The Word of God
Growing up, it wasn't out of place or unusual to refer to the bible as the Word of God or God's Word. But now after deconstructing from fundamentalist beliefs, it's beginning to strike me as actually quite odd. I do have the opinion that viewing the bible as inerrant and infallible seems to lead to what I'd call idolatry, and the use of this phrase "Word of God" seems like an indication of that.
Apparently, it started with writing of reformers, who would respond to criticism with scripture and bolster their scriptural arguments by saying "according to the Word of God."
Yet, to me, this seems like misdirected faith. They are using the written "Word of God" as their compass, not the living Word of God, Christ.
Scripture is inspired by God, not written by God. While Christ is God, and is the Word of God. Scripture points us to the spirit of Christ, and it is Christ that we profess to follow. It's just interesting/sad how history unravels and how perspectives change and evolve, for better or worse.
In the gospels and Paul's writings, following the religious traditions just for the sake of it was condemned. Following the letter of laws was seen as futile. Jesus and Paul taught people to follow the 'spirit' behind the laws and traditions. It seems some traditions of christianity have forgotten that, and have replaced old laws and traditions with new ones