On today’s Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank discusses an article in the Wall Street Journal on a new translation of the Bible by professor Robert Alter. According to Alter, the very first words of the Bible, “In the beginning,” have long been misconstrued. Thus, Alter alters the words to read, “When God began to create the Heavens and the earth” instead. This change was made because in his opinion God did not create the universe out of nothing; rather he was merely an assembler of elements already in existence. As Hank points out, this is a very old canard. A canard that flies in the very face of big bang cosmology which lends credibility to the biblical contention that God created the universe out of nothing. As such big bang cosmology in concert with the Bible stands in stark opposition to the scientifically silly suggestion that the universe has eternally existed.
Hank also answers the following questions:
- In Matthew 16:18 it says “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” What are the gates of Hades?
- What is your opinion on Calvinism?
- When the apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas, were they going against God? Should Paul have been chosen instead?
- When someone passes away, does their spirit go directly to Heaven or Hell, or is there a waiting period before judgment?
- What are your thoughts on the debate of in whose name are we supposed to baptize?