Opus 2026-254: Inspired Confusion

I don’t think we truly understand the difference between inspired and inspiring . It may be just because we don’t stop to think about it.  It may be because we don’t want to know the difference.

The Bible is inspired.  We have a firm statement of that.

(2Ti 3:16 KJV)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That is a statement of faith.  It is a required belief if you are going to be a Christian.  Once you get beyond that statement, you get into variations.

For instance, you get into the issue of the transmitting of the actual written word of God.  In the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, we have variations.  We have the issue of translation.  It is almost impossible to get 100% accuracy when translating from another language.  There are always nuances and assumptions that we may not be privy to.  Add to that the fact that the language we speak is changing, even as we speak it.  Grammar rules change.  Definitions of vocabulary changes.  All kinds of things are going on.  None of those effect the statement that scripture is inspired.

Scripture is not always inspiring.  Compare the 23rd Psalm with the recitation in the book of Numbers of how many warriors each tribe had at that moment.  If you find them equally inspiring, my hat is off to you.  You are incredibly insightful in your understanding of what God is saying.  Most of us would find the 23rd Psalm deeply stirring.  It speaks to our soul.  It reassures our mind.  How many warriors Zebulon had doesn’t do anything for me.  Of course that’s my personal observation.

So scripture can be inspired without being inspiring.  When you add the fact that the Holy Spirit speaks to us as we read the Scripture and speaks to us through the scripture, then that adds another dimension to how what is inspired can become inspiring.

In the same way, but from the opposite point of view, there is literature which we can say is inspiring, but it’s not inspired.  I think of something many people have read is the writings of CS Lewis.  I think of the book Mere Christianity.  Many people around the world would attest to the inspirational quality of his writings.  Others might bring up CK Chesterton.  I think of some of the medieval writings that I find very inspirational.  Having recognized that they are able to stir my intellect in my emotions, they are not inspired.  They are not on the level with scripture.

The difference is real. The difference is significant. Make a note of it.

homo unius libri