The argument presented for the authority of Scripture in the three previous posts is non-standard and idiosyncratic. Here are some references that provide more standard arguments, as well as addressing many points that I don’t mention:
- The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: A helpful clarification of what inerrancy affirms and what it does not.
- All of the standard evangelical systematic theologies have presentations on the authority of Scripture. Michael Horton, in The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, does the best job of integrating his discussion of biblical authority with the history of modern thought.
- John Frame’s The Doctrine of the Word of God is a well-received, book-long presentation of these and related issues.
- Timothy Ward’s Words of Life: Scripture as the Living and Active Word of God is another non-standard presentation, but interesting and helpful.
- Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith: A Critical Appraisal of Modern and Post-Modern Approaches to Scripture, edited by James Hoffmeier and Dennis Magary, is a recent response to many issues raised by critics – particularly by those who want to call themselves evangelical but abandon inerrancy.
- Michael Kruger’s Canon Revisited: Establishing the Authority and Origins of the New Testament Books addresses the recognition by the early church of biblical authority.
(For printing these references together with part 3, download this pdf file.)
Christians and Politics