In this accessible study, Peter Enns offers an evangelical affirmation of biblical authority that considers questions raised by the nature of the Old Testament text. Enns looks at three questions raised by biblical scholars that seem to threaten traditional views of Scripture. First, he considers ancient Near Eastern literature that is similar to the Bible. Second, he looks at the theological diversity of the Old Testament. Finally, he considers how New Testament writers used the Old Testament. Based on his reflections on these contemporary issues, Enns proposes an incarnational model of biblical authority that takes seriously both the divine and human aspects of Scripture. The book includes a useful glossary, which defines technical terms and an annotated bibliography for further reading.
It is time we questioned the Bible and especially the purveyors of the rigid dogmatic interpretors of this very important book. We Christians need to be open to these conversations and to find ways to adapt the Bible's teachings to our modern culture rather than force our modern culture into the interpreted molds ancient times. I find those who fight for and demand making biblical inerrancy into some kind of law, are often those who will discuss nothing that challenges their strict, personal interpretation of the Bible. They don't understand that the Bible was written as historical treatises by human beings with their own well-meaning agendas. Much of the OT often seemed to be written by fearful and controlling people, who often quite clearly had less than benign agendas. Christianity should be about Christ's love and his lessons about how to love. Trying to jam less than loving ideas into His lessons must be exhausting. If people truly believe ALL of the Bible, they would need to admit their lives were total lies. Second, and more importantly, if we can't have open, civil conversations about non-conforming ideas, we need to look at the foundation we have constructed under our faith. Do we have true faith, or just indignation at those who challenge even a morsel of our faith? Do we live in God's love, or do we truly believe that believing only in a God as we see it as the only road to eternal life? Fear of other is not faith.
This author is not a Christian. In another era he would be identified as a heretic.
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