Who wrote the Bible?
This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.
Was this fact-check helpful?
1. Summary of the results
The question of who wrote the Bible is a complex one, with multiple authors and contributors involved in its composition [1]. According to some sources, the Bible is attributed to roughly 35-40 human authors, including Moses, David, prophets, apostles, and others, who were divinely inspired to write the text [1]. However, other sources suggest that the authorship of the Bible is still a mystery, with scholars unsure of who wrote the various texts, when they were written, or under what circumstances [2]. The Bible is believed to have undergone an editing process, with multiple drafts and versions of the texts, and God's guidance is thought to have played a role in its production [3]. The reliability of the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible has been established, and while scribal errors have occurred, they have not invalidated any key Christian doctrines [4].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Some sources do not directly address the question of who wrote the Bible, instead discussing the formation of the New Testament canon and how it was not officially decided until long after it was a fait accompli [5]. The development of the canon of scripture is a complex process that involved different books being included or excluded over time, and the average Christian may be surprised to learn about the diversity of texts that were considered canonical in different regions and time periods [6]. The first list of 'canonical' books was proposed by Marcion, but the church ultimately rejected his minimalistic approach and adopted a more inclusive canon [7]. Additionally, the process of dating manuscripts and the impact of scribal errors on the text are important considerations in understanding the Bible's authorship [4]. Alternative viewpoints on the authorship of the Bible, such as the role of oral tradition and the historical context in which the texts were written, are also relevant to a comprehensive understanding of the topic [2].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement "Who wrote the Bible?" may be too simplistic, as it implies a single author or a straightforward answer, when in fact the authorship of the Bible is complex and multifaceted [1]. Some sources may be biased towards a particular interpretation of the Bible's authorship, such as the role of divine inspiration or the reliability of the manuscripts [3]. Additionally, some sources may omit important context or alternative viewpoints, such as the development of the canon of scripture or the diversity of texts that were considered canonical [5]. The Bible Gateway blog excerpts, for example, do not directly address the authorship question, and may be seen as lacking in substance [8]. Overall, a nuanced and informed understanding of the Bible's authorship requires consideration of multiple sources and perspectives [2].