If the Bible Is Corrupt, Where Is the Original? A Call for Evidence
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
One of the most frequent claims in Muslim–Christian dialogue is: “The Bible has been corrupted.” While this is often asserted with confidence, it is rarely accompanied by historical evidence. As a theologian committed to truth, scholarship, and honest dialogue, I believe such a serious claim deserves serious questions in return.
The Central Question
If the Bible is corrupt, where is the original, uncorrupted Bible?
This is not a rhetorical challenge. Any claim of corruption presupposes a clear “before” and “after.” If the Bible was altered, there must have existed an original, pure text. The burden of proof lies squarely on those who make the claim.
Additional Questions for Reflection
How can the Bible be corrupted when thousands of copies already existed across different regions?
If corruption required altering the text, it would need to be uniform across countless manuscripts spread across empires, continents, and languages. How could such widespread manipulation occur without leaving any historical trace?Which specific manuscripts represent the “uncorrupted” Bible?
Can these originals be produced or cited in historical records? If corruption is real, why do we not have any surviving copy of this “original” text?Who allegedly corrupted the Bible, and when?
What historical group or council decided to change God’s word, and for what purpose? Were these changes intentional or accidental? And why are there no contemporary records describing such monumental events?Why does textual criticism fail to find evidence of theological corruption?
Scholars have compared thousands of manuscripts, from the Dead Sea Scrolls to early translations. None show evidence of doctrinal corruption regarding Christ’s divinity, His crucifixion, or the Trinity. How, then, can we claim corruption without manuscript evidence?How can a text be called “corrupted” if God promised to preserve His Word?
In the Bible itself, God repeatedly declares that His Word will endure forever (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). If the Bible was divinely preserved, how could corruption succeed?If the Bible is corrupt, why is the Qur’an itself dependent on the Bible?
Many stories in the Qur’an—Moses, Abraham, Jesus—are drawn directly from biblical texts. If the Bible were already corrupted in Muhammad’s time, how could the Qur’an accurately reflect these narratives?Why has no Muslim scholar ever produced an “original, uncorrupted Bible” as evidence?
If the claim is true, why are there no historical, manuscript, or archaeological proofs? What prevents the presentation of this text in public or scholarly debate?
A Call for Evidence
I ask these questions respectfully to my Muslim friends and scholars:
If the Bible has been corrupted, please identify the original, uncorrupted manuscripts. Which historical documents preserve the authentic revelation prior to the alleged corruption? How exactly was corruption achieved despite widespread distribution? Who did it, when, and why?
This is not hostility. It is a pursuit of truth. Dialogue must be grounded in evidence, not repeated slogans.
A Personal Commitment to Truth
I am not afraid of evidence. If verifiable, original, uncorrupted biblical manuscripts could be produced—manuscripts that contradict the Bible we have today—I would reconsider my theological convictions, even to the point of reciting the Shahada. Truth does not fear scrutiny.
Conclusion
The charge of biblical corruption is repeated often, but repetition does not equal proof. Until an original, uncorrupted Bible is presented, the claim remains historically unsubstantiated. Christianity rests on a foundation of textual transparency, scholarly verification, and divine preservation.
Let us move beyond slogans. Let us examine evidence. And let us pursue truth with integrity.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Founder, USA Theological University
Christian Theologian | Bible Scholar | Restorative Justice Advocate
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