Bible glitchers ∙
The Scripture cannot be broken. – John 10:35
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
“Barbie” is a 2023 American fantasy comedy film that was released on July 21, 2023. Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) deliver standout performances in this imaginative and vibrant movie. The film masterfully combines lightheartedness, humor, creativity, pure fun, and dazzling visuals. It also ventures into some unexpected serious themes reflecting the human condition.
Set in the whimsical world of Barbieland, the story follows a spirited Barbie doll whose seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected twist in her fairy tale life. Struggling with intrusive thoughts about mortality, Barbie begins to question her world and existence. Described as “glitching in a bout of existentialism,” her internal conflict is poignantly underscored by Billie Eilish’s soulful and evocative song, “What Was I Made For?” Ousted for failing to meet idealized expectations, Barbie finds herself expelled from her own world.
Her journey leads her to the real world, where she begins an adventure brimming with self-discovery and introspection. Barbie ultimately concludes that true perfection lies within and that genuine happiness comes from belief in oneself and acceptance.
But what exactly does “glitching” mean? The term “glitch” originated in the early days of computing and technology. It was first popularized by astronaut John Glenn during the 1962 Friendship 7 mission, when he reported irregularities in the spacecraft’s systems, saying, “I think I just had a glitch.” Back then, it referred to a sudden, temporary malfunction in a system. Over time, the term expanded to describe minor errors in programs or devices.
In gaming, glitching specifically refers to exploiting bugs or flaws within video games. Players who engage in this practice are often called “glitchers.” Much like the malfunctions in technology, Barbie’s “glitch” serves as a metaphor for her existential struggle, offering a playful yet meaningful reflection on finding inner peace amidst imperfection.
Over time, the term “glitch” has expanded beyond its original technical roots to describe any unexpected issues, problems, errors, abnormalities, or imperfections.
Barbie, the fictional “ideal” young woman first introduced by Mattel in 1959, is portrayed as flawed and imperfect, a departure from the idealized image she represents.
Similarly, some people view the Scriptures as flawed or containing errors. These individuals might be called “biblical glitchers,” searching the Bible for inconsistencies or mistakes.
However, the traditional theological view holds that the Scriptures are inerrant. This means they are free from error or contradiction in their original manuscripts. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It provides accurate information in matters it touches upon, including history, science, and theology.
Biblical criticism, on the other hand, rejects biblical inerrancy. It assumes that the Bible is errant and not a dependable source of knowledge or truth.
Which perspective is correct? Let the Scriptures speak for themselves, and make your own decision.
REFLECT & PRAY
The Scriptures don’t need defending; they simply need to be shared. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Bible is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose, and it will defend itself.”
Father, we thank You for giving us Your inerrant Word, making it a trustworthy source of absolute truth and a guide for living.
INSIGHT
2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
The Greek word translated as “inspired by God” or “God-breathed” is theopneustos. Theopneustos combines two Greek words: theos (God) and pneustos (breathed), derived from pnein, meaning “to breathe.” The compound word means “God-breathed.” The Scriptures are God-breathed; hence, divinely inspired or inspired by God.
The term “inspired” means that God “breathed out” the Bible from Himself. The Scriptures are the product of God. He is the source behind their creation. While human authors wrote the words, God is the supernatural author behind them. He breathed it; writers wrote what they received. The word of God was inspired, not the writers of Scripture.
John 17:17 Your word is truth.
The Lord Jesus Christ refers to the Scriptures as God’s Word, originating from God Himself. They are not human opinions or philosophical musings but contain absolute and objective truth. They are unchanging, authoritative, and inerrant in all matters that they address. Because of this, they are trustworthy and provide a solid foundation for life and faith.
John 10:35 The Scriptures cannot be broken.
The Lord Jesus Christ emphasizes the unbreakable and infallible nature of the Scriptures, specifically the Old Testament. They are reliable, trustworthy, and stand the test of time. They’re not subject to human whims or interpretations.
Matthew 5:18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
The Father has a grand and comprehensive plan for redemption. Nothing can prevent His plan from being actualized. Every detail of His Word will be fulfilled, and nothing can stop it. It will be fulfilled; nothing can prevent it. God’s Word is unchanging and reliable.
1 Peter 1:10-11
10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,
11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
The prophets prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. They were not the source of the words that they spoke. Instead, the Spirit of Christ worked within them and produced the prophecies.
The prophets carefully examined their own prophecies, trying to understand their meaning. Yet they were often puzzled, as these prophecies revealed a Messiah who would be both a suffering servant who would die and a glorious King who would reign over the kingdom of God on earth. How is that possible? They could not fully grasp how these two roles could coexist.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,
21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
The prophets didn’t speak from their own understanding or initiative. Instead, they were guided and carried along by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was the guiding force that moved the writers to create the Scriptures. God Himself is the ultimate authority and source of all that was written.
This process can be compared to how the wind fills a sailboat’s sails and steers it forward. Similarly, God directed and “carried” the human authors as they wrote His Word.
While some critics argue that the Bible contains historical inaccuracies, archaeology has provided significant evidence supporting its reliability. Although archaeology cannot definitively “prove” the Bible, its findings consistently affirm the Bible’s historical accuracy.
Renowned archaeologist Nelson Glueck once said, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made, which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical description has often led to amazing discoveries.”
The Bible is indeed like a lion. It has roared and declared for all eternity that it is the infallible, inerrant Word of the living God.
Pause and consider yourself. Your conclusion determines the trajectory of your life.
¯_(ツ)_/¯8-12-3
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 