Hermeneutics, Authority, and Canon

by D.A. Carson (Editor)

Among the many recent discussions of the nature and authority of Scripture, I would judge this to be one of the most valuable. Particularly in those essays that deal with the actual phenomena of the text of Scripture, it displays a level of sophistication and of sympathetic awareness of alternative views that has too often been lacking. In contrast to the backs-to-the-wall tone of some conservative 'defenses of inerrancy, ' these authors write for the most part with the confidence of those who have a coherant and well-grounded position to offer. The volume will, I believe, both help to commend Evangelical doctrine to those who suspect it of blind obscurantism and also contribute significantly to mutual understanding among Evangelicals who are too ready to polarize over their different assessments of what it means to honor Scripture as the Word of God. R. T. France Vice- Principal, London Bible College These thought-minded essays are the channel through which conservative scholars must steer for competent interaction with current critical theories, for helpful direction in focusing the battle over Scripture, and for reflection of conflict areas that Evangelicals must themselves resolve. This work rises above the shallow shadow-boxing over inerrancy and engages central concerns with academic ability and dignity. It puts on the agenda issues that Evangelical leaders must now Does the Bible contain different kinds of truth? Is all divine revelation rational? Is the canon really post-apostolic? No reader will agree with all that is said; some will loudly disagree here and there. But all students will be stimulated and serious readers edified at the frontiers of current debate. Carl F. H. Henry Lecturer-at-Large, World Visio

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christianity, Canon, Reference

480 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

Donald A. Carson is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has been at Trinity since 1978. Carson came to Trinity from the faculty of Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also served for two years as academic dean. He has served as assistant pastor and pastor and has done itinerant ministry in Canada and the United Kingdom. Carson received the Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University, the Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, and the Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge. Carson is an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world. He has written or edited about sixty books. He is a founding member and currently president of The Gospel Coalition. Carson and his wife, Joy, reside in Libertyville, Illinois. They have two adult children.

Reviews

[Jack Hayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carson, Vanhoozer Moo, and Woodbridge’s articles are certainly with your time.

[Pamela Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good books deserve to be included as far as hermeneutics. But my list is guided by these main criteria: (a) books that focus on the theological side of biblical authority and not as much on the historical evidences for the Bible's history (although some it is inevitable); (b) books that are commonly modern, meaning they have been written sometime between the Reformation and the present although, many patristic works would make my reading shelf; and (c) books that are rigorously orthodox Karl Barth's Dogmatics is on my bookshelf it is the fact that it has been influential on the modern church's view of Scripture.

[J. Machen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful survey of contemporary issues in hermenuetics and Scripture--though written a few decades ago, still very applicable.