The Bible as a Moral Guide: Debates and Transformations

Reflections on the Bible's enduring influence and ongoing debates highlight its continued relevance in modern ethical discussions. One of the most intriguing formal debates between an atheist and a Christian, the Oliphant-Smith Debate, occurred in 1929 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This debate not only delved into the moral and ideological differences between two belief systems but also resembled the broader intellectual and cultural conflict of the era.

Oliphant-Smith Debate: A Clash Between Atheism and Christianity

Wilbur L. Oliphant, a preacher from the Oak Cliff Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas, faced Charles Smith, who was the President of the American Association of the Advancement of Atheism in New York City. On August 16, 1929, Mr. Smith, while affirming the proposition that "Atheism is Beneficial to the Race and is Most Conducive to Morality of Any Theory Known to Man," did not provide any substantive defense of atheism. Instead, he attacked Christianity, a method that closely aligned with the atheistic approach.

The Positive Moral Teachings of the Bible

In response to Smith's critique, Oliphant provided an extensive list of positive moral teachings found in the New Testament. Christ's teachings included:

Avoiding Hatred: Matthew 5:21-22 No Lustful Thinking: Matthew 5:28 No Unfair Judgments: Matthew 7:1-2 Love of Enemies: Matthew 5:44 Reconciliation: Matthew 5:24 Non-resistance: Matthew 5:38-39 Avoiding Anxiety: Matthew 6:25-29 Self-examination: Matthew 7:3-5 Respect for Government: Romans 13:1-7 Equality of Man: James 2:1-4 Universal Brotherhood: Matthew 23:9 Forgiveness: Mark 11:25 Thrift and Industry: Ephesians 4:28 Progress: Hebrews 6:1 The Value of Truth: 2 Corinthians 13:8 Truth as the Basis for Freedom: John 8:32 Humility: Luke 14:11 Benevolence: Acts 20:35 Honesty: Romans 12:17 Single Standard of Morals: Ephesians 4:4 Unselfishness: Romans 12:10

Oliphant recognized the moral superiority of the Bible in comparison to the values of the ancient world. He then challenged Smith to find fault with the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12, and emphasized that any virtue could be found in the Bible. In response, Smith admitted his inability to prove most things using the Bible, reflecting a feeble response to Oliphant's challenge.

Christianity and the Transformation of Morality

Tom Holland's book, "Dominion," further emphasizes the revolutionary impact of Christianity on societal values. The ancient world was characterized by cruel and barbaric practices. Infanticide, the treatment of slaves, and the complete disregard for the rights of the weak and poor were common. It was against this backdrop that Christianity emerged to transform society. Holland notes that Christianity revolutionized sex and marriage, demanding self-control and prohibiting rape. He also highlights how Christianity confined sexuality to monogamy, a standard now derided as antiquated.

Holland’s argument is ironic because these very values are now the cornerstone of modern ethical debates. The elevation of women and the transformation of societal norms by Christianity are often overlooked in discussions of its negative impacts. This historical and cultural perspective underscores the enduring and transformative power of the Bible in setting moral and ethical standards.

As discussions around the morality and ethical teachings of the Bible continue, it is clear that these ancient texts continue to influence modern debates and discussions. Whether seen as a moral guide or a controversial document, the Bible remains a central text in debates about ethics and morality.