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Scripture Alone: Exploring the Bible's Accuracy, Authority and Authenticity

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As the title implies, Scripture Alone is a book which seeks to explain and defend the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura. White focuses primary on the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, which he defines as follows:
The Scriptures are not in need of any supplement; their authority comes from their nature as God-breathed revelation; their authority is not dependent upon man, church, or council. "The Scriptures are self-consistent, self-interpreting, and self-authenticating. The Christian church looks to the Scriptures as the only infallible and sufficient rule of faith, and the church is always subject to the Word, and is constantly reformed thereby." (28)
The length of this definition shows that there are several areas involved in the issue of the sufficiency of Scripture, and White tackles them well.
He takes an interesting approach in the book. Much of the book contains argument and explanation, as would be expected. But perhaps a quarter of the book is comprised of dialogues between two people. While the dialogues are fictional, they are based on White's extensive experience debating issues of Christian theology with people of other faiths. The dialogues not only contain sound teaching, but also give the reader an idea of how the doctrinal issues the book deals with might play out in every day life. They do, however, present a somewhat unrealistic illustration. The Christian in the dialogue always has the perfect response and the right quote, whether from Scripture or the Church Fathers. While it is hard to imagine how White could write it any differently, this is not always an accurate picture of real dialogue.

White manages to cover quite a bit of material in just over 200 pages, giving a clear survey of issues surrounding the formation of the Canon, allegations of corruption and internal contradictions of the Bible, and the relationship between Scripture and the church/tradition. Two chapter deserve particular mention. Chapter 3, "Forever Settled: The Nature of God's Holy Word", covers the inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture. White discusses the standard passages on these important topics, and clearly brings out B.B. Warfield's classic teaching on the "God-breathed" nature of Scripture. What is perhaps unique about White's explanation here is how well he shows the connection between the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture to the sufficiency of Scripture. He points out that Paul wrote his last epistle, 2 Timothy, to his young protege Timothy, instructing him how to carry on the work of the gospel in the post-Apostolic period. Considering this context,"If Paul believed we should look to the papacy, or to some Spirit-led prophet, or to some group of leaders, or to some new source of revelation, this would be the place to delineate this all-important source of aid for his beloved Timothy. What he does instead is perfectly in line with the teaching of Moses, the prophets, the Psalter, and, most important, the Lord Jesus Christ: He directs Timothy to the God-breathed Scriptures as the never-changing, always sufficient source of truth." (46-47)

Chapter 10, "The Lord Spoke to Me, Saying..." is perhaps worth the price of the book by itself. The entire chapter is a dialogue between two Christians, beginning with these words: "It was just fantastic, Josh. I really hadn't known what to do, so I opened my Bible to the Psalms and started reading. And right then, God spoke to me. He told me to buy the Deep Spirit Study Bible in teal and genuine leather! It cost an arm and a leg, but I'm sure the Lord will provide." Through the course of this conversation White communicates several crucial ideas. God speaks through Scripture, not apart from it. The teaching of those who claim "the Lord spoke to me" must be tested against Scripture, and quite often these claims simply don't stand up. The Spirit of God does indeed speak to Christians today, but he does so in concert with the Word. Claiming that "the Lord spoke to me" effectively puts us on par with Scripture, for this is the formula the Old Testament prophets used to introduce their message from God. Such claims call into question the sufficiency of God's Word, even when they are spoken by people who (at least in theory) affirm that Scripture is totally sufficient.

My biggest disappointment with Scripture Alone is that White focuses much of his argument against various Roman Catholic teachings. While the historic debate over Sola Scriptura is certainly between Protestants and Rome, the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is under attack today from several other quarters, many from within evangelicalism itself. White's experience debating and otherwise responding to the claims of Roman Catholics surely influenced his focus here; I wish, however, he would have spent more time on other challenges to the sufficiency of Scripture which are more pressing today. The interface of science and Scripture, for example, is not addressed in this book at all, and yet topics of this nature are in the national headlines constantly.

