Message #159

[AndrewF]

I posted a reply which has not worked at all... wonder why? - ah well - try again!

I would say that the church as a whole is consistent as it has said for a long time that both approaches (of treating the bible as inerrant or as something which needs interpreting and may well be metaphorical in places) are valid and, while the different factions do not agree with each-other they have been consistent in not doing so and are also consistent within themselves.
I would also say that it is coherent, since the issues where it allows variation are not core beliefs. All the factions adhere to all the absolute core beliefs. Even the most careful reading of the Creed does not give any indication as to whether we need to take the bible as inerrant!