I read an aritcle by NT Wright this morning in which he spoke of the "beginning" of understanding. And in conversation with Bill Taylor, recently, he commented on just how wonderful it was that our knowledge of science (specifically) put us in a better postioin, as theologians, some of what has been written.
Such does not confirm the Spirit's influence so much as it is the result of that influence. Theology as a "science" is no less profoundly involved in the work of biblical understandings than is our increasing understanding of many of the various sciences.
In Romans 1:17, Paul, speaking of the movement of God from nationalism to the univerality of the gospel, speaks of "faith upon faith." The move from the narrowness of Judaism to the Gospel is a continuing affair between God and man. Can we count the contriubtions of those who have gone on before -- Wesley, Barth, Calvin, and the host of commentaries and technical works? All are a witness to the profound and divine nature of the biblical message.
jd
