Brief on slavery

The review

WALLACE TOM Jr. (2015) Refuting Islam, The Christian Patriots Guide to Exposing the Evils of Islam, Bellingham, Fundamental Publishers.

Mr. Wallace documents the historical practice of slavery in Islam. As noted Mr. Wallace reasons that the best English source for learning about Islam is not the Qu'ran, nor it is the Sunnah. (58). The author suggests a classic text on Islamic law titled Reliance of the Traveller (ROT). (58). See below his text on page 103 noting ROT o9.13 and o9.14.

Page 103

Mr. Wallace writes that rules on Islamic slavery are documented in Chapter Eight of the Qur'an. (103).

Some examples

The Noble Qur'an

Qur'an (8:69)

69. So enjoy what you have gotten of booty in war, lawful and good, and be afraid of Allah. Certainly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Qur'an (33:50)

The Noble Qur'an

50. O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have made lawful to you your wives, to whom you have paid their Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), and those (captives or slaves) whom your right hand possesses - whom Allah has given to you, and the daughters of your 'Amm (paternal uncles) and the daughters of your 'Ammah (paternal aunts) and the daughters of your Khal (maternal uncles) and the daughters of your Khalah (maternal aunts) who migrated (from Makkah) with you, and a believing woman if she offers herself to the Prophet, and the Prophet wishes to marry her; a privilege for you only, not for the (rest of) the believers. Indeed We know what We have enjoined upon them about their wives and those (captives or slaves) whom their right hands possess, - in order that there should be no difficulty on you. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The Noble Qur'an

Quran (23:5-6) - "..who abstain from sex, except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess..."

The Religion of Peace

The Religion of Peace website provides other examples from the Qur'an as well as the Hadith and Sira.

Quote

Islam neither ignores nor condemns slavery. In fact, a large part of the Sharia is dedicated to the practice. Muslims are encouraged to live in the way of Muhammad, who was a slave owner and trader. He captured slaves in battle; he had sex with his slaves; and he instructed his men to do the same. The Quran actually devotes more verses to making sure that Muslim men know they can keep women as sex slaves (4) than it does to telling them to pray five times a day (zero).
---

Mr. Wallace has correctly opined that orthodox historical, scriptural Islam supports slavery in contexts.

Again, as with orthodox Islamic teaching in general, I am not stating that the majority of modern Muslims follow this orthodox teaching. Certainly a significant number of westernized Muslims will interpret such Islamic scriptures more liberally. One significant reason would be to avoid the negative impact of such views within the context of Western worldviews.

BBC

Cited

Abolition Muslims and the abolition of slavery Slavery remained part of the fabric of Islam for over 1200 years (although the Druze, a group that sprung from Muslim roots, abolished it in the 11th century). While slavery was in theory greatly limited by Islamic law, in practice it persisted on a large scale in Muslim lands.

Cited

Since slavery is permitted by Islamic law, Muslim countries have used secular law to ban it.

Titus 1: 10-14: New Testament versus philosophy of religion?

Crete from Lonely Planet

Titus 1:10-14

The Apostle Paul writing to Titus in regard to Crete:

New American Standard Bible

5 For this reason I left you in Crete... New American Standard Bible (NASB)

10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Titus 1:10-14

English Standard Version (ESV)

10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.[a] 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans,[b] a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”[c] 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

Footnotes:

Titus 1:10 Or especially those of the circumcision
Titus 1:12 Greek One of them
Titus 1:12 Probably from Epimenides of Crete

Titus 1:10-14 King James Version (KJV)

10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
---

I have interpreted using texts, including online audio:

New American Standard Version

12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true.

As using hyperbole. In other words, generally at that time in history, Cretans lied as a culture and demonstrated immoral (internal) and unethical (external) qualities.

However in verse 13...

13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith...

These people in Crete can do otherwise as demonstrated in verse 13. If universally people from Crete were always liars, immoral and unethical as in verse 10-12, they would not be redeemable in verse 13. It is generally true that people from Crete are liars immoral and unethical.

