Biblical infallibility
Biblical infallibility is the theological term to describe the belief that the Bible is free from errors on issues of faith and practice. This stance is also known as Limited Inerrancy. [1]
In contrast, Biblical inerrancy is the belief that the Bible is free from errors in spiritual areas as well as in the natural (geographical, historical, scientific, etc.). [2]
Historical Perspective in Theology
According to Bishop John Shelby Spong, the doctrine of biblical inerrancy has been a historical substitute for papal infallibiliity. "When Martin Luther countered the authority of the infallible pope, he did so in the name of his new authority, the infallible Scriptures. This point of view was generally embraced by all of the Reformation churches. The Bible thus became the paper pope of Protestantism."[[1]]
According to an article in "Theology Today" published in 1975, "There have been long periods in the history of the church when biblical inerrancy has not been a critical question. It has in fact been noted that only in the last two centuries can we legitimately speak of a formal doctrine of inerrancy. The arguments pro and con have filled many books, and almost anyone can join in the debate." [1]
In the '70s and '80s, however, the ancient debate amongst theological circles, which centered on the issue of whether or not the Bible was infallible or both infallible and inerrant, came into the academic spotlight. Some notable Christian seminaries, such as Princeton Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary, were formally adopting the doctrine of infallibility while rejecting the doctrine of inerrancy.
The other side of this debate focused largely around the magazine "Christianity Today" and the book entitled "The Battle for the Bible" by Harold Lindsell. The author asserted that losing the doctrine of the inerrancy of Scripture was the thread that would unravel the church. Conservatives rallied behind this idea, agreeing that once a man disregards the ultimate truthfulness of the Bible, then anything can become justifiable. [2]
In practice
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, accepts at face value the Bible’s statements regarding homosexuality and other issues based on their understanding of inerrancy. The LCMS accuses the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America of being more willing to accept homosexuals as members in the ministry based on their infallibility interpretations of the Bible.[3]
External links
- Presbyterian Church beliefs of the Holy Bible
- Roman Catholic Church beliefs of the Holy Bible
- Southern Baptist Church beliefs of the Holy Bible
- Wesleyan Church beliefs of the Holy Bible
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America beliefs of the Holy Bible
- Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod beliefs of the Holy Bible
- Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod beliefs of the Holy Bible
- The difference between the ELCA and the LCMS
- The difference between the ELCA and the WELS
Notes
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