Inerrancy vs infallibility
In all of the lectures I have heard that cover the topic of the authority of Scripture, Dr Mounce (Content and Theology), Dr Ware (Systematic Theology) and Dr Piper (Pastoral Theology) all affirm inerrancy. That is, they affirm that all of Scripture is authoritative for faith and practice (the lesser affirmation of infallibility) as well as being historically factual (the more strict claim). Yet I am confused why the stronger affirmation (inerrancy) is professed in the lectures but the lesser affirmation is made in statement of faith:
>Article One: Scripture
>
>The Bible is the infallible word of God, the supreme rule for faith and practice.
>
>The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament came from the very mouth of God and are without >error in the originals. Scripture is therefore the unique and supreme guide for all it affirms, >including both belief and behavior.
Can anyone (perhaps Dr Mounce) comment on this?
Comments
This was a hard one. I wrote
This was a hard one. I wrote the Statement of Faith as I did so as to try and avoid some of the debate on this point, while still affirming its utter trustworthiness. Saying "without error in the originals" is, however, a statement of inerrancy. --Bill
Response
Some things can be said without being said directly.
Inerrancy of the Autographa
How far does inerrancy of the autographa go? Are we saying that the Apostles could not make spelling mistakes? Is there any evidence that Paul was aware that his letters were being inspired in such a way?
It seems to be a useful heuristic device - but do we literally believe that perfect documents once existed that are forever lost to us? On what basis?
Graham Veale
Build us up please
Mr. Veale,
Your questions are really loose. If you're trying to figure out the answer, it might be more helpful if you ask more specific questions. It is very difficult to write responses on forums to questions such as the ones that you posed; entire books have been devoted to answer questions such as the ones you have posed. On the other hand, if you're asking such open-ended as a means to instill doubt about the "inerrancy of the Autographa" then that is another thing. However, if that is the case, how is it helpful and how is it edifying? The problem with questions like that is that if the questions are by themselves, it just leaves uninformed people with doubt and confusion, which are never good in and of themselves. As I see it, those types of questions are not sufficient in themselves to build a person up; questions like that need additional information after them building arguments that bring people closer to the answer.
As to your questions:
Not all of the "Apostles" penned a piece of the New Testament Scriptures. Furthermore, not all who penned a piece of the New Testament Scriptures were apostles. As to the spelling errors, does it matter? How do you know it was a spelling error? Were there alternate spellings for certain words just as there are now (e.g. color and colour). As I typed "colour" this forum spell-check said that it is a spelling error; however, if I am communicating with someone from South Africa, England, or Australia that would be the correct spelling.
There is plenty of evidence that Paul considered his speech to be not His words, but God's (e.g. 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 7:10, etc). Furthermore, 2 Peter 3:16, written by Peter makes it very clear that Paul's letter were to be regarded as Scripture. Furthermore, there is precedence that "tiny" things in Scripture are perfect and serve purpose (Matthew 5:18). As to spelling "mistakes", it doesn't matter. The question should be, did the New Testament authors correctly and accurately communicate the truth of God? Did their intended audience understand the message?
Helpful
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Proving the Scriptures
This lecture on proving the Scriptures reminded me of something my pastor once said in a sermon. I just wanted to share it with everyone.
"To the believer, no explanation is necessary: to the unbeliever, no explanation will suffice."
As to faith and practice
As to faith and practice-
"Inerrancy and Infallibility" do also mean "Trustworthiness and Authority".
"Errancy and Fallibility" are the same with "Chaos and Insanity".