Philosopher Blackburn mentions Epimenides, from Crete that is supposed to have said that all Cretans are liars. If he did speak this truly (as a Cretan liar, my add) then what he said was false, and vice versa. (121). If this person would have stated something was false, then it would be true.

Blackburn states this is the liar paradox. Example: This sentence is false., which must be false if the sentence is true, and it must be true if it is false. (217). It has been suggested that the sentence, This sentence is false., fails to say anything. (217). I would agree, as in anything reasonable.

Blackburn states the type of sentence that states nothing is at least false. (217). How useful is it to discuss the meaning of This sentence is false.? Perhaps it is better stated as not reasonable. It could be philosophically argued as non-nonsensical.

I have never taken this as meaning that the Apostle Paul, and/or the scribe that wrote Titus, reasoned in a plain literal way that every single person in Crete always lies and are immoral and unethical.

May I suggest that both the Apostle Paul and Epimenides were using hyperbole and not plain literal language. And may I add, that I doubt that either writer would claim to have known every single Cretan! I reason this even as the Apostle Paul was inspired by God, the Holy Spirit to write or at least produce the book of Titus.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Brief & non-exhaustive reasons not to sellout

Hatzic Lake, Mission: Remax

I met this afternoon with a Board member for my employer and we agreed that the modern sellout form of Christianity is in grave error.

Brief and non-exhaustive reasons...

Manuscript evidence

There is a reasonably, textually consistent, documented religious history throughout the ancient biblical world, taking place within that world.

Papyri Cataloged 127
Uncial Mss. Cataloged 318
Minuscule Mss. Cataloged 2, 880
Lectionaries Cataloged 2, 436

Total 5, 761 (Numbers in all categories inch up periodically with new discoveries) German numbers from 1994 and 2011 are accessed.

ELWELL, WALTER AND YARBROUGH, ROBERT W., Third Edition (2013) Encountering The New Testament, Grand Rapids, Baker Academic.

Biblical evidence

Allowing for progressive revelation in the New Testament, which is chronologically later than the Hebrew Bible and amplifying the original testament (the new covenant see Mark 14, Matthew 26, Luke 22, Hebrews), it is documented that biblical central theology and doctrine are consistent in both Testaments and through the writings of the Church Fathers.

Theology and Philosophy of Religion

God is the first cause (Genesis) and nothing other than God existed prior to God creating angelic beings and the material universe. Perhaps non-material angelic beings were created prior to the creation of matter.

God is therefore infinite and eternal with an immutable, unchangeable nature. God inspired theology in biblical Scripture through his prophets, apostles and scribes. This  reflects the divine unchanging nature and the divine view toward creation and humanity.

In contrast, human beings are fallen (Genesis 3) and sinful (Romans) requiring salvation via the applied atoning and resurrection work of Christ, through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to those in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1-2). This human salvation to be completed via resurrection to finite perfection with a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15) and membership in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22).

A well-established system of logic is essential

Peter Twele: Facebook

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York. (Philosophy)

In Chapter IX 9: The Algebra of Logic

Philosopher Langer, explains that within symbolic logic an assumed  Universe of Discourse exists whose elements were certain with specific classes of A, B, C etcetera; this includes class I and a null class 0. (206).

For each (positive) class of A, B, C, etcetera, there is a negative class. (206). For every two classes (as described by Langer) there is a sum and a product. (206). Therefore what is a produced is what Langer names a calculus. (2006).

Facts about specific elements are expressed. (206). If these facts are not expressed then a correct calculus cannot be reached within a Universe of Discourse in symbolic logic. For example, if the sum of A and (plus) B were not equal to B (In other words, if A and B were not the same), then the product of A and -B could not be 0. (206). She reasons that we might instead calculate the sum of A x -B and B as the element of A + B. (206). Every structure is composed of elements. (49).

