What Does the Bible Say?

New Testament professor Robin Scroggs argues that identifying the Bible as an authoritative source – one that is decisive about modern social issues – creates obstacles to genuine dialogue.  Instead he suggests that we dismiss the language of “biblical authority” and replace it with an understanding of the Bible as a foundational document for Christianity.  He is careful to affirm that the New Testament is “absolutely indispensable in learning what it means to be Christian.” (Scroggs, 25)  For its critics, the question of authority creates a focus on textual variances, historic inaccuracies, and the conflicting theological positions of the different biblical writers.  Scroggs suggests that an understanding of the Bible as a foundational document would create freedom to move the focus to how the Bible guides us in the ambiguity of life.

While I agree the debate on scriptural authority contributes to a lot of division and strife, I am uncomfortable with Scroggs’ suggestion in the abstract.  I am concerned about what could be lost in translation and hold in tension an interest in defending scriptural integrity without falling into biblical fundamentalism.  However, the reticence vanishes when I take up the question in the context of studying Christian responses to poverty; there, Scroggs’ arguments resonate.  

Scroggs, Robin. 1995. "The Bible as Foundational Document." Interpretation 49, no. 1: 17-30. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed September 17, 2011).