Just because something is widely accepted does not automatically mean it is correct. When we were kids, we might have picked up some widely circulated Bible “facts.” Now that we’re older and hopefully wiser, we begin to realize that those so-called facts aren’t right at all. Get ready to have your understanding of the Bible turned upside down as we clear up these 19 false facts about the Bible we all once believed to be true.
God is One Person
Another long-standing misconception that has led to the creation of many false doctrines is the belief that God is a single, indivisible being. This belief contradicts the concept of the Trinity. According to Christian doctrine, God exists as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Think of it as the sun, its rays, and the heat it omits. You cannot separate them, but they are all different aspects of the sun itself.
Apple Was the Forbidden Fruit
Nothing in the Bible ever said that Adam and Eve ate an apple. The name of the forbidden fruit was never mentioned, yet the apple still receives an unfair reputation as the symbol of their disobedience. This misconception likely stems from historical linguistics. The Latin word for fruit, “pomum,” was used in early translations of the Bible. When translated into other languages, “pomum” became associated with the apple, reinforcing this incorrect image.
Mary Magdalene was a Prostitute
Mary Magdalene is perhaps one of the earliest victims of misinformation in Christian history. For centuries, her name has been wrongly associated with prostitution, largely due to misinterpretations and conflations in both religious teaching and pop culture. However, there is no biblical evidence to support this claim. The Gospels portray Mary Magdalene as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, who witnessed His crucifixion and was among the first to see Him resurrected. The misconception has unfortunately overshadowed her true significance, casting an unjust shadow over her role as a faithful disciple.
The Bible is Anti-Science
A prevalent misconception is that the Bible and science are fundamentally at odds. Many assume that religious teachings and scientific understanding cannot coexist, but this view oversimplifies the relationship between the two. In reality, some passages in the Bible reflect an understanding of natural phenomena that aligns with scientific concepts. For example, the Bible’s descriptions of the natural order and certain principles echo scientific observations about gravity and the universe’s structure.
Discrepancies often arise when Biblical texts are interpreted in a strictly literal sense without considering historical and literary context. By approaching the Bible with an open mind, we can see that it is possible for faith and science to complement each other rather than conflict.
The Magi’s Visit to Baby Jesus
The portrayal of the Magi visiting baby Jesus on the night of His birth is a popular and enduring image in Christmas traditions. However, the Bible does not specify that the Magi arrived on the night of Jesus’ birth.
According to the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-12), the Magi followed a star to find Jesus, but their visit likely occurred sometime after His birth. The text mentions that they found Jesus in a house, not a manger, suggesting a later arrival. Furthermore, King Herod’s decree to massacre all male children two years old and under (Matthew 2:16) implies that Jesus may have been a toddler when the Magi arrived. Thus, the biblical account suggests that the visit took place well after the night of Jesus’ birth.
Jonah Was Swallowed by a Whale
The story of Jonah being swallowed by a whale is one of the most well-known Bible tales, but did the Bible actually say it was a whale? The answer is no. The book of Jonah describes it as a “huge fish” that God provided to swallow Jonah (Jonah 1:17). The idea of a whale likely became popular due to artistic interpretations in Bible storybooks.
Three Wise Men
The popular image of three wise men visiting Jesus at His birth is widely known, but it’s not entirely accurate. The Bible doesn’t specify the number of wise men, only that “magi” or “wise men” came from the East to bring gifts. The tradition of three wise men likely comes from the three gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Moses Wrote the Torah
Torah is also called the “Five Books of Moses,” which might be why many people assumed that Moses was the one who authored it. While Jewish and Christian traditions often credit Moses as the primary author, modern scholars suggest that these texts were likely written and compiled by multiple authors over a long period of time. Besides, the account of Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34 would not have been written by Moses himself.