Notice, she is stating might...

This is rules of formal reasoning as opposed to necessarily truth. But, the truth there is requires logic and reason for correct presentation.

For arguments sake, reviewing Langer, if from her example the sum of A and  B did not produce the product of B, then perhaps the product in a Universe of Discourse would instead be C,or Z, etcetera, produced by multiplication. Instead of a general theory of classes, rather the properties of each class may be learned. (206). For me, Langer's example here lacks clarity.

What exactly does she mean by A x -B and B?

This textbook requires more footnotes with explanation.

A key to understanding any calculus, any calculations would be to have a well-established system within the Universe of Discourse. A well-established system of logic is essential in symbolic and also with the presentation of premise (s) and conclusions within academic disciplines.

Key symbols

≡df = Equivalence by definition
: = Equal (s)
ε = Epsilon and means is
 ⊃ = Is the same as
 ⊨ is Entails
 ˜ = Not
∃ = There exists
∃! = There exists
∴ = Therefore
. = Therefore
< = Is included
v = a logical inclusive disjunction (disjunction is the relationship between two distinct alternatives).
x = variable
= Conjunction meaning And
0 = Null class
cls = Class
int = Interpretation

Reforming from Reformed?

SUV from the North Shore to Vancouver, Wednesday.

Preface

The topic below was discussed in general terms as I met with a Reformed pastor today.

I opined that a good understanding of Reformed theology should isolate church members and attenders from adapting to liberal theology. He agreed.

(Sadly, this good understanding is not taking place in Reformed churches in many cases, according to this pastor with a PhD.)

Some are reforming from reformed...sad to hear.

PhD, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, 2010: Theodicy and Practical Theology 

Scudder comments that if the sovereignty of God is stressed, and evil is still considered to be reality, then this logically leads to the idea that God causes evil and it is part of a predetermined plan. I agree with this notion, but Scudder deduces that a strong view of God willing evil for the greater good means evil could be understood as not really being evil. I can understand how a scholar could come to such a conclusion, but a Reformed influenced sovereignty theodicy does not need to agree with this idea which is foreign to both traditional Reformed and conservative theology.

Robert H. Mounce (1995) explains that God directs the affairs in life, for those who love him, for the greater good. C.E.B. Cranfield (1992) comments that although God can will grievous and evil things to occur, God in Christ works these things towards the greater good, in particular in the context of salvation for those that know Christ. Evil and sin are not to be confused with goodness and obedience within Reformed traditions, but as God willingly allows evil things to occur, his purposes and motives are pure.

Driving downhill faster than I expected or wanted.

CRANFIELD, C.E.B. (1992) Romans: A Shorter Commentary, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers.

SCUDDER, DELTON, LEWIS (1940) Tennant’s Philosophical Theology, London, Oxford University Press.

MPhil, Bangor University, 2003: The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives.

31 Days of Prayer For Canada

Canadian Bible Society

This is my personal website, the views expressed do not express the views of my employer, The Canadian Bible Society.

As Regional Director for British Columbia and Yukon, I can state that I am receiving good feedback from local pastors and churches in regard to the guide. This colourful, simple prayer guide provides a Scriptural reference for each day of July, from July 1 to July 31. It features various bible versions throughout the month, encouraging Canadians to ponder on the national celebrations for Canada Day, July 1 with prayer to the biblical God.

For a copy, please contact:

rnmred@gmail.com

Prayer

Leibniz and Newton invented this...

Yesterday: North East Maple Ridge: Barnebcue

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York. (Philosophy) 

The review continued:

On page 200, Philosopher Langer explains that the system of symbolic logic (that has been explained for 200 pages) describes definite rules of computation. (199). These elements are described as calculus in the most general sense of use of that word. (200). Langer reasons that of course the tern 'calculus' is used in mathematics, and is quote 'invented by Leibniz and Newton' (200). Langer reasons that a calculus is in any system wherein one can calculate. (200).

