How is the Bible an authority ::

OK, I've deliberately messed with the formulation of this question, to suit my own interests and prejudices, but that's one right that authors always enjoy!

Craig has been posting on "Bible and authority" based on his reading of NT Wright, and his "Bible and authority part two" is a typically thoughtful and provoking post. I posted a comment:

Is it incurably romantic to think of the Bible as "like" a bunch of people with whom one discusses, and who argue among themselves, but who one defers to as authoritative for us... I.e. model the authority on personal authority rather than on the golf club rule book...

The golf club rule book is an approach that is horribly common in "Evangelical" circles....

Craig replied :

Hi Tim, I like the idea of a personal authority and having the Bible's authors as conversation partners. It's an appealing metaphor.

[aside: Do we need to find a "balance of power" with the Bible?]

I guess I fall apart when I wonder which voice to listen to. Should I listen to the mainline voices? The near-silenced prophet? The scribe who reinterpreted something? What do I do when they disagree?

[Is it incurably romantic to answer my own questions with, "as led by the spirit"?]

I guess that's why I came up with the "protege" model. It avoids those questions -- which possibly isn't a good thing.

I am now writing a reply to Craig's reply... but to read it you'd have to go to his blog!
¶ 7:24 AM [to Del.icio.us]

As always, thanks for the link and encouraging words Tim.

By  Craig (mars-hill), at December 16, 2005 6:01 PM  

Hi There,

I was surfing the web today and I came across your website, and I was wondering why don't you submit your blog to the new zealand blog aggregator at www.iopblogs.com

By  genesis, at December 17, 2005 5:42 AM  

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