Contrived in the Bible: Exploring the Authenticity and Intentionality of Biblical Narratives

One recurring critique of the Bible is that certain stories or doctrines appear “contrived”—that is, deliberately fabricated, artificially constructed, or lacking in authenticity. This perception raises profound questions about the intent, historical accuracy, and theological messaging of biblical texts.

In this blog post, we will explore what it means for something to be “contrived” in the context of the Bible, examine examples where this accusation has been made, and consider how believers and scholars reconcile such concerns with faith and academic integrity.

Understanding “Contrived” in a Biblical Context

To label something as “contrived” is to suggest that it has been consciously crafted for a purpose, often to the point of feeling unnatural or artificial. In literary criticism, the term typically implies a lack of spontaneity or authenticity in narrative development.

When applied to the Bible, the accusation of contrivance can relate to perceived inconsistencies, narrative embellishments, or theological agendas. However, it is crucial to distinguish between literary artistry, purposeful composition, and outright fabrication.

Ancient Storytelling and Purposeful Composition

The biblical authors, like other ancient writers, employed narrative techniques and structures that served specific religious, moral, or cultural purposes. The Gospels, for example, are not strict biographies of Jesus but theological narratives designed to convey particular understandings of his identity and mission.

The genealogies in Matthew and Luke differ, yet each serves to place Jesus within a lineage significant to their intended audiences. Critics may see these differences as contrived, but historians and theologians often interpret them as purposeful adaptations for distinct communities.

Apparent Contrivance in Biblical Narratives

Several biblical passages have drawn accusations of contrivance. For instance, the miraculous events in the Exodus account—the parting of the Red Sea, the ten plagues—are sometimes viewed as legendary embellishments rather than literal history. Similarly, the infancy narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke present differing details, such as the visit of the Magi versus the shepherds, which some skeptics see as evidence of artificial construction to fulfill prophecies or theological expectations.

Another example is the Book of Daniel, which many scholars date to the 2nd century BCE, despite its setting in the 6th century BCE. The detailed prophecies that align closely with events from the 2nd century lead some to argue that the book was contrived for encouragement during persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, rather than being genuine prophecy from centuries earlier.

The Role of Redaction and Editorial Shaping

Biblical texts did not emerge in a vacuum. Over centuries, oral traditions were shaped, compiled, and edited by various communities. This process, known as redaction, often involved harmonizing divergent traditions, emphasizing theological themes, or addressing contemporary concerns.

The synoptic problem—why Matthew, Mark, and Luke share so much content—has led scholars to theorize about sources (like Q) and editorial decisions. While this editorial shaping may appear contrived, it reflects the dynamic relationship between faith communities and their sacred texts.

Theological Intentionality versus Fabrication

The biblical authors wrote with the explicit aim of conveying spiritual truths, not necessarily adhering to modern standards of historical reporting. For example, parables—stories told by Jesus—are intentionally crafted to teach moral and theological lessons, not to provide literal accounts. Recognizing the genre and intent behind a narrative can clarify whether an account is purposefully structured or artificially contrived.

Faith, Interpretation, and the Perception of Contrivance

How a reader perceives biblical contrivance often depends on their prior beliefs and interpretative frameworks. For some, perceived inconsistencies or narrative embellishments undermine the credibility of the Bible. For others, these elements are evidence of a living tradition that adapts and speaks to new circumstances. In this light, contrivance is not necessarily negative; it can be seen as creative adaptation for the sake of relevance and understanding.

Reclaiming Purposeful Narrative for Faith

For believers, recognizing intentional narrative shaping does not diminish the Bible’s spiritual authority. Instead, it can enhance one’s understanding of how God works through human history, culture, and language. The process of redaction and purposeful composition demonstrates the adaptability of faith to new challenges and questions. Rather than viewing contrivance as a flaw, it can be embraced as a testament to the enduring relevance and transformative power of the biblical story.