One of the greatest hypocrisies of liberal theological scholarship is that on the one hand the erstwhile theologians set themselves up as experts on Biblical studies. They then range across Scripture, Old Testament and new, universally recognised letters from Paul and those disputed, history, prophecy and wisdom. They claim to be able to comment on any given Bible passage and tell us with authority what it means.
On the other hand, they are quick to let us know that Scripture has been written by a diverse range of authors, who have very little in common and are seldom in agreement. We are told that we need to hear all of these conflicting voices.
Here’s the problem. If the literature is that diverse. If it has that little in common and if it is that contradictory, then it is futile for anyone to presume that they can master the whole thing. Remember, that we are talking about literature written over potentially a thousand year period of history. If it’s diverse, then one reason is because it reflects evolution in culture and language. Claiming to be an expert in Biblical studies, therefore is a bit like claiming to be an expert in English literature from Beowulf, through Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens, right up to 21st Century British and American literature. Oh and throw into the mix a side hustle in French literature too. You would also be claiming a detailed grasp of different genres and to have expertise in history, archaeology and geography too. Now, of course, a professor of literature may comment and write from time to time on areas outside of the immediate field of expertise but it would be recognised that they were doing so. They would be moving into the territory of the generalist.
It is only when we recognise that all Scripture is united by a common subject, storyline and author (the Holy Spirit) that is possible to truly know and understand it.
Faithroots 