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Christian Scripture: An Evangelical Perspective on Inspiration, Authority and Interpretation

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Praise God that, in the wake of the "Battle for the Bible" that has raged in Southern Baptist circles in recent decades, He has provided the voice of David S. Dockery. Dockery's language is not that of war. Indeed,he examines the doctrine of inspiration with a fair and honest tone. His scholarship is thorough and penetrating enough to benefit the academically-oriented reader. Yet, while not simplifying the issues under consideration, Dockery consistently communicates important concepts with clarity. The text is divided into four sections. The first provides an introduction to the recent crisis concerning the Bible's origins and authority. The second surveys the on-going debate over the inspiration, truthfulness, authority, transmission, and canonicity of the Bible. Section three focuses on the interpretation of scripture, and includes an informative review of significant developments in the history of hermeneutics. In the final section, Dockery examines "The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture in the SBC", in addition to providing a thorough bibliography and glossary of key terms. While Dockery's scholarship clearly has grown out of his experience in the SBC, the usefulness of this text is not limited to the SBC. Christians of all denominations would benefit greatly from soaking in the insights this text provides. This book should be read and discussed widely. The Church should celebrate this "fresh breath" in the dialogue about its sacred Scriptures.