The Inspiration of Scripture: Problems and Proposals

Christians generally agree that the Scriptures are inspired and that this doctrine is of basic importance. But how is the doctrine of inspiration to be understood and what does it mean for our Christian faith?

Paul Achtemeier shows how recent knowledge of the way the Scriptures were formed raises problems in regard to the traditional understanding of inspiration. In response, he presents possibilities for a new approach to inspiration that is compatible with recent critical discoveries and allows the Bible to continue to play a meaningful role. He deals with "liberal" and "conservative" views, specific contradictions in the Bible, and what the Bible says about itself. A perceptive study, "The Inspiration of Scripture" proposes a view of inspiration that makes sense for today and probes its implications for the believer and the believing community.