Theology and Controversy

I remember distinctly during undergraduate studies my Theology instructor telling our class, "Theology is controversial." There were two maxims our instructor had us repeat throughout the class, the former more frequently than the latter, and they were, "I am a theologian," and "Theology is controversial."

Theology is messy business. Case in point: recently Peter Leithart critiqued theological musings from David Bentley Hart's newest book. Leithart defends the literal sense of Scripture, contra Hart, and Leithart's comments are excellent, but, additionally, the article is a good reminder that, as my undergraduate professor said, "Theology is controversial." So, here we have two learned and well respected churchmen, but they just don't see eye to eye. Thus, controversy. 

Bible and Lordship of Christ

"The Bible is authoritative not because we accept it as such, but because it is the word of the risen Lord. It has a claim on all people. Its truth is the truth for every person in every place. Why, then, would we be reluctant to communicate that truth in our apologetics? Perhaps because we have not reckoned with the actual lordship of Christ. Perhaps we haven't really set him apart as Lord in our hearts" (K. Scott Oliphint, Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith, 37).

Internal Evidence of Scripture's Divine Origin

"The Bible claims to be the word of God; it speaks in his name, it assumes his authority" (Charles Hodge, The Way of Life: A Handbook of Christian Belief and Practice, 17).

High-View of Scripture in a Nutshell

An illustration from one of C. H. Spurgeon's sermons: a high-view of Scripture in a nutshell.

"I believe in the Bible," said one. 

"How can you do that?" sneered another. 

"Because I know the Author," was the fit reply.

Unity of Scripture by Inspiration of Holy Spirit: Purpose - Make Us Wise unto Salvation Through Faith in Christ

From many points of view the Scriptures show a manifold variety, but they present an impressive unity when considered in the light of the purpose for which they were given, to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. This unity we believe to be the result of their inspiration, and it is to be appreciated by the illumination of that same Spirit who controlled the writers in their recording of the revelation and guided the Church in its discerning of what was so inspired (F. F. Bruce, “What Do We Mean By Biblical Inspiration?” Journal of the Transactions of the Victoria Institute, 78 (1946): 120-139).