The Third Commandment
The full text of the Third Commandment, found in Exodus 20:7, reads: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” This commandment is often interpreted narrowly as a prohibition against using God’s name as a curse word. However, its broader meaning addresses hypocrisy and the proper use of God’s name in all aspects of life. The commandment calls for honoring God not just in speech, but in actions and intentions as well, emphasizing a life of integrity and reverence toward the divine.
The Bible is a Historical Document
While it is understandable that some people consider the Bible a historical document because of its historical narratives, the Bible is primarily religious. It does contain historical elements, but its main focus is to convey moral teachings and the relationship between God and humanity.
All Angels Have Wings
In pop culture, angels are often portrayed as cute, winged creatures with halos. This image is widespread in art and literature, but it doesn’t align with all biblical descriptions of angels. For instance, in the New Testament, angels like the ones who visit Mary and Joseph are not described as having wings.
Adam and Eve Were the Only Humans On Earth
While Adam and Eve are described as the first humans created by God in the Bible, the text does not explicitly state that they were the only humans on Earth. In Genesis 4:14-17, Cain expresses concern about being harmed by others after he is exiled for killing Abel, which suggests the existence of other people outside the Garden of Eden. This passage implies that, even though Adam and Eve are presented as the first human beings, there were others living beyond the immediate context of their story. Therefore, the Bible allows for the possibility that other human populations existed concurrently with Adam and Eve.
The Old Testament is Irrelevant
Some believers, especially modern Christians, focus more on the New Testament, thinking that the Old Testament is outdated and irrelevant. But it’s important to remember that the Old Testament provides crucial context for the New Testament. Even if some laws don’t apply directly today, the values and lessons from the Old Testament are still meaningful and offer important insights into the Christian faith.
God is Violent
Certain events in the Old Testament made some people believe that God is violent. However, these actions are often seen within a larger context. The Bible portrays God as a righteous judge who acts to address injustice, but it also emphasizes God’s love, mercy, and compassion.
Bible Translations are Contradicting
People sometimes think Bible translations contradict each other, but the difference only lies in language changes, not in actual contradictions. Translators work hard to stay true to the original texts while making them understandable today. While translations might use different wording, they aim to convey the same core messages.
The Old and New Testaments Don’t Align
Contrary to what other people believe that the Old and New Testaments contradict each other, the truth of the matter is that they actually complement each other. The Old Testament is pointing towards the message in the New Testament. Rather than conflicting, they work together to tell a unified story about God and His will.
All Prophecies Are Frightening
It’s a common belief that all Biblical prophecies are scary or ominous. While some prophecies, especially those about judgment and the end of time, can be quite unsettling, many are actually hopeful and encouraging. They offer reassurance of God’s plan and His ultimate victory over evil.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality
This belief has been a topic of much debate. Some passages are often cited to support this view, but other different interpretations oppose this claim. Others believe the Bible’s core message is about love and acceptance, and they interpret the passages differently. This leads to different denominations and faith communities having diverse perspectives on how the Bible addresses LGBTQ+ issues.
Jesus Was Born on December 25
Popular culture widely accepts the idea that Jesus was born on December 25, but the Bible does not specify a birth date. Based on clues in the biblical accounts, such as the presence of shepherds in the fields, it could mean that Jesus’ actual birth date was likely in a different season. The choice of December 25 is more about tradition and symbolism than historical accuracy.
The Truth Behind Common Bible Misconceptions
We’ve tackled some common misconceptions about the Bible, and the truth often turns out to be more nuanced than we thought. From misunderstandings about stories and teachings to misinterpretations of key concepts, uncovering the facts can give us a clearer picture of the Bible’s messages. We need to look past these myths and misconceptions to better appreciate the richness of Jesus’ teachings and how they apply to us today.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.
Hi Vidivir, this is a great article and right on point, you are so right, and I love your perspective of the 19 misconceptions of the bible. I do however have a question about the one for homosexuality and cannot find verses of the bible to support your point that the bible does not condemn homosexuality. Could you please share the bible verses that help clarify your perspective, so that I can use them as well when connecting with others?
Wonderfully written explained so many things a must read