I tend to to reject the idea of "the Bible is my Answer Book." True, I believe the Bible offers many answers, but not ALL answers. It never even claims to be the Answer Book. This is what it claims:
"You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 3:17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (The NET Bible)
In a nutshell, the Bible claims to be two things: 1) God-powered or inspired by God; 2) useful for teaching, training, etc. The ultimate purpose for the Bible's God-empowerment and usefulness is to help the person dedicated to God live a good life. I think the Bible can be these things (inspired and useful) and accomplish this purpose (equipping people to live good lives) and not offer answers to every question.
If you think about it, it is somewhat narcissistic to demand that the Bible offer up answers to all my questions. I think it is naive for Christians to claim that it can do so. If anything the Bible answers SOME questions, helps us cope with ambivalence and mystery, and gives us the raw material necessary to live good lives in an ever-changing world.
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