Scripture Principle in 2006, the Book Report

Their methods also include a great deal of logical reasoning as well as faith-based interpretation, all of which are appropriate means of engaging in investigations and forming conclusions in relation to scripture. The evidence that the authors used also seemed to be fairly accurate, insofar as it was verifiable; the Biblical passages cited were definitely on point, and many interpretations and criticisms that the authors cited seemed familiar and reliable. The fact that much of the book is argumentative and based on logical conclusions adds to the appearance of accuracy in the text, and the authors unquestionably manage to convince the readers of their conclusions. The evidence itself highly supports the author's conclusions, but it is more so the way in which this evidence is presented to the reader and the degree of logical certainty that seems an inherent part of their argument that is especially convincing, as the evidence itself is largely a matter of scriptural interpretation.

The argument that the authors build is highly logical, and in fact logic is the foundation of what they present to the reader. This makes their interpretation of the scripture and of matters of faith easily understandable and highly reliable. There are certainly other possible interpretations that would support clear counterarguments to the points that the authors make, but the Pinnock and Callen use the Scripture Principle specifically to address many of these arguments, and they have compelling rationales for their dismissal.

It is understandable that Pinnock felt the time was ripe to publish a second edition of his work, as the world is certainly a different place than it was thrity years ago, and the face of the Christian faith and its impact in the world has been no small part of the changes that have taken place.Even so, his original arguments (insofar as they can be discerned with any certainty in this edition) seem highly valid, and with the updating that the work received through Pinnock's revisions and the fresh gaze of his friend and collaborator, Barry Callen makes these arguments highly relevant and valid today. The authors are extremely successful in making their point about the importance of putting scripture in its proper context and ensuring that it is given its proper respect and authority. Understanding scripture is a lifelong task, but living according to scripture can start any day; learning and appreciating the difference between these two things (and striving for both) is largely the message that the authors are trying to convey in the Scripture Principle, and they are successful in this attempt.

Conclusion

The authors' views in regards to scriptural understanding in today's world are difficult to disagree with. The amount of logical interpretation and the compilation of abundant scriptural and doctrinal evidence that also supports these logical conclusions makes for a very clear, lucid, and persuasive argument. The Scripture Principle is highly engaging as well as informative, serving as a testament to the power of Pinnock and Callen's ideas.

Reference

Pinnock, C. & Callen, B. (2006). The Scripture Principle: Reclaiming the Full Authority of the Bible. Grand….....