The calculus of class somewhat resembles ordinary algebra she reasons. (200). Far more simplistic than most algebra (200), (although, still definitely tricky to convey to readers!).

I read in an academic article years ago that the use of symbolic logic by philosophers dissuades many academics within philosophy, philosophy of religion and theology to attempt to interpret. This motivated me to study this Langer text!

w = World Cup
u = Colourful uniforms
n = Nationalism
f = Fanatics

(w) ⊨ u = n ∴ f

World Cup entails colourful uniforms and (equals) nationalism, therefore fanatics.

x = World Cup
a = Colourful uniforms
b = Nationalism
c = Fanatics

(x) ⊨ a = b ∴ c

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York. (Philosophy)

Key symbols

≡df = Equivalence by definition
: = Equal (s)
 ε = Epsilon and means is
 ⊃ = Is the same as
 ⊨ is Entails
 ˜ = Not ∃
= There exists
∃! = There exists
∴ = Therefore
. = Therefore
< = Is included
v = a logical inclusive disjunction (disjunction is the relationship between two distinct alternatives).
x = variable
= Conjunction meaning And
0 = Null class
cls = Class
int = Interpretation

The Hadith and Western moral outrage

Book review continued:

WALLACE TOM Jr. (2015) Refuting Islam, The Christian Patriots Guide to Exposing the Evils of Islam, Bellingham, Fundamental Publishers.

Again, I will state that this is a book review of the text of Mr. Wallace.

In Chapter 12: Islam Encourages Pedophilia, Mr. Wallace explains that it is common documented knowledge the Muhammad married his wife Aisha when she was six years old and consummated the marriage when she was nine years old. (99).

Wallace quotes Sahih Bukhari 5: 58: 234...

Sahih Bukhari online

Cited

Volume 5, Book 58, Number 234 :

Narrated by Aisha The Prophet engaged me when I was a girl of six (years). We went to Medina and stayed at the home of Bani-al-Harith bin Khazraj. Then I got ill and my hair fell down. Later on my hair grew (again) and my mother, Um Ruman, came to me while I was playing in a swing with some of my girl friends. She called me, and I went to her, not knowing what she wanted to do to me. She caught me by the hand and made me stand at the door of the house. I was breathless then, and when my breathing became Allright, she took some water and rubbed my face and head with it. Then she took me into the house. There in the house I saw some Ansari women who said, "Best wishes and Allah's Blessing and a good luck." Then she entrusted me to them and they prepared me (for the marriage). Unexpectedly Allah's Apostle came to me in the forenoon and my mother handed me over to him, and at that time I was a girl of nine years of age.

From

Sacred texts

Cited

The Hadith are anecdotes about Muhammad and other founders of Islam. They are considered important source material about religious practice, law, and historical traditions. This is an extensive collection of Hadith as organized by Muhammad Ismâ'îl al-Bukhârî, one of the most respected of the Hadith redactors.

Wallace has emphasized the Qur'an and Sunnah as the sacred texts of Islam:

From

BBC Religion

Cited

Sunnah and Hadith In addition to the Qur'an, the other sacred sources are the Sunnah, the practise and examples of the Prophet Muhammad's life, and the Hadith, reports of what the prophet Muhammad said or approved. Both the Hadith and Sunnah must adhere to a strict chain of narration that ensures its authenticity, taking into account factors such as the character of people in the chain and continuity in narration. Reports that fail to meet such criteria will be disregarded.

The Hadith is at times examined  and questioned for reliability and is therefore not always held in as high of regard as is the Sunnah, by those within Islam and Islamic scholarship. The Hadith would contain the story of Muhammad and the sayings of Muhammad.

In my mind, the topic pf pedophilia (paedophilia) and child marriage within Islam will be divisive along liberal and conservative theological and worldview lines. Liberal and westernized adherents to Islam and their scholars will typically downplay these sexual practices as ancient and outdated within Islam. These Muslims will tend to be sensitive to the reasonable, moral outrage within the Western world to these sexual practices.

