Re: [TruthTalk] Albert Einstein & Karl Barth

[Knpraise]

In addition to previous comments, this business of "verbal plenary inspiration"  is a creation of man (IMO)    Since man is sometimes right and sometimes wrong, "verbal, plenary" just might be true   ------------    but probably not.    That "inspiration" as a process is nowhere defined in scripture is an assured fact.    Does this mean that God did not speak to His creation?   Of course not.   Is the message trust worthy?   Well,  it has been around since the first writings of the Genesis account.  Textual criticism offers great evidence to those who care to believe in the Message.    Many of those who authored the text, especially the NT scriptures,  willingly chose death for their faith  -   the single most noble form of expressed integrity (but not infallible).    

"Verbal and plenary"  are words created for the single purpose of control.  The secular man is in big trouble because "this is the inspired word of the Living God and I can prove it!"  Control I say.    And what is the response of the secular man?    "I think I ' ll have more gravy, please."    Let's say that it is true  (verbal and plenary)  --   a definite possibility.    Where does that find us?  Unified in the teachings of this inspired text?   Fully understanding of its content  --------    a single reading does the trick?  No on both counts.  I do not believe in verbal and plenary because, as a doctrine, it solves nothing.   Further, it can only be defended by circular logic in view of the fact that we have not a single original manuscript and couldn't identify one to be such  if discovered this afternoon.  

If, by "inspiration,"  we mean to imply the providential working of God in the written message, well then,  I believe there to be a very considered opinion on the matter.  I further believe that this message does contain God's revelation on any number of issues.   But Satan giving instruction to Eve is surely not the "word of God." 

We fail to see a difference between "inspiration" and "revelation" when the two are not the same at all.    Quite often, the two exist side by side.   On other occasions, however, the two are very differently expressed. 

No more time  ........must find a bunker. 
JD