An Introduction to Textual Criticism

Psalm 138:2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.

Proverbs 30:5, 6 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

Psalm 119:89 Your word o' Yahweh is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

I think it's very important to know God's word, and know it well. God gave us an intellect and I think He expects us to use it. I know it's hard work to study diligently, it's not as if we just sit back and soak in God's word miraculously. But if we're to minister to those who are not Christians, who don't claim the word of God as a source of authority, or to those who claim the name of Christian but reject the inspiration and inerrancy of God's word, then it will take work on our part to know why these people believe the way that they do and have an answer to them.
I believe the verses of Scripture quoted above, but I don't believe them with the kind of faith that turns my mind off to the history and text of Scripture. I believe that the facts concerning the Bible, where it came from and how it came to us in the form that it is in today, line up with the teachings of the Bible concerning its own nature and that's why I try to share information like this.

Now is a good reminder too because it's not long until the James White vs. Bart Ehrman debate and conference in January.

So here's some excellent series of articles on textual criticism from Colin Smith of AOMIN.org

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 1

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 2

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 3

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 4

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 5

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 6

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 7

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 8

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 9

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 10

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 11

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 12

An Introduction to Textual Criticism Part 13