Lecture on Biblical Inerrancy and Inspiration

Key Speakers

• Kevin Van Hooser: Advocates that inerrancy applies to all affirmations made by scriptural authors.
• Geisler: Holds a limited inerrancy view, which seems inconsistent with Van Hooser's approach.

Inerrancy

• Definition: Inerrancy means scriptures are truthful in all affirmations, not just in doctrinal statements.
• Van Hooser's View:
  • Asserts that the Bible is wholly true.
  • Inerrancy covers all aspects, including ethical instructions.
• Geisler's View:
  • Limited inerrancy is seen as contradictory.
  • Believes in human elements in scripture.

Inspiration

• Traditional Understanding:
  • No clear mechanism of inspiration provided by the Bible.
  • Debate over divine dictation vs. human authorship.
• 2 Timothy 3:16: Often cited for inspiration but lacks clarity on divine dictation.
• Chicago Statement:
  • Asserts that God caused writers to use specific words.
  • Contradictions noted between divine dictation and human freedom.

Geisler's Systematic Theology

• Human Agency:
  • Acknowledges human personality and culture in biblical texts.
  • Bible is a human book without error.
• Divine Concurrence:
  • God's words align with human authors' desires.
  • Tension between freedom and divine choice of words.

Critiques and Observations

• Geisler's Perspective:
  • Appears to want both dictation and human element.
  • Contradicts his own anti-Calvinistic views.
• Syllogism: "God cannot err, therefore the Bible cannot err" is seen as simplistic.

Traditional Inerrancy Views

• Verbal Plenary: Every word is inspired, not just the message.
• Discrepancies Noted:
  • Differences in grammar and memory lapses in scriptural texts.
  • Concerns about editorial fatigue and parable versions.

Conclusion

• Understanding of Inspiration:
  • More into "Word of God" than may be intended.
  • Ambiguity in "theanustas" (God-breathed) interpretation.
• Verses Used:
  • 2 Peter 1:20-21: Prophecy as spoken, not written.
  • Possible over-interpretation by traditional inerrantists.

These notes provide an overview of the discussion on scripture inerrancy and inspiration, highlighting contrasting views and complexities in understanding biblical texts.