Those within Islam that hold to fundamentalistic, conservative doctrines and traditional religious practices may hold to and embrace child marriage, especially within Islamic countries where these practices are less likely to be prosecuted legally by government authorities.

These are not what I would consider exhaustive categories of which positions would be taken in regard to child marriage within Islam.

Although the Bible defines no age for marriage, I would subscribe to the model from Genesis 2 (Hebrew Bible) that Adam and Eve were both mature, mentally stable adults of the opposite sex, that were bonded together in marriage by God and their God.

Wife beating? (Brief article)

Book review continued: 

WALLACE TOM Jr. (2015) Refuting Islam, The Christian Patriots Guide to Exposing the Evils of Islam, Bellingham, Fundamental Publishers.

This will be a quite controversial section from Mr. Wallace's book, but please remember I am reviewing his text, while at the same time attempting to document from primary sources with English translations, the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Primary Islamic law and scripture is found within the law (s) from the Qu'ran and/or the Sunnah. (58).

Mr. Wallace states that in Islam beating a disobedient wife is consistent with what the Qur'an teaches. (88). Again I will go to the Qur'an and let it speak for itself, of course translated into English.

Quote:

The Noble Qur'an

Qur'an: Surah 4: 34

SAHIH INTERNATIONAL

Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.
---

Based on this English translation, wife bearing within orthodox, fundamentalistic Islam, reads as an intellectual, theological, worldview possibility. Although if striking the wife does not work, the husband is to seek no means against them. But how many times will a wife have been struck and how much physical damage done? What happens to a supposed continually disobedient wife?

I reason there is plenty of room with this Scripture for religious, culturally based interpretation and action.

Islam & women (Brief)

Book review continued: 

WALLACE TOM Jr. (2015) Refuting Islam, The Christian Patriots Guide to Exposing the Evils of Islam, Bellingham, Fundamental Publishers.

The Noble Qur'an

Cited

Qur'an in Surah 2:223

YUSUF ALI

Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act

SHAKIR

Your wives are a tilth for you, so go into your tilth when you like, and do good beforehand for yourselves

PICKTHALL

Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before

MUHSIN KHAN

Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth when or how you will, and send (good deeds, or ask

SAYYID ABUL ALA MAUDUDI (2:223)

Your wives are your tilth; go, then, into your tilth as you wish1
---

Wallace references this section from the Qur'an in Surah 2:223 and explains that the meaning of tilth is a plowed field. (87). He writes that Islamic scholars interpret this as meaning that the wife is the field for the husband to plant his seed, whenever and however he desires. (87).

Does this means that all within Islam follow this teaching in a conservative fashion? No. Perhaps it will be interpreted less strictly and more liberally by many. But will many strict Muslims interpret this in a more conservative, fundamentalistic way? Yes, indeed.

Brief on contradiction

Northern Canada

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications, New York. (Philosophy)

Langer uses the example of the wife of King Arthur (122) as in there is at least one element under this concept. (122). One element is within this class. Class is also defined as 'sort'. (122). If there is no wife of King Arthur, then there is nothing of the sort. (122). This is null class.

This operation generates the complement (-a). 'Null' class means that means 'all its members' equals none at all. This null class could be 'No wives of King Arthur'. (123).

Langer explains that for every (a) there is at least one (-a). (192). The proposition which defines the nature (-a) is stated to describe the operation (-), upon the element (a). (192).

She further goes on to explain that the element might of course (as it is symbolic logic) have any name we like. The symbols (b) or (c) could be used. Wherever there is (a), there is the operation (b), or wherever there is (a), there is the operation (c). (192). But she explains that this type of symbolism would be correct but not helpful. (193).

From page 199:

'For every a there is at least one element -a such that the sum of a and -a is the universe class, and their product is the null class.' (199). If a is a universe class of Christians and -a is the universe class of no Christians, their product would be a null class. This means there is nothing of the sort that is a class of both Christians and not Christians. This would be contradiction.

a=Christian (s)
-a=No Christian (s)

a+-a = 0

Christian universe class plus no Christian universe class equals null class.

