Inspiration

Description

This publication aims to present theology at its most accessible, relevant to the discussion of the issues concerning Biblical authority. Its aim is to work out an account of inspiration that focuses on the impact of the Biblical text upon the reader. While the author himself draws strongly on the writings of the philosopher Karl Jaspers and the theologians Austen Farrer and John Macquarrie, he gives a clear and fair account of more conservative positions. Analysis of word-centred theories and non-verbal theories of inspiration are offered.

Dr. David R. Law is Reader in Christian Thought in the School of Arts, Histories and Cultures, at the University of Manchester. He is author of Inspiration (Continuum, 2001) and Briefly: Sartre's Existentialism and Humanism (SCM, 2007).

"Inspiration ...is a reader-friendly textbook on the doctrine of biblical inspiration and authority. Law lays out his subject matter in a well-ordered, systematic treatment which commends its use as an upper-level college or seminary text....Law effectively resuscitates the notion of 'authority' from the deadly effects of authoritarian and legalistic associations. Equally worthwhile are the incisive critiques of word-based theories of inspiration, particularly the devastating critique of rigid theories of inerrancy. Inspiration should not be the only book to inform one's view of Scripture, yet clearly it deserves a prominent place in the library of such works."- Ben Leslie, Journal of Nabpr "a book of interesting and exciting ideas" --New Directions, October 2001 "useful for careful discussion of the issues concerning Biblical authority" --Reform, November 1, 2001 "A thorough study. The first part is plainly reasoned, cogent, important, and should be read by every Christian, or at least every Fundamentalist." --Brian Firth, Rapport Magazine, March 2002 "The books are for those who know the seriousness of the issues raised. Intellectual rigour and honesty are notable characteristics of these two volumes . . .David Law [...] treats us to helpful examinations of word-centred and then non-verbal theories of inspiration . . . I shall certainly be looking out for the other volumes as they are published." --Baptist Times, 4 April 2002 (reviewed with James Byrne's God) (On the NCT series) "The aim is to ensure that key theological issues - God, Sin, Love come out of the religious ghetto to be talked about in homes, pubs and clubs. They are very readable, not too long and well designed." --Borderlands: 1, Summer 2002 "A worthwhile addition for larger libraries and institutions committed to the topic." --Theological Book Review Feed the Minds "...Law does carefully and clearly present the most important issues in the modern debates about biblical authority and inspiration. This is a challenging book because the issues with which it wrestles are challenging. But Law has capably charted the landscape of the debate." - Catholic Library World * Catholic Library World *