As a whole, White's book is a good contribution to the discussion of the sufficiency of Scripture. He is clear and convincing on the issues he addresses, and does the reader a great service by pointing to other resources for further reading on several topics. White notes in several places that the doctrine of Scripture is of primary importance: "every attack upon the Christian faith includes, in some form or another, a denial of sola scriptura" (25). "Almost every single collapse involving denominations and churches in regard to historic Christian beliefs can be traced back to a degradation in that group's view of the Bible as the inspired and inerrant revelation of God's truth" (43); and "Almost every denial of biblical sufficiency finds its root in a misunderstanding of, or more likely, a direct rejection of, the true nature of Scripture (44). The issues addressed in this book are not of only "academic" importance, nor should they be of importance only to scholars. Every Christians has a vested interest in the doctrine of Scripture, its inspiration, inerrancy, and sufficiency. This book helps bring these issues to Christians of every stripe.

James White is a Reformed apologist who specializes in defending the faith against the doctrines of Roman Catholics and Mormons - two groups which deny the doctrine of sola scriptura or Scripture Alone. He is uniquely qualified to write such a book as he is intimately familiar with the arguments against the Bible's sufficiency. The book comes at a time when much of Protestantism has lost sight of this doctrine and has been slowly denying it. White defines this doctrine as "Scripture alone as the sole infallible rule of faith for the church." Thus he teaches that Scripture has been given to govern and guide what we believe and why we believe it and is the only guide that can do so infallibly. He has written this book to "lay a foundation for all Christians who desire a deeper understanding of biblical sufficiency" (from the back cover). The book is targeted not at theologians and apologists, but at laypeople who are interested in being able to defend their faith and have firm convictions regarding the Scriptures.

The book explores the themes of the Bible's accuracy, authority and authenticity. Interestingly, much of the book takes the form of dialogues between a Protestant believer and a Catholic or Mormon apologist. That should go to prove that this book is not targeted at intellectuals and theologians, though I have little doubt White has the knowledge to write such a book. I found the dialogues a very helpful way of explaining difficult issues in a "could happen" type of environment. While the dialogue itself is sometimes almost comical (when was the last time you spoke to someone on the subway and said "Ever considered that the primitive Christian church was hardly in a position to be chasing down copies of pseudepigraphical gospels penned by their enemies?") the content is helpful. I may not use "pseudepigraphical" in conversation, but I can certainly apply the content of that conversation to someone who believes that The Da Vinci Code is a legitimate historical work.

Among the issues White discusses are: the nature of God's Word, Inerrancy and exegesis, the canon of Scripture, apocryphal books, corruption and contradiction and scriptural sufficiency. He also includes a short section on "the Lord spoke to me" where he shows how people who believe God continues to speak to them apart from Scripture deny scriptural sufficiency. While none of the topics is covered in great detail, they all receive enough attention to explain what they are and how they relate to the defense of sola scriptura. There were not any chapters that became bogged down in detail and theological nuances - they were all straightforward and easy to read.

White has written a passionate introduction to the doctrine of the Bible's sufficiency. This is a book that any Christian, even one with little theological background, should be able to read and enjoy. The doctrines of sola scriptura are under attack from both outside the church and within. As believers we must arm ourselves with the knowledge of the issues and the ability to defend these issues which are of foundational importance to the continuance of the faith. I recommend this book as an excellent introduction to biblical sufficiency.

James White is one of my favorite writers and defenders of the faith (1 Peter 3:15). His web site is full of good material (see www.aomin.org) and his radio broadcast is enlightning and fun to listen to. His books are no exception.

In this work, Dr. White writes on the doctrine of Scripture and shows how important it is for the Church of Jesus Christ to hold to Scripture alone as our standard for doctrine, faith, and practice (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:1). Dr. White is a master debater and so within the book he offers mock debates at the end of each chapter. Further, Dr. White has been recently debating many Roman Catholics and therefore he strongly writes that many of the errors of the cults and the Catholics comes from a faulty view of Scripture.

The Reformers stood firm on the foundation of Scripture and we must not give in to the spirit of this age and deny the sole authority of the Word of God. While many churches today are seeking to become "seeker sensitive" and more "contagious" for the world to desire to come, we must not bow to this and we must fully proclaim the inerrant, infalliable Word of God (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25). If we don't, we are doomed for failure (2 Timothy 3:13).

James White is an interesting guy. Most people who talk about him come out on polarizing extremes, either you love him or you hate him. Perhaps this is because he tends to tackle issues that are laced with theological explosives. In his book Scripture Alone Dr. White does not part with his tradition...