(a) ⊨ (-a) = 0

Christian universe class entails (would entail) no Christian universe class equals null class.

Practically, it can be reasoned that if one is sorted out as the category of Christian, there needs to be theological and philosophical consistency with premises that would define one as Christian in contrast to contradictory premises of one that is not Christian. 'Null' class means that means 'all its members' equals none at all. (123). The null class of Christians not Christians.

Now I will opine that if this was just a class of human beings, then it would not be null class, but if no human beings was introduced as a class then again it would be null class. The product would be null class.

LANGER, SUSANNE K (1953)(1967) An Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Dover Publications,
New York. (Philosophy)

Key symbols

≡df = Equivalence by definition
: = Equal (s)
 ε = Epsilon and means is
⊃ = Is the same as
 ⊨ is Entails
 ˜ = Not
∃ = There exists
∃! = There exists
∴ = Therefore
. = Therefore
< = Is included
v = a logical inclusive disjunction (disjunction is the relationship between two distinct alternatives).
x = variable
= Conjunction meaning And
0 = Null class
cls = Class
int = Interpretation

John 21: 24-25 Briefly

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

ELLIS, DAVID J. (1986) 'John' in F.F. Bruce (gen.ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/ Zondervan.

Jon Courson

From Pastor Courson's website he has a recent sermon from May 30 on John 21.

As I have noted, I have listened to Pastor Courson on radio/online since 1987. He takes a rather dispensational, plain literal, perhaps fundamentalistic hermeneutic, in general with his interpretation of Scripture. This is quite useful for straight bible reading and basic interpretations, but in my mind does not always produce a more correct theology:

John 21:24-25

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written.

Pastor Courson does not deal with the contextual issues with this section of Scripture. Notice the stars with the New American Standard Version. Scholarship will provide explanation shortly. Courson does not deal with contextual problems, but also takes the idea that the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus Christ as plain literal.

From his commentary:

The world could not even hold all that could be written about Jesus Christ. (605).

It seems to me that over the years I have come across two atheistic critics which use this claim from John 21: 25 as a premise that demonstrates that the Gospel of John is ridiculous and false.

Ellis suggests that this concept is exaggerated metaphor and hyperbole. (1263). The ideas and stories in the gospels could basically, based on what Ellis writes, continue on to infinitude. But they never would.

Ellis reasons that verse 25 may have been added by a scribe at a later date. (1263). It may or may not be inspired Scripture.

Bible Hub

Examples from two commentaries:

Meyer's NT Commentary

Cited

Not only is the inharmonious and unspiritual exaggeration in John 21:25 un-Johannean (unsuccessfully defended by Weitzel, loc. cit. p. 632 ff., and softened down by Ewald, with a reference also to Coh xii. 12), it is also apocryphal in character (comp. similar hyperboles in Fabricius, ad Cod. Apocr. I. p. 321 f., and Wetstein in loc.), but also the periodic mode of expression, which does not agree with the Johannean simplicity, as well as the first person (οἶμαι), in which John in the Gospel never speaks; moreover, nowhere else does he use οἴεσθαι, which, however, is found in Paul also only once (Php 1:17). The variations are (see the critical notes) of no importance for a critical judgment.

Benson Commentary

John 21:25. And there are also many other things which Jesus did — Many which none of the evangelists have recorded; which, if they should be written every one — Every fact, and all the circumstances thereof; I suppose — This expression, which softens the hyperbole, (if this be one,) shows that John wrote this verse; the world itself could not contain the books that should be written — The construction of this verse, in our present translation, is fully justified by adducing from the Old Testament expressions equally hyperbolical. 

