very thing that got me curious about the world that I live in. That being said, I will offer a caveat: As important as our intellect is, it can also become a source of pride which can interfere with our capacity to embrace the Gospel (1 Corinthians 8:1). This is why Jesus said we must become like little children (Matthew 18:3). Coming to Jesus in simple, childlike faith is how we receive His wonderful gift of salvation. If you have never opened your heart to Him, why not today?

Keep It Real,

James

NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. Quoted in Dake, Finis Jennings. God’s Plan For Man. 1949, copyright renewed 1977. Dake Bible Sales, Lawrenceville, Georgia. p. 20.

2. Kennedy, D James and Newcombe, Jerry. What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? 1994. Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee p 52.

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