There are probably ministers in your community who don’t believe the Bible is literally true. That came to mind again when I was reading an article in the religious section of the Kansas City Star one Saturday.

In this particular column, a question is asked of two ministers of the KC area, and each answers in his or her own way. That week, the question was asked, “Is the Bible actually God’s Word, and did the biblical events really happen?”

Both the ministers said they do not believe it to be true. One said that the Bible is not a logbook of activity, but a collection of stories that reveal God. For example, the minister said that the point is not whether the animals really went into the ark two by two, but that the story teaches us about God.

The other was even stronger about the question. He said the Bible is not actually God’s word, but is a product of more than a thousand years of human ethical, legal and poetic genius. He said that the waters were not parted for Moses, but the tale emphasizes that there is not obstacle that can stop a people whose faith in God’s love is unshakable. And no, Elijah was not transported live to heaven. Rather, it’s the story of a man whose legacy is deathless.

Well, if I were able to pick and choose what I want to believe in the Bible, I wouldn’t waste my time studying it. Nor would I bother to tell the cashier that she gave me too much change. And I’d sleep on Sunday mornings. If you can’t believe all the Bible, you’re wasting your time pretending to use it as a guide.

I repeat from other times…when looking for a church home, choose one that stresses the importance of you reading the Bible for yourself, and not relying on what someone else…even a minister…to tell you which part is true. Pity the congregations believing those ministers…and pity the ministers even more, because the Bible is clear that they will be held responsible for every soul they’ve mislead.

Beware! Unbelievers…even ministers…can lead you to hell.