It is good to remember the bible was compiled and edited by fallible men. The original dialogue quoted in the New Testament was spoken in Aramaic or Hebrew and translated into Greek at some point and now we have our English versions. It is interesting to me that some writings were lost or ditched and there are obvious insertions in places. The Roman church had custody of the bible for a long time and while they couldn't easily monkey with the Old Testament they certainly could bend the New to their own use and advantage. That said, it seems that Jesus' core message survived.
I believe the Bible is inerrant. If any piece of scripture can be broke, then the whole Bible can be unwound. Then who becomes the authority? Sorry Hastings, not you, but me neither.
