What Is Considered Scripture?

elguanteloko · July 30, 2011

Scripture is distinct from canon which is distinct from doctrine which is distinct fromTruth.
"Scripture" literally means "a writing", or "something written". It's generally used to mean the written expression of spiritual or revealed enlightenment.

I wonder why you take up this "literal" definition when no one means this, not even the Bible itself. 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

Canon is a "measuring stick", or is a Standard Work of scripture recognized and accepted authoritative , binding, and generally trustworthy by a community of faith.
Doctrine is the "teaching" of the community, based on authoritative interpretation of the Canon.

these definitions are just bizarre.

All are attempts to express one's understanding of revealed Truth.

And where do you find "revealed Truth" if not in scripture (the Timothy use of "scripture")?

David T · August 1, 2011

these definitions are just bizarre.

How are they bizarre? They are simply the actual meanings of the words.

The word canon literally means "measuring rod". It literally is a standard. It's what the word means.

Doctrine literally means "a teaching". That's what the word means.

David T · August 1, 2011

I wonder why you take up this "literal" definition when no one means this, not even the Bible itself. 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

This usage is actually qualified one verse earlier in verse 15, when reference the qualifier is given of Holy Scriptures (IE, the Sacred Writings). v. 16 is an extension of that thought.

I like how it is rendered by the Young's Literal Translation:

14And thou -- be remaining in the things which thou didst learn and wast entrusted with, having known from whom thou didst learn,

15and because from a babe the Holy Writings thou hast known, which are able to make thee wise -- to salvation, through faith that [is] in Christ Jesus;

16every Writing [is] God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that [is] in righteousness,

17that the man of God may be fitted -- for every good work having been completed.

After speaking of the Holy Writings, the writer of 2 Timothy goes on to affirm that every one of those Writings are inspired, etc.

In regular usage, it's true, many do tend to drop the "Holy" qualifier at times, and just use the term "Scripture" to mean specifically "Holy Writings". - which sort of makes songs like, "As I search the Holy Scriptures" redundant. (As I search the Holy Holy Writings?)

elguanteloko · August 1, 2011

nackhadlow:

your definitions are bizarre (and I quote Timothy) because "a writing" isn't necessarily what is "breathed out by God" while "scripture" is.

David T · August 1, 2011

nackhadlow:
your definitions are bizarre (and I quote Timothy) because "a writing" isn't necessarily what is "breathed out by God" while "scripture" is.

It's the same word in greek, elguanteloko.

Even in English, 'Scripture' comes from 'script' (something written). The qualifier "Holy" is what makes it stand out from other generic writings. You can replace the word' 'writing' anytime you see the word 'scripture' in the NT.

You know the times where it says, "It is written," followed by a citation of a sacred text? These things written are found in writings - or scriptures.

Edited August 1, 2011 by nackhadlow

elguanteloko · August 1, 2011

It's the same word in greek, elguanteloko.

lol That's fine, nack, but the point is that that "literal" interpretation is NOT the one used by Timothy. If you said "The Book of Mormon is the most correct book every written" I know in what sense you are talking about when you use "correct" (not grammatically correct but doctrinally). ...why would I say "correct" can be interpreted there differently that you meant when that is NOT what you meant?

"Scriptures" are not mere writings in Biblical contexts but sacred writings profitable through God. Taking "scriptures" as referring to mere "writings" is silly. Not all "writings" are profitable for instruction but "scriptures" are.

Edited August 1, 2011 by elguanteloko

HeatherAnn · August 1, 2011

Brigham Young said: “I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture. Let me have the privilege of correcting a sermon, and it is as good Scripture as they deserve”

BY made some prejudice & cruel claims... which I do not consider scripture.

Nobody's perfect, including any prophets, apostles or scriptural writers.

Scriptures are "sacred writings."

Sacred is "connected with God."

What's considered sacred may vary with each individual... journals, scriptures, letters, scientific discoveries (especially medical cures), patriarchal blessings, psychological discoveries...

Edited August 1, 2011 by HeatherAnn

David T · August 1, 2011

lol That's fine, nack, but the point is that that "literal" interpretation is NOT the one used by Timothy. If you said "The Book of Mormon is the most correct book every written" I know in what sense you are talking about when you use "correct" (not grammatically correct but doctrinally). ...why would I say "correct" can be interpreted there differently that you meant when that is NOT what you meant?
"Scriptures" are not mere writings in Biblical contexts but sacred writings profitable through God. Taking "scriptures" as referring to mere "writings" is silly. Not all "writings" are profitable for instruction but "scriptures" are.

I find it interesting that from at least Joseph's point of view, there was a difference between 'scripture' and 'inspired scripture'. He revised the Timothy scripture to read (JST 2 Tim 3:16) , "And all Scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable...[etc]" - showing a distinction between mere 'scripture', and 'scripture given by inspiration of God'.

elguanteloko · August 1, 2011