Book Review.
Wright,
N.T. The Last Word. Beyond the Bible wars to a new understanding
of the authority of Scripture.
HarperSanFrancisco 2005.
Comment. Henry.
This is a
very stimulating read of biblical scholarship which is Tom’s strong gift. Scriptural authority is absolutely essential
in a Christian worldview and this resource becomes a valuable tool in
understanding and applying such a view.
In his
Prologue, Tom gives “a brief sketch of the Bible within the Christian church.”
(3) He deals with scripture and culture,
politics, philosophy, theology, and ethics. Authority of scripture is a part of
divine authority. It is declared by
story. It is not a list of rules and
commandments. Jesus demonstrated his
kingdom (sovereignty) through healing and teaching. God’s purpose (kingdom) is not just about
salvation but also a renewal of the whole world. What role does scripture play in
accomplishing this goal?
The role of
scripture is reviewed as it relates to God’s chosen people and in that context
the kingdom of God. “The work which God
had done through Scripture in the Old Testament is done by Jesus in his public
career, his death and resurrection, and his sending of the Spirit.” (43) Jesus affirmed the authority of
scripture.
A very
helpful explanation is given about how the written Word (O.T.) compares to and
is the incarnated Word of the Apostolic Church.
A brief account is presented about how the church “lived with scripture
for sixteen hundred years during the medieval period.
“The Enlightenment
was, in fact, for the most part an explicitly anti-Christian movement.”
(83) Some “misreadings of scripture”
(106) are presented. They may be right
wing and/or left wing.
Getting back
on track with the issue of the authority of scripture requires that we have a
proper balanced ingredient of tradition and reason. We need a “mutilayered view of scripture.”
(121)
We honour
the authority of scripture “by a reading of scripture that is (a) totally contextual,
(b) liturgically grounded, (c) privately studied, (d) refreshed by appropriate
scholarship, and (e) taught by the church’s accredited leaders.” (127)
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