Analysis Of Paul J. Achtemeier's Inspiration And Authority

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Christians throughout history have always recognized the Scriptures as the inspired word of God, even though they have never agreed to what extent they are inspired. Paul J. Achtemeier, in his book Inspiration and Authority, seeks to define what he believes to be what Christians call inspiration as it relates to the Bible and the authority that it commands in the Christian faith. Achtemeier dives into these topics, exploring what he believes to be the nature and role of Scripture by combining critical study and research with traditional belief, and attempts to define inspiration and authority in a truthful and objective manner. First, Achtemeier highlights the difficulties that lie in these topics by asking popular questions that have led to debates that have lasted centuries or even millennia. Is it the case that inspiration lies in the authors who were chosen by God to record his word? Or is it only the content of Scripture that is inspired? All Christians agree that God is the ultimate author of the Bible, but what is not agreed on is the methods or system in which Scripture was recorded in the past. Achtemeier uses these questions and debates to lead into a discussion about the opposing stances on the views of inspiration. In order to give readers background information in these debates, he gives …show more content…

Without the respondents, traditions would not be established, no matter what situation the community is placed in. The respondents, quite the unsung heroes in Achtemeier’s mind, are those throughout history who have been the inspired people. In regard to the topic of inspiration, he says that “ inspiration must be understood to be at work in all who have shaped, preserved, and assembled portions of the traditions contained in the several books”

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