"...every attack upon the Christian faith includes, in some form or another, a denial of sola scriptura. Whether it takes the form of blatant denial of scriptural inspiration or comes in the subtle assertion of the need for an `infallible authority' to interpret the Bible for you, the goal is the same. God's voice is either completely muted or blended in the voice of man so that one is never sure which voice is speaking. In either case, the authority of God's Word is compromised and room is made for man's ideas and schemes." (p. 25)

As expected White pinpoints the unbiblical teachings of those who deny sola scriptura, the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, and Roman Catholics to name a few. However, the contemporary evangelical church is not without thoughtful inclusion in the list of those who undermine the Bible's sufficiency. Sadly many today have a preoccupation with God speaking to them through impressions, dreams, and even audibly.

In the first four chapters White explains the biblical doctrine of sola scriptura. He spends a healthy time unpacking what Scriptural Sufficiency actually is, as opposed to the all to common unfair characterization of it by its opponents. "Sola scriptura literally means `Scripture alone.' Unfortunately, this phrase tends to be taken in the vein of `Scripture in isolation, Scripture outside of the rest of God's work in the church.' That is not its intended meaning; again, it means `Scripture alone as the sole infallible rule of faith for the church." (pp. 27-28)

In chapters 5-8 White deals with various questions with respect to canonicity, Gnostic gospels, and allegations of contradiction and corruption. As you would expect, White interacts with the Roman Catholic teaching on authority, tradition and the development of doctrine (chapter 9).

A most helpful feature in this book is the dialog that buttresses each of White's chapters. As an experienced debater White provides an abundance of real life conversations with those who would deny the sufficiency of Scripture. This feature alone makes the book worth your read. Add to this the healthy teaching on the topic and you have a valuable tool for the believer.

Sola scriptura is the Reformational principle that the Bible alone is the sufficient rule of faith for believers, standing against Rome's insistence on her magisterial authority and traditions. In this era of an evangelicalism that is drifting--or better, hurtling--into postmodern thought patterns that locate meaning within the reader rather than within the text, we need a renewed respect for the Word of God. Factor in the increasing ecumenism, and the need for another look at sola scriptura is in order.

Scripture Alone reflects the wisdom author James White has gleaned from numerous debates and discussions with Roman Catholics and Mormons, two very different groups who share the view that the Scriptures do not carry sufficient authority to be the rule of faith. As the subtitle indicates, White also examines the accuracy and authenticity of the Bible, dealing with issues such as the canon in understandable language (the canon is the body of inspired books.

Scripture Alone is written on a popular level--any reasonably intelligent teenager should be able to understand the concepts dealt with in the book, and every adult Christian should be conversant with the materials presented here.

_Scripture Alone_ is written by an author with whom I have considerable familiarity. I have read a number of Dr. James White's books including _The King James Only Controversy_, _The Potter's Freedom_, _The Same Sex Controversy_, and _Debating Calvinism_ (co-authored with Dave Hunt). In addition, I frequently tune in to White's bi-weekly webcast, a ministry of _Alpha and Omega Ministries_.

_Scripture Alone_ is White's most recent book and reflects one of the catch cries, one of the Latin solas, of the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation: Sola scriptura. This Protestant distinctive is the belief that the Bible is the only infallible rule God has given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him forever (cf. Westminster Confession of Faith). With this particular topic, what sola scriptura does not entail is just as important as what it does entail. Early on White explains that,

"Scripture alone does not mean that God zoomed by planet earth, dropped off the Scriptures, and left us on our own. As we will note when we define sola scriptura, this is not a claim, for instance, that there is no church or that there is no Spirit." (2004, p. 14)

I recently read some of the reviews for _Scripture Alone_ at Amazon.com and one customer made this remark: "What is to be desired with this book is hard scholarship. To its detriment, the book only interacts with a small amount of scholarship..." The problem with this comment is that by White's own admission, his book is an introduction (2004, p. 16) or primer (2004, p. 216).

