Bill Hamilton asked if I had any further references on the issue of Scripture
and revelation. As you know, this has become central in the debate with Glenn.
I feel he has chosen an approach that is overly rigid and therefore makes
"problems" easy to pose. But Glenn's view may be incorrect. (So might
mine...we're always subject to reformation).
My two favorite writers on the subject are Donald Bloesch and Clark Pinnock.
"Essentials of Evangelical Theology" (Bloesch, Harper & Row) is a marvelous 2
volume overview, which traces the history of doctrine through the main
theologians up to the present. A great starting point and a set I'd recommend
to all Christians.
"Holy Scripture: Revelation, Inspiration & Interpretation" (Bloesch, IVP), is
his latest word on the very issues under discussion.
Pinnock's "The Scripture Principle" (Harper & Row) is his current view on the
subject. Very strong on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
Bernard Ramm, a few years before he died, wrote a marvelous book "After
Fundamentalism" (Harper & Row) in which he warns of the very rigidity I see as
a problem for Glenn. Ramm's evangelical credentials are unquestioned, and that
makes the book quite moving. [I am also biased because I corresponded with
him].
Hovering over all these works is the genius of Karl Barth. He influenced
protestant theology like Einstein influenced physics. His massive works are
perhaps unapproachable for the layman, but Bloesch is a Barthian scholar and
Ramm's book explains much of his thought. The leading Barthian today is G. W.
Bromiley, so if you see anything by him I'd recommend it as well. He has
written numerous introductions to commentary sets, etc.
The more I think about this, the more important the Word of God becomes. Our
approach to the revelation of our Creator has to be one of reverence and awe,
humility and trust--and only then we can look at the physical world and
interpret what we find.
Hope this helps. Happy reading.
Jim