Cited

“I agree perfectly,” says Dr. Campbell, “with those interpreters who think that the hyperbole contained in this verse is much more tolerable than the torture to which some critics have put the words, in order to make them speak a different sense.” “Perhaps,” says the pious Dr. Doddridge, referring to what St. John here declares respecting the many other things done by Jesus, which have not been recorded, “it may be a most delightful part of the entertainment of the heavenly world, to learn from our blessed Lord himself, or from those who conversed with him on earth, a multitude of such particulars of his life as will be well worthy our everlasting admiration.

A reasonable contextual approach would be to view this explanation as figurative literal. In other words, the Apostle John (or scribe) is explaining that there would be a virtually endless supply of Jesus Christ stories. Writers could produce material on Jesus Christ as God-man, endlessly. But this will not happen. The science and common sense would not allow an endless supply of books to fill the earth in a plain literal way, but it is fanciful metaphor.

James: Different works

Sandy, Utah

Driving home from the YVR the other day, I was listening to a well-known local pastor on the radio speak on the book of James.

Paraphrased:

When Paul was discussing that one is not saved by works righteousness, but by faith through grace, the Apostle meant that no person provided a work or works for salvific merit.

The applied atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ is applied to believers, alone. See Romans, Galatians and Ephesians 1-2.

When James stated in 2: 24:

You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

This is not in regard to salvific faith, but a life of Christian virtues. In other words a human being that is actually justified and saved through the work of Christ will demonstrate Christian virtues. This is my view connects to Paul’s statements in Ephesians 2 that being saved through grace through faith, those in Christ are created for good works in Jesus Christ.

I have noted earlier on this website:

This celebrated passage was a stumbling block to Reformed Theologian Martin Luther. Carson (1986: 1541). And therefore one can acknowledge there is a level of sophistication involved with this subject. It continues to be a complex and controversial issue today.

For the Apostle Paul, faith in the New Testament has to do with legal justification before God, as in the texts of Romans and Galatians. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). For James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ, the meaning is somewhat different, as vindication is meant as in showing righteousness to God and humanity. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). In Paul's writings, deeds of law are discussed, in regard to the topic of merit (and lack of). Carson (1986: 1541-1543). In the Book of James, faith has to do with love and obedience. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). James is concerned with the evidence for faith before God and persons. As in a public testimony. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). Paul states human beings are not justified by works. Carson (1986: 1541-1543).

This is of course very notable in Ephesians as in Chapter 2, in Romans 4, and in Galatians 2. James does not contradict this in 2: 24. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). Legal justification and therefore salvation is not in mind but rather justification and righteousness in works for one that already has saving faith. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). Carson mentions Calvin's idea that faith alone justifies (saves) but faith alone should never be alone. Carson (1986: 1541-1543). Barclay writes that it is only through deeds that faith can prove itself and only through faith that deeds with be attempted and done. Barclay (1975: 78). Barclay reasons faith is bound to overflow into action. Barclay (1975: 78). 'Faith and deeds are the opposite sides of man's experience with God.' Barclay (1975: 79). Barclay views no one's faith as genuine unless it moves his/her to action. Barclay (1975: 79).

Bible Gateway.com

2: 17

οὕτως καὶ ἡ πίστις, ἐὰν μὴ ἔχῃ ἔργα, νεκρά ἐστιν καθ’ ἑαυτήν. 

17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is [a]dead, being by itself. (New American Standard Bible)

So indeed - faith if it has not works, dead/useless is by itself. (Mine wooden Greek)

From the New Testament, Bauer views the term 'dead faith' in James, 2: 26, also 17 and 20 as useless faith. Dead works cannot bring about 'eternal life'. Bauer (1976: 534-535). Carson too used the term useless faith as in dead faith. Carson (1986: 1542).

BARCLAY, WILLIAM (1976) The Letters of James and Peter, Philadelphia, The Westminster Press. 

BAUER, WALTER. (1979) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Translated by Eric H. Wahlstrom, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press. CARSON T. (1986) ‘James', in F.F. Bruce (ed.),The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.