Reformed Theology and the Bible

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PhD edit

Otto Weber (1955)(1981) mentions the problem of ‘Biblicism’ that as an approach within some evangelical churches reviews the Bible out of context at times with rigid literalness of interpretation. Weber (1955)(1981: 17). This approach often negates theology as irrelevant. Weber (1955)(1981: 17). Weber makes an excellent point as through academic theological blogging, for example, I have found that some evangelical fundamentalists downplay the use of theology, commentaries and any scholarship. They often prefer a plain literal read of the Bible and are sceptical of any scholarship that may challenge their views. John Frame recognizes in light of Biblicism that there is still value in traditions, confessions and church history, although he believes in the sufficiency of the Scripture. Frame (2002: 10). Biblicism is a wrong extreme but Frame desires that Scripture be correctly understood.

Edward E. Hindson, as a Professor of Religion, wrote the ‘Introduction’ to Presbyterian theologian William G.T. Shedd’s (1874-1890)(1980) text Dogmatic Theology and charges that Shedd’s ‘profound insight into theological truth was no mere matter of casual intellectual reflection.’ Hindson (1874-1890)(1980: iv). This is a correct and reasonable approach to the difficult academic field of theology and Reformed theology. Careful and thorough scholarship is required. Theology is not to be done at the expense of the Scripture, but within a correct study of that Scripture. Shedd reasons that ‘methods of investigation are continually undergoing correction and modification’ and this can lead to better organization of the subject. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 4 Volume 1). Theology is always considered in the light of cultural and historical setting of the day, the implication being that a culture will influence theology and therefore theology needs to be scrutinized with this concept always in mind. This however, should never alter essential Biblical doctrines found by studying Scripture in context.

The doctrine of sola scriptura is the Reformed and Protestant counter to the traditionalism of the Roman Catholic Church. This concept was originally applied by Reformers to particular Roman Catholic doctrines assumed to be over influenced by tradition. Weber reasons the Reformation standard of sola scriptura firmly upheld Reformed views against counter propositions. Weber (1955)(1981: 113-114). The Scripture is authoritative because it is the vehicle by which the Holy Spirit speaks, and therefore has divine authority. The Bible is the product of the Christian community that produced it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A dividing point between Protestants and Catholics comes with Schreck’s idea that God within Catholic thought continues to select certain individuals that teach with God’s authority through the Holy Spirit. Schreck (1984: 42). Protestants and those within the Reformed camp have, at times throughout history disagreed, with the Biblical and theological interpretations of certain Roman Catholic leaders, in particular the Pope, believed to be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Schreck (1984: 42). Calvin explains, within The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, his opinion that at that point in history the Papacy was beyond Reform. Calvin (1543)(1996: 17).

From my experience in the UK academic system (MPhil/PhD) Biblicism is assumed by many (not all) British academics to take place with many North American Christians also assumed to be fundamentalists and evangelicals. I reason I faced this with my PhD review even as a Reformed moderate conservative. I was called Biblically naive, even though I was advised by advisors not to concentrate on Biblical Studies but on Theology and Philosophy of Religion. I am not Biblically naive and my first two Christian degrees were largely Biblical Studies and I won a scholarship and Great Distinction. I reason these assumptions explain some of the initial negative critiques I received at Manchester and Wales as I was forced prove I could interpret Scripture correctly and objectively and at the same time not become liberal.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

FRAME, JOHN M. (2002) The Doctrine of God, P and R Publishing, Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

HINDSON, EDWARD E. (1874-1890)(1980) ‘Introduction’ within SHEDD, WILLIAM G.T. Dogmatic Theology, Volume 1, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

SCHRECK, ALAN (1984) Catholic and Christian, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Servant Books.

SHEDD, WILLIAM G.T. (1874-1890)(1980) Dogmatic Theology, Volumes 1 and 2, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

WEBER, OTTO (1955)(1981) Foundations of Dogmatics, Volumes 1 and 2, Translated and annotated by Darrell L. Guder, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.





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