ETS 2013: Inerrancy in Perspective
The last 30 years have witnessed countless publications on the doctrine of Scripture. While each varies in length, perspective, and overall usefulness, they all directly or indirectly relate to a critical tenet of evangelical faith: the inerrancy of Scripture. In the spirit of this topic, “Evangelicalism, Inerrancy, and the Evangelical Theological Society: Retrospect and Prospect” was the theme for the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (“ETS”).
This past Tuesday through Thursday (11/19—11/22), Biblical-theological studies professor Matthew McAffee and I journeyed to Baltimore for the meeting. The meeting included quality, plenary lectures, panel discussions, and more than 100 paper presentations. Besides that, the meeting offered a first-rate exhibit hall, and many opportunities for fellowship with scholars across countless disciplines. Old friendships were renewed, and new relationships were forged.
Here I will summarize the meeting, as well as provide insight from the presentations I was able to attend.
Summary
a. Plenaries
Reformed theologian John Frame gave the first plenary lecture, offering some general reflections on biblical inerrancy as it is situated within a larger Christian framework. Frame offered nothing new for those familiar with his earlier material on Scripture, including his 2010 publication on God’s Word, as well as his recently-released systematic theology.