Discussion

We are in a book group discussing O. T. Theology.  The author of the book, Bruce Waltke, says that the bible is a revealed, inspired text.  The text is open to all for reading and scholarly analysis, regardless of ones spiritual commitment.  However, the idea of revelation means that somehow God has “spoken” by the biblical text.  The idea of inspiration is that somehow the authors were brought to the place where they wrote the message God wished to make.  He says that these latter two categories indicate that a spiritual commitment is necessary for a full reading of the Scriptures as they were intended to be read.

So we are getting into the difference between scholarship and faith.

Also, Waltke speaks of the need for “illumination”.  That is the text is in some way dark or incomprehensible to me apart from a spiritual clarifying of the text.

Said one in the group  of a highly regarded biblical scholar.  “he fully understands the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), but he just does not believe it.”

So is the text open to all? Does the author need to help the reader get it?  Can one read it fully in only a scientific manner?

Good questions all.

Check out: Ephesians 3:14-18; I Corinthians 1,2; and the frequent expression “he who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  e.g.. Mark 4:9 and it’s context.

FR