This is the newest video on my “Journey to Atheism” series. :)
A Skeptic’s Thoughts on Bible Prophecy
One of the most commonly used arguments for believing the Bible are Biblical prophecies. This is the idea that certain things were prophesied in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) ended up occurring. These prophecies range from claims about Jesus fulfilling prophecies to current events that fulfill prophecies.
This seems like a great reason to believe in the Bible on the surface. After all, a supernatural book could make supernatural predictions. The problem is, every example I’ve seen of these so-called “fulfilled prophecies” have far more likely explanations.
From what I’ve seen these “prophecies” can be attributed to the following…
1) Misquotes or misinterpretation of Old Testament scripture.
Example: the book of Isaiah is a book about the suffering of the people of Israel (Jewish people). Many people taken Isaiah 53 (referred to as the “song of the suffering servant”) as prophecy of Jesus, when earlier in the book (Isaiah 29:3) Israel is stated to be the servant. Also, the Hebrew Bible is sometimes misquoted in the New Testament to say there is a prophecy about something when there isn’t. Examples: Matt 24:44.46/ John 7:38
2) Accounts that were purposely written to fulfill the prophecy.
The gospels were written many years after the supposed crucifixion of Jesus. There are currently no contemporary accounts these gospels can be compared to for accuracy. The writers of the gospels were at least aware of the Hebrew Bible and the authors could have fabricated some of these events to convince the Jewish people that Jesus was the messiah.
3) Prophecies were vague or easily fulfilled.
One good example of this is Deut 18:15-18. This passage promises another prophet like Moses. That’s pretty vague. It doesn’t state how this prophet will be like Moses or any specifics. There are many prophets who could fulfill a vague prophecy like that.
4) Prophecies that were known and purposely fulfilled as a result.
This is also known as a “self-fulfilling prophecy”. The Jewish people returning to Israel are a good example of this. Why did they want to return? One reason was because it was in prophecy. Since it was in prophecy they tried to make it happen.
5) Prophecies can be coincidence.
This fills in what remains, but I find myself rarely having to say “that’s just a coincidence” when it comes to Biblical prophecy. There are usually better explanations that I summed up above. This is just an explanation to keep in mind because if throws out enough vague, confusing prophecy, one is bound to be right occasionally.
This is the introduction to a series I’m currently doing on my channel. I recently posted part 7, so check out my Youtube channel if the series interests you. :)
http://www.youtube.com/user/Lovingdoubt#g/c/E94C8C1199425A90
BTW, I plan on posting a text blog later this week. :)
I random video where I talk about being sick. :) A video with more substance is coming later in the week.
Jim (husband) and I answer some of your questions. :) Sorry we couldn’t do all the questions, but I hope you still enjoy!
This video is a response to this video: “Ask and We Will Answer” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBCBfN…
