I'd like to pass on two bits of goodness to you:
1) an album, and
2) a book.
This week saw the release of the brand new Killers album which, in my opinion, is killa. It is a collection of mostly 'b-cuts' that never quite made it to other albums but that are still quite good. Thrown in for good measure are some re-mixes and live recordings that should keep any Killers fan happy. My favorite cuts so far are 'Tranquilize' and 'Where the White Boys Dance.' Go grab some finger gloves, tight pants, and your favorite Euro tabloid in order listen to this album for all its worth.
Second, and at a wee bit more intellectual expense, is the short book by N.T. Write called The Last Word published in 2005. The books thesis, as far as I could tell, is simply that the authority of Scripture rests in that Scripture is the word of God and so then becomes authoritative. Of particular importance for Write is the role of Scripture in dictating the now and future of the church as the continuing story of a much larger story which we honor and respect, but do not repeat and, in many cases, actually leave behind. This is a compelling and easy read that is directed at preachers, teachers, and church leaders in general. 4 stars out of 5.
-Jer
2 comments:
hello jer.
I don't have your email to send you that photo.
ciao
I don't think you're getting his point right. Or at least I disagree with you on interpretation of his book... or maybe I just misinterpret your interpretation...
Two quotes from it (though mine are from the English version with a slightly different title, and probably different pagination):
"'Authority of Scripture' is shorthand for 'God's authority exercised through Scripture'" (p. 17).
Actually, that's the title of a chapter. But he reiterates that as his main point at the end:
"The whole of my argument so far leads to the following major conclusion: that the shorthand phrase 'the authority of scripture', when unpacked, offers a picture of God's sovereign and saving plan... now to be implemented through the Spirit-led life of the church precisely as the scripture-reading community." (p. 84, beginning of the last chapter)
Basically, the authority of Scripture is not "that it is the word of God", but that God works through Scripture, as interpreted by the church. But I guess his central point is this: We are not looking for the authority of Scripture, but for the authority of God through Scripture.
Looking back at what you wrote... I think I've just agreed with you.
Have you read "A High View of Scripture?" by Craig Allert? He's a TWU professor, and it's an incredibly enlightening read. It's not liberal tosh either, it's just a good historical analysis of canonisation, with awesomely exciting commentary.
P.s. I'm applying to Cambridge and Durham for my Masters right now. I probably won't get in to Cambridge, so if I go to Durham N. T. Wright will essentially be my pastor.
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