Category Archives: Biblical inspiration

Some of what I believe today – Biblical interpretation

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Those who’ve read my blog for any length of time know that I dispute the usual Evangelical/Fundamentalist doctrines of Biblical inspiration.  What may have not been so clear, except by extrapolation, is what I do (and do not) propose this means when it comes to the authority-basis for Christian belief and practice. I begin with the premise (unprovable—that’s why it’s a premise—but I believe it’s … Continue reading Some of what I believe today – Biblical interpretation »

When Reading the Text Do You Know Whose Talking?

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I’ve been reading an amazing book by Abraham Heschel a leading Jewish Rabbi, theologian and philosopher of the 20th century. In his book “God in search of Man” I stumbled across a phrase that captured my attention and said so eloquently a key phrase. He said “There is in the bible God’s word to man, but there is also man’s word to Him and about … Continue reading When Reading the Text Do You Know Whose Talking? »

Sola Scriptura — Really!

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Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone).  It’s a phrase originally made famous by the reformer Martin Luther.  I’m not clear on the historical precedent, but today I hear it most often from those who consider themselves part of the Reformed tradition–which now seems largely to mean modern Calvinism–when they recite it as one of the Five Solas.  Aside from the irony of having five “onlys” in anything,  … Continue reading Sola Scriptura — Really! »

Tempted as we are?

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A study group I’ve been meeting with has been asked to memorize Hebrews 4:14-16, and it’s dug up an old, nagging irritation for me.  The writer of Hebrews states that our High Priest, Jesus, “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  I’ll come right to the point:  at least as that sentence reads in English, I cannot accept it as … Continue reading Tempted as we are? »

If Spirit = Breath, what of Theopneustos?

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Those who know me well may have seen this coming…but now that we’ve looked at the Holy Spirit, not as a “being” but as the Wind/Breath of God (see this post if you haven’t already read it), it’s time to take another look at an old friend.  I refer, of course, to θεόπνευστος (“theopneustos”) from 2 Tim. 3:16.  Those who already know Greek will know, … Continue reading If Spirit = Breath, what of Theopneustos? »

Rightly Dividing the Word — A Summary

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I was under the illusion that I had completed my occasional series on Biblical Inspiration until several friends pushed back on my “ROCK” summary of my faith distinctives.  Reading back over my posts I see that I never really wrapped up my position, so this is a shot at doing so.  I shall not attempt to fully justify my position in this post; interested readers … Continue reading Rightly Dividing the Word — A Summary »

2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Even Further Thoughts

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OK, so we’ve established that I was wrong in placing 2 Tim. 3:14-17 in a single sentence. But no translation I have EVER read portrays verses 16 and 17 as anything other than a single sentence, and this is important. Let’s look: 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that … Continue reading 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Even Further Thoughts »

Important article on Biblical Inspiration

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I just came across an amazing article on Biblical inspiration that goes into much greater detail, and with much more scholarly foundation, than my series has so far. I haven’t had time to read the whole thing yet, but I will. I’ll probably highlight bits of it in future posts. The article is “Inerrancy, Inspiration, and Dictation” by Joel Stephen Williams, and it was published … Continue reading Important article on Biblical Inspiration »

2 Tim. 3:16 — Redux, Correction, and Further Thoughts

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Those who have read my series on Biblical inspiration know that I took issue with the use of 2 Tim. 3:16 as a prooftext for the inerrancy of the entire Biblical canon. I stand by my objection, but I have to do a correction nonetheless. One of my suggestions in my prior post, was that perhaps 1 Tim 3:14-17 should be read as a single … Continue reading 2 Tim. 3:16 — Redux, Correction, and Further Thoughts »

David and Goliath Revisited – a textual analysis

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And now, for something completely different, I want to highlight an article just published by Mike Heiser at Bible Study Magazine. Clash of the Manuscripts: Goliath & the Hebrew text of the Old Testament looks at the twin issues of Goliath’s height, and an apparent textual contradiction in 2 Samuel 21:19 about who actually killed him (see also Mike’s blog, The Naked Bible). I won’t … Continue reading David and Goliath Revisited – a textual analysis »