_Scripture Alone_ is an introduction/primer to the subject of sola scriptura, but I would hazard to say that it is a unique work due largely to White's background. White is an accomplished debater, having participated in nearly fifty public, moderated debates with apologists from Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Islam, etc. Bearing that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Scripture Alone has an apologetic flavour to it. In fact, one of the book's features, which I thoroughly enjoyed, was the presence of imaginary dialogues throughout, in which White draws on his debating experience to introduce and counter common objections to issues related to sola scriptura, such as the canon of Scripture, alleged contradictions, textual errors, and so on. This helps bring the reader closer to the issues at stake, lest (s)he should think that sola scriptura is but an ivory tower issue that never filters down to the sidewalks and streets.

I found White's treatment of the canon well done. He essentially demonstrated the crucial difference between Protestants and Roman Catholics, which is as follows: Protestants hold to a potentially fallible collection of infallible books while Roman Catholics hold to an infallible collection of infallible books. To see how this issue relates to sola scriptura, you'll have to read the book!

Some of the things White treated may seem peripheral to sola scriptura. For example, White spent some time on exegesis and what it involves. The reader must remember, however, that Scripture Alone is a primer for those, who are being introduced to sola scriptura, hence, the inclusion of such topics.

As usual, White writes in a very readable style, manifesting his passion for the subject along the way. My guess is that conservative Protestants will find this book helpful while almost every other ilk of Christian will loathe it. But what can you do?

White's chief objective is to whet the appetite of his readers so that they may read more in-depth studies on sola scriptura and grow in commitment to the authority of Scripture. For me, the book served that purpose well!

I have participated in a forum that frequently has debates between Protestants and Catholics. I was thrown at first by the arguments against sola scriptura, because I had never encountered them. Mr. White does an excellent job of answering these arguments, and believe me I think I've read almost all of them. His book is very well done, especially for a lay person like myself.

James White continues to remain faithful to the Scriptures and provides a clear, understandable, and thorough analysis of the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, and presents why it is necessary and why it is the truth. I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. Thank you James!

I purchased this book because I was looking for a persuasive argument in favor of the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. I'm satisfied with the application of the terms "inspired" and "authoritative" to the Bible, but I've been struggling with the terms "infallible" and "sole rule of faith" for some months now. I was raised Evangelical Christian, but I was confused by the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. I thought this book might lead me to agree with the doctrine.

Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with James R. White's piece "Scripture Alone." It seems Dr. White's target audience is not people like me who are debating whether Sola Scriptura is sound doctrine. Rather, Dr. White's assumed audience is those who hold a priori the conviction that the Bible is the "sole, infallible rule of faith." As a person who grew up in a Church, I learned a phrase for this type of preaching to people who all agree: "preaching to the choir."

There isn't anything inherently wrong with preaching to the choir. In theory, a person who believes contrary to the preacher and choir could still learn by listening to the preacher expound on what his audience already believes. However, Dr. White's tone of voice in this book is quite harsh, condemning all other points of view and assigns to them the blame for virtually every problem in the church (seriously! he repeats this statement of blame multiple times).

If you believe anything other than Sola Scriptura, expect to be insulted immediately and frequently when reading this book.

Dr. White's condescension towards people of all other points of view cripples his message. His sometimes blatant and sometimes passive-aggressive jabs at my character caused me to spend much of my time simply "fighting back" a sense of indignation. For instance, I have read the Bible cover-to-cover and studied its contents for many years. Yet in the first chapter Dr. White insinuated that many of his opponents have never read or studied the Bible themselves and that, if they would only read the text, they would find themselves happily agreeing with his thesis. I developed a habit of writing notes in the margins to rebut not only Dr. White's arguments in favor of Sola Scriptura, but also his attacks on my character and all those who hold beliefs different from his.

Ultimately, I do not believe that Dr. White and I will ever agree. My hope that I might ever see things from his point of view was forever lost in these words which he used to close the second chapter:

We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.

The Bible whose perfection Dr. White so aggressively argues was established by a council; if the councils are fallible, how could their product be infallible? The Holy Spirit Dr. White refers to must have "added to" the Old Testament in order give us the New Testament; if this is invalid revelation, why isn't Dr. White an orthodox Jew? Finally, personal spiritual experience was always a critical source of revelation for the heroes of the faith from Abraham to Paul; why should we expect a relationship with God and truth different from the Patriarchs and Church Fathers?

