ANSWER:
This is a difficult question indeed. This assumes that we have a definitive text (and even canon) of the Bible, which we do not have. We have a Masoretic Text of the OT, an LXX platform with significant variants, and the issue of the absolute status of the deuterocanonicals vis a vis the protocanonicals. There is also the issue of genre and intent: is Genesis intended to be a scientific and historical account, or is it a spiritual text in an allegorical genre? These can be difficult questions. In summary, one has to define to define "biblical inerrancy" quite carefully first. Does it mean perfect accuracy in a modern journalistic sense? Is there allowance for summaries and slight "rephrasings" for the sake of shortening a story, as we see in a harmony of the gospels?
In summary, it can be said that the (1) the Scriptures are foundations and supremely authoritative, but that there is a hierarchy of authority even within Scripture (2) that the Scriptures are reliable and do not intend to deceive or present fiction as history (3) that is can be said (even with limitation in our knowledge of the original text) that the Scriptures cannot be broken and that God has spoken through them. In doing so, we can be faithful to Christ's own view of Scripture while not denying that there are issues that we must be aware of to use the Scriptures wisely, which primarily means to use them in the context of the life of the (local) Church which is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:16) |
