Re: [asa] Question on inerrancy

Though I would affirm inerrancy in some form, and wouldn't want to spend too
much time arguing with people about it or about exactly what it means, I
don't think statements like "If the bible is not inerrant, then first of all
there is no reason to believe 2 Tim. 3:16" hold any water at all. My wife
is not inerrant, but when she tells me something important, I believe her.
This is because of the relationship of trust I have with her, not because I
think she can never possibly err. We make all number important decisions
every day on testimony we deem "trustworthy" or "reliable" but not
necessarily "inerrant" -- ranging from everyday business transactions to
giving people the death penalty.

On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 4:36 PM, David Heddle <heddle@gmail.com> wrote:

> Bernie,
>
> They have to, it seems to me, go together (inerrancy and inspiration). If
> the bible is not inerrant, then first of all there is no reason to believe 2
> Tim. 3:16. Secondly, if we magically knew that 2 Tim 3:16 was true, but that
> the bible was (pardon the double negative) not inerrant, then only verse we
> could trust is 2 Tim. 3:16.
>
> I think in general biblical inerrancy is demonstrated by stating that 2
> Tim. 3:16 sets an extremely high standard--like a teacher who claims "I am
> never wrong." The statement by itself proves nothing--but every time the
> teacher speaks, we measure it against the lofty claim. If an error is
> discovered, the teacher falls harder than if he hadn't boasted. So it is
> with scripture. We bootstrap ourselves into biblical innerancy by weighing
> scripture against the standard set by 2 Tim. 3:16.
>
> That's my take.
>
> Of course, even with inerrancy and inspiration affirmed, there is still the
> question of "what is scripture." Catholics have sacred tradition, but
> Sola-Fide Protestants (that includes me) have to accept that the canon might
> contain errors. Unless we assume that the Holy Spirit guided the selection
> process--giving us one Sacred Tradition.
>
> David P. Heddle
> Associate Professor of Physics
> Christopher Newport University, &
> The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
> http://helives.blogspot.com
>
>
> On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 4:07 PM, Dehler, Bernie <bernie.dehler@intel.com>
> wrote:
>
>> I'm arguing with a Pastor friend who supports biblical inerrancy.
>> Here's a point I came up with- does it hold water?
>>
>>
>>
>> 1. To be "Bible-based," we should teach what the Bible teaches, but
>> not go "beyond what is written."
>> 2. The Bible claims to be 'inspired' but not 'inerrant'
>> 3. Therefore, the popular Evangelical claim that "the Bible is
>> inerrant" is to go "beyond what is written" and is not a Bible-based concept
>>
>>
>> * *
>>
>> Therefore, for someone who wants to teach the Bible in all sincerity and
>> truthfulness, should not claim more for the Bible than it claims for
>> itself. This is ironic, because this statement says the more the one takes
>> the Bible seriously, the less they should claim it is inerrant.
>>
>> * *
>>
>> *Back-up:*
>>
>> * *
>>
>> *For point 1:*
>>
>>
>>
>> *1 Corinthians 4:6<http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=4&verse=6&version=31&context=verse>
>> *
>> Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your
>> benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go
>> beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over
>> against another.
>>
>>
>>
>> *For point 2:*
>>
>> * *
>>
>> *2 Timothy 3:16<http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=62&chapter=3&verse=16&version=31&context=verse>(NIV)
>> *
>> All Scripture is *God-breathed* and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
>> correcting and training in righteousness,
>>
>> * *
>>
>> * -- and ---*
>>
>> * *
>>
>> *2 Timothy 3:16** (KJV)*
>> All scripture is given by *inspiration* of God, and is profitable for
>> doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
>>
>>
>>
>> *For point 3*:
>>
>>
>>
>> National Assoc. of Evangelicals:
>> http://www.nae.net/index.cfm?FUSEACTION=nae.statement_of_faith
>> We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible,
>> authoritative Word of God.
>>
>>
>>
>> *Comments?*
>>
>> * *
>>
>> Please keep comments short, as this post is.
>>
>
>

-- 
David W. Opderbeck
Associate Professor of Law
Seton Hall University Law School
Gibbons Institute of Law, Science & Technology
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