The Divine Authenticity of Scripture - by A T B McGowan (Paperback)

About the Book

Andrew McGowan examines the evangelical understanding of the nature and use of Scripture. McGowan emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in relation to Scripture, and argues that we should speak of "spiration" rather than inspiration of Scripture.

Book Synopsis

Evangelicals have taken extraordinary care in formulating and articulating a high view of Scripture. And yet the doctrine is not without its inadequacies and its internal critics--both past and present.Reviewing the evangelical discussion and formulations over the past century and more, particularly in the Reformed tradition in North America, Andrew McGowan is not content with the present state of the question. The way forward is to reach back within the European evangelical tradition, particularly to the work of the Dutch Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck. The prescription is to anchor the doctrine of Scripture in the work of the Spirit, the divine spiration of Scripture. And the contested idea of inerrancy should be replaced with an informed concept of the infallibility or authenticity of Scripture.The Divine Authenticity of Scripture is not simply a book that argues an academic case for reformulating a thoroughly evangelical doctrine of Scripture. It keeps the pastoral dimensions of the question in view and relates the doctrine of Scripture to the church's confessions and preaching.

Review Quotes

"A thought-provoking evaluation of the ongoing debate between the non-inerrantist and the inerrantist positions."

"Andrew McGowan has rendered a notable service to evangelical doctrine by calling us to reconsider our understanding of the nature of Scripture and directing our attention to the contribution offered by such revered figures as James Orr and Herman Bavinck. He steers a wise course between the dangers of an unthinking fundamentalism and a skeptical liberalism, and suggests that terms such as spiration and infallibility express concepts that are basic to a sound doctrine that will have practical relevance to the preaching of Scripture."

"I can recommend this book highly as a text that needed to be written. It says so many of the things that post-Conservative evangelicals are thinking about scripture, inerrancy, and infallibility."

About the Author

A. T. B. McGowan is principal of Highland Theological College in Dingwall, Scotland, adjunct professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and visiting professor of theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. He also serves as vice president of World Reformed Fellowship. He is the editor of Always Reforming (IVP Academic).