The Alien Apostle by Bart Peters

I recently finished reading The Alien Apostle by Bart Peters. I am not completely sure that I could recommend this book, as I disagreed where the author ultimately led the reader, but I did find it thought provoking enough to make me think.

The story focuses on the experience (and thoughts) of a Bible College student sent into the future to a group of people he was presently preparing to go minister to with a few of his friends/colleagues. The story is mostly dialogue—sometimes seemingly simple yet intellectually interesting—centered around the Bible and what we (mankind—especially Christians) think about its authority, truthfulness, translation, purpose, etc.

Some positive points of the discussion are:

Do we really believe the Bible we hold in our hands is the Word of God, the final authority, infallible, inerrant, etc.? Is the Word of God in our hands equal to the Word of God (Christ)? Can we mistakenly worship the Bible (almost as an idol), and fail to ever have a true relationship with Christ?

Have we ever researched into why we trust the translation of Scripture that we use over the many other translations available? Are they all equal, or could some be inferior or in error? If there are errors, are they major, minor, and how can we tell what is truth and what is (deliberate or not deliberate) error?

If we simply pick a translation of the Bible because it was a gift, recommended by a friend, easier to read, etc. — If we simply raise a hand, pray (or repeat) a prayer, or determine to be better, etc. — If we only intellectually read, study, memorize, etc. Scripture — Can we be doing the right deeds, saying the right words, arguing the right points, but all without the Holy Spirit?

The author gives the example of marriage:

If we as Christians say we believe the Bible is without error and our final authority, that we should obey it in all points, and use it to argue against those who reject it, then why don’t we observe and subject ourselves to it as well? How many divorces occur among professing Christians and remarriages performed by practicing ministers that do not follow Scripture? 

This is not meant to debate, as there are many other areas in Scripture (within the Book we claim to believe and defend), which we seem to care little or nothing about in our daily lives. Have we forgotten that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, that we are to have a relationship with the Father through Christ?

I said the book raised some positive points of discussion. It reminded me of how much we do merely mechanically, without being truly moved and directed by more than just black words on white paper, merely repeating what we have previously heard, or pridefully arguing the point to prove we are right, because we are supposed to do, say, and believe certain things. 

Simply saying “The Bible says it, so I believe it”—or “that settles it” isn’t enough when our mind, words, and deeds don’t prove that’s what we really believe.