About the BioLogos Forum
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The BioLogos Forum is designed to foster a serious and comprehensive discussion of Christian faith and the sciences. We believe that charitable engagement of different perspectives within the Church helps sharpen our thinking and deepen our commitment to the truth that is hidden in Christ. So while many of the articles and videos under the distinctive Forum banner come from BioLogos staff and Senior Fellows, we feature a range of voices, including those that disagree with us and with each other. Unless otherwise noted, views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily of The BioLogos Foundation. You can read more about what we believe here, and join the conversation in the comments section at the end of each post.
Scripture and the Authority of God
N.T. Wright explores the context and manner in which Scripture is authoritative. He does so by questioning the meaning of an authoritative book as well as the application of such authority. Wright encourages us to flee from the controlling “list” mentalities that belittle the richness of God’s Word, and rather to understand it as a narrative inspired by God and recorded by ancient persons. Ultimately, God “organizes” his people through his Son Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, and not through extracted rules from the Bible.
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N.T. Wright on Scripture and the Authority of God, Part 1
The Christian tradition has assumed, of course, that what scripture says, God says, but even those who were most concerned to make this point – specifically the Protestant reformers – were often, from our perspective, somewhat cavalier in how they applied this.
N.T. Wright on Scripture and the Authority of God, Part 2
When people in the church talk about authority they are very often talking about controlling people or situations. They want to make sure that everything is regulated properly, that the church does not go off the rails doctrinally or ethically, that correct ideas and practices are upheld and transmitted to the next generation.
N.T. Wright on Scripture and the Authority of God, Part 3
Story authority, as Jesus knew only too well, is the authority that really works. Throw a rulebook at people’s head, or offer them a list of doctrines, and they can duck or avoid it, or simply disagree and go away. Tell them a story, though, and you invite them to come into a different world.
N.T. Wright on Scripture and the Authority of God, Part 4
The notion of God’s authority, which we have to understand before we understand what we mean by the authority of scripture, is based on the fact that this God is the loving, wise, creator, redeemer God.
N.T. Wright on Scripture and the Authority of God, Part 5
In the church and in the world, it is not enough to translate scripture into timeless truths; we have to tell the story. It is the story which breaks open all other world-views and, by so doing, invites men and women, young and old, to see this story as their story.
N.T. Wright on Scripture and the Authority of God, Part 6
The Bible is a book of personal renewal, the book of tears and laughter, the book through which God resonates with our pain and joy. This is the really powerful authority of the Bible, as distinguished from the merely manipulative or the crassly confrontational ‘use’ of scripture.