Bibliolatry is the notion that Christians are guilty of idolatry when they view the Bible as equal to God, or when studying the Bible supersedes their personal relationship with Him. No one is suggesting a literal bowing down to worship the Bible as a material object. I have heard sermons by evangelicals who teach that Bibliolatry is committed whenever Christians value  “head knowledge” above “heart knowledge.”
The primary reason for studying the Scriptures should be to draw us closer to Christ. If we’re not desiring a deeper love for Jesus and longing to become more like Him it’s time to stop and examine our motives. That said, is it possible for Christians to become overcommitted to the Scriptures to the point of worshipping the Bible instead of God as some believe?

Bibliolatry is the notion that Christians are guilty of idolatry when they view the Bible as equal to God, or when studying the Bible supersedes their personal relationship with Him.  No one is suggesting a literal bowing down to worship the Bible as a material object. I have heard sermons by evangelicals who teach that Bibliolatry is committed whenever Christians value “head knowledge” above “heart knowledge.” But this makes no sense because one cannot have a transformed heart without first having an informed mind. (Psalm 119:11,  Heb. 4:12)

However one might define Bibliolatry, to think the Bible can become an idol that can be sinfully worshipped seems ludicrous. The Scriptures are the infallible, inerrant, sufficient, Word of God that were written under the direction of Christ through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  (2 Pet. 1:20-21, 1 Pet. 1:10-12) Christ is the focal point of all Scripture and He Himself is called the Word of God. (Jn. 1:1; Rev. 19:13). And the written words of Christ are eternal, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  Mt.24:35.  “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”  Psalm 119:89

The accusation of Bibliolatry is certainly not a new one.  In times past this thinking typically came from those who denied the literal interpretation and inerrancy of Scripture.

Read More