THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES FOR MORE INFORMATION
As Christians, we all aspire to grow our understanding of the Bible.
After all, it’s full of timeless wisdom and important lessons.
But before we can truly grasp its message, there are many misconceptions about the text that need to be debunked.
To help us better understand what it really says and learn its true power, let’s explore 12 false beliefs about the Bible and delve into why they actually aren’t valid interpretations at all.
Join us in unraveling these misunderstandings and uncovering what God truly wants us to know!
#1. Mary Magdalene Is a Prostitute
Mary Magdalene was never identified as a prostitute, nor is there anything in the Bible pointing to her involvement in this work.
This was a rumor circulated in medieval times that unfortunately stuck due to a mention of a woman in the Bible who begged for Jesus’s forgiveness.
It also encouraged other women living in sin to follow in her footsteps in this narrative.
#2. New Earth Will Lack a Sun and Moon
Some readers of Isaiah and Revelations believe that New Earth will have no sun and moon because God will get rid of them.
However, it’s much more likely that the context of these passages points to them not being needed because Christ will illuminate the world.
#3. Mary Rode on a Donkey to Get to Bethlehem
Mary is traditionally believed to have ridden a Donkey to get to Bethlehem to give birth.
But while this is the story most are familiar with, it’s not likely true.
Given that Mary was not rich enough to travel by animal, the Donkey story was probably introduced later and became a much more popular retelling over time.
#4. The Great Deluge Began Immediately
A lot of people believe that the moment Noah was able to gather all of the animals on his ark, the Great Flood began.
However, this isn’t the case.
Noah had to wait a week for the flood to begin, although it’s never precisely explained why there was such a long waiting period.
#5. There Were Three Wise Men
Those familiar with Nativity Scenes are accustomed to the scene of three wise men giving gifts to the baby Jesus.
Few may know that there’s no indication it was only three magi.
While three gifts were given, nothing in the Bible states there were three wise men.
#6. Satan Tempted Eve with an Apple
The story of creation is one of the most well-known aspects of the Bible, but it’s also quite misunderstood.
For example, Satan tempts Eve to eat an apple in the Garden of Eden.
While this is the commonly circulated version of the story, Eve was never tempted by Satan but by a serpent.
It’s also never disclosed what type of fruit she was eating.
#7. Palestinians Are The Same as Philistines
Philistine in Hebrew means Palestinian, which has led some to draw a connection between the two.
Interestingly enough, it’s far more likely that the real Philistines of the Bible traveled by Sea from Crete, further evidenced by their more exotic and civilized culture discovered through archaeological digs in Ashkelon.
#8. King David Is Not Real
There’s much arguing and contesting regarding historical accuracies in the Bible.
You may have heard that King David of the Bible was never a real person.
But while some characters may be just legends, some archaeological evidence potentially points to King David being a real person in the past.
Whether or not he killed Goliath is another conversation entirely.
#9. The Immaculate Conception Is About Jesus’s Birth
The Annunciation is the term that refers to Jesus’s Birth, but the term that is most associated with this is the wrong one: The Immaculate Conception.
The Immaculate Conception is a strictly Catholic belief that God shielded Mary to prevent her from being born from original sin, as the mother of God needed to be sinless to bear him.
This is not something that’s a concept shared among all believers.
#10. A Whale Ate Jonah
A human being swallowed by a fish isn’t likely.
But a human being swallowed by a whale is much more possible.
That said, while most people accept that a whale swallowed Jonah, the Bible states explicitly it was a large fish.
#11. The Bible Is One Book
The concept that the Bible is one cohesive narrative is relatively new.
The truth is that the Bible is a collection of various texts compiled in such a way that agrees with most views of Christianity.
In fact, the Bible is comprised of stories that span thousands of years, written in Aramaic, Hebrew, and even Greek.
#12. All Christians Use the Same Bible
Many Christians might hold similar views, but that doesn’t mean they read from the same Bible.
For example, Catholics and Protestants are two groups that use different Bibles, a change that came about due to issues with Deuterocanonical Books.
Uplifting Bible Verses to Brighten Your Day
Do you need some positive words spoken into your life?
If so, the Bible is a great place to what you need.
Here are the best uplifting Bible verses to help you reset in today’s world.
Signs Christian Beliefs Are More Toxic Than Holy
We all like to think that we are doing good in God’s eyes.
But sometimes, we take our beliefs too far, and instead of doing good, we are sinning and not treating others with love.
Here are the biggest ways Christians take their beliefs a little too far.
SIGNS YOUR CHRISTIAN BELIEFS AREN’T AS HOLY AS YOU THINK
Pray to The Universe
Do you know how to pray to the universe?
Many people think they do, but they are doing it wrong.
As a result, they never get the things they want.
Here is how to pray to attract exactly what you want.
What Are Angel Numbers
Are you interested in learning more about angel numbers and how they can change your life?
Here is the ultimate guide for getting the most out of these numbers
Using The Law of Assumption
Do you know how to use the law of assumption in your favor?
Here are the best tips and tricks for thinking positively to get what you want.
MAKE THE LAW OF ASSUMPTION WORK FOR YOU
Jon Dulin is the passionate leader of Unfinished Success, a personal development website that inspires people to take control of their own lives and reach their full potential. His commitment to helping others achieve greatness shines through in everything he does. He’s an unstoppable force with lots of wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm – all focused on helping others build a better future. Jon enjoys writing articles about productivity, goal setting, self-development, and mindset. He also uses quotes and affirmations to help motivate and inspire himself. You can learn more about him on his About page.