I firmly and categorically disagree with Dr. White's convictions. In addition, I would council him to temper his tone of voice so that his future writing might be more persuasive and less offensive.

Loved it.

The following quotations prove that the Fathers considered the Scriptures as both sufficient and the highest authority in the church.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book III.

We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith.

Athanasius; Against the Heathen, I:3.

The holy and inspired Scriptures are fully sufficient for the proclamation of the truth.

Athanasius, De Synodis.

Vainly then do they run about with the pretext that they have demanded Councils for the faith's sake; for divine Scripture is sufficient above all things; but if a Council be needed on the point, there are the proceedings of the Fathers, for the Nicene Bishops did not neglect this matter, but stated the doctrine so exactly, that persons reading their words honestly, cannot but be reminded by them of the religion towards Christ announced in divine Scripture.

John Chrysostom, Homily 8 On Repentance and the Church, p. 118, vol. 96 TFOTC.

Regarding the things I say, I should supply even the proofs, so I will not seem to rely on my own opinions, but rather, prove them with Scripture, so that the matter will remain certain and steadfast.

Gregory of Nyssa, On the Holy Trinity.

For if custom is to avail for proof of soundness, we too, surely, may advance our prevailing custom; and if they reject this, we are surely not bound to follow theirs. Let the inspired Scripture, then, be our umpire, and the vote of truth will surely be given to those whose dogmas are found to agree with the Divine words.

Gregory of Nyssa, On the Soul and the Resurrection.

We are not entitled to such licence, I mean that of affirming what we please; we make the Holy Scriptures the rule and the measure of every tenet; we necessarily fix our eyes upon that, and approve that alone which may be made to harmonize with the intention of those writings.

Basil, The Morals, p. 204, vol 9 TFOTC

What is the mark of a faithful soul? To be in these dispositions of full acceptance on the authority of the words of Scripture, not venturing to reject anything nor making additions. For, if `all that is not of faith is sin' as the Apostle says, and `faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,' everything outside Holy Scripture, not being of faith, is sin.

Basil, On the Holy Spirit, 7.

We are not content simply because this is the tradition of the Fathers. What is important is that the Fathers followed the meaning of the Scripture.

Basil, Moralia, 72:1.

The hearers taught in the Scriptures ought to test what is said by teachers and accept that which agrees with the Scriptures but reject that which is foreign.

Augustine, Contra litteras Petiliani, Bk 3, ch. 6.

If anyone preaches either concerning Christ or concerning His church or concerning any other matter which pertains to our faith and life; I will not say, if we, but what Paul adds, if an angel from heaven should preach to you anything besides what you have received in the Scriptures of the Law and of the Gospels, let him be anathema.

Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, IV:17.

For concerning the divine and holy mysteries of the Faith, not even a casual statement must be delivered without the Holy Scriptures; nor must we be drawn aside by mere plausibility and artifices of speech. Even to me, who tell you these things, give not absolute credence, unless you receive the proof of the things which I announce from the Divine Scriptures. For this salvation which we believe depends not on ingenious reasoning, but on demonstration of the Holy Scriptures.

Augustine, De Unitate Ecclesiae, 10.

Neither dare one agree with catholic bishops if by chance they err in anything, but the result that their opinion is against the canonical Scriptures of God.

Augustine, De Unitate Ecclesiae, 3.

Whatever they may adduce, and wherever they may quote from, let us rather, if we are His sheep, hear the voice of our Shepherd. Therefore let us search for the church in the sacred canonical Scriptures.

Augustine, On Christian Doctrine, II, 9.

For among the things that are plainly laid down in Scripture are to be found all matters that concern faith and the manner of life.

Augustine, De Bono Viduitatis.

What more shall I teach you than what we read in the apostles? For Holy Scripture fixes the rule for our doctrine, lest we dare be wiser than we ought. Therefore I should not teach you anything else except to expound to you the words of the Teacher.

Hippolytus, Against the Heresy of One Noetus, 9.

There is, brethren, one God, the knowledge of whom we gain from the Holy Scriptures, and from no other source... so all of us who wish to practise piety will be unable to learn its practice from any other quarter than the oracles of God. Whatever things, then, the Holy Scriptures declare, at these let us look; and whatever things they teach, these let us learn.