Critiquing: #071 — Should the story of the woman caught in adultery be in our Bible?
June 24, 2021 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier
Textual Integrity — Canonical Status — Manuscript Variants — Early Church Tradition — Theological Implications
Episode Assessment:
 | | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of Accuracy | B | The episode accurately references biblical texts and the historical context of the New Testament, but the discussion on manuscript details could be more precise. For instance, the statement that the story of the woman caught in adultery is not found in “the earliest and best manuscripts” is correct, but there could be more clarity on which specific manuscripts are referenced and their significance. |
| Degree of Coherence | B+ | The episode maintains a coherent narrative, logically progressing from questions of textual authenticity to theological implications. However, some arguments lack depth, particularly those concerning the role of early church decisions in shaping the canon. More detailed exploration of these processes would strengthen the coherence of the arguments presented. |
| Absence of Fallacies | B | The episode avoids major logical fallacies, though it occasionally relies on appeals to authority, particularly in referencing the opinions of church fathers and modern theologians without providing substantial evidence to support their claims. More balanced arguments that consider counter-evidence and opposing viewpoints would enhance the logical integrity of the discussion. |
| Degree of Evidence | C+ | The episode draws on scriptural references and historical context to support its claims, but it lacks engagement with contemporary scholarly research. Including insights from recent academic studies on the textual history of the New Testament and the theological implications of disputed passages would provide a more robust evidential basis for the arguments. |
| Degree of Testability | D+ | Theological assertions inherently limit empirical testability, but the textual analysis aspect of the discussion can be critically examined. Statements regarding the authenticity and canonical status of the passage could be evaluated through a more rigorous examination of manuscript evidence and scholarly consensus. However, theological claims about divine inspiration remain largely speculative and non-testable. |
| Rational Confidence | C | The episode expresses moderate confidence in its conclusions, reflecting the complexities and ongoing debates within biblical scholarship. The cautious approach is appropriate given the contentious nature of the topic, but the overall confidence could be bolstered by a clearer presentation of the supporting evidence and a more critical examination of counter-arguments. |
Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:
1. Degree of Accuracy
The episode presents some inaccuracies or ambiguities regarding the manuscript details, which affects the overall factual accuracy. A more precise account of which manuscripts are considered the “earliest and best” would strengthen the discussion.
“Many Christians don’t really care nor understand the notes within their Bibles stating that this story is exempt from the earliest and best manuscripts.”
2. Degree of Evidence
The episode relies heavily on general references to scripture and church tradition without engaging deeply with contemporary scholarship. This weakens the evidential basis of the arguments.
“The woman caught in adultery…it’s often a bailout from believers when attempting to justify a morally questionable behaviour.”
3. Degree of Testability
The theological assertions made in the episode, such as those regarding divine inspiration, lack empirical testability. These claims remain speculative and cannot be verified or falsified through critical analysis.
“Are we to consider it canonical and thus inspired when it comes down to it? It wasn’t in the original manuscripts so how can we keep it and at the same time maintain integrity?”
Formulations of Major Arguments
Argument 1: Canonical Status of John 8:1-11
- Premise 1: If a biblical passage is not present in the earliest and best manuscripts, its canonical status is questionable.
- Premise 2: The story of the woman caught in adultery is not present in the earliest and best manuscripts.
- Conclusion: Therefore, the canonical status of the story of the woman caught in adultery is questionable.
Counter-Argument:
Even though the story of the woman caught in adultery is not in the earliest manuscripts, its presence in later manuscripts and its alignment with Jesus’ teachings justify its inclusion. The early church’s acceptance and the story’s theological value suggest that its exclusion would overlook an essential aspect of the Christian narrative. The passage’s message of forgiveness and mercy is consistent with the broader themes of the New Testament, which lends credence to its spiritual and doctrinal significance. Additionally, the process of canon formation involved discernment by early church leaders, who may have recognized the story’s value despite its later addition. Thus, the story’s theological coherence and historical reception argue for its continued inclusion in the Bible.
Argument 2: Textual Integrity and Inspiration
- Premise 1: If a text was not part of the original manuscripts, it cannot be considered divinely inspired.
- Premise 2: The story of the woman caught in adultery was not part of the original manuscripts.
- Conclusion: Therefore, the story of the woman caught in adultery cannot be considered divinely inspired.
Counter-Argument:
The concept of divine inspiration can extend beyond the original manuscripts. The early church’s discernment and inclusion of the story highlight its perceived spiritual truth and importance. Thus, inspiration may be understood as encompassing texts that the faith community recognizes as revealing divine truths, even if they were added later. The church’s role in canon formation involved recognizing writings that were spiritually edifying and doctrinally sound, which means that the inspiration of a text can be seen as a dynamic process involving communal discernment rather than a static attribute confined to the earliest manuscripts. Moreover, the story’s alignment with the overall message of the New Testament and its profound moral and spiritual lessons support its inclusion as inspired scripture, reflecting the lived faith and practice of the early Christian community.
◉ Addressing the Absurdity of a Holy Book:
Questioning the Divine Necessity of Scripture
The idea that an all-powerful, all-knowing deity would choose to communicate through a book, bound by human language and cultural context, raises several questions. This method of communication seems limited and prone to misinterpretation, hardly befitting an omnipotent being. To illustrate the absurdity of this concept, consider the following analogy:
This analogy illustrates the absurdity of believing in an all-powerful, all-loving being who chooses such an indirect and convoluted method to reveal himself. Just as Sally finds it ridiculous to believe in a hidden suitor based solely on the testimony and love letters provided by others, it is equally unreasonable to believe that a supreme deity would communicate solely through ancient texts, leaving believers to interpret and debate their meaning. If an omnipotent God truly desired a relationship with humanity, would it not be more logical and effective for this deity to reveal himself in a direct, clear, and unmistakable manner?
The fundamental theological assertion that God communicates through a holy book invites critical examination. It necessitates a deep reflection on the nature of divine communication and the expectations of faith. Instead of relying on ancient scriptures, an omnipotent deity could choose to engage with humanity in a more direct and transparent way, eliminating the ambiguity and misinterpretation that often accompany religious texts.
We warmly welcome you to discuss this topic further in the comments section. Let’s engage in a thoughtful conversation about the nature of divine communication and the role of holy books in conveying religious truths.
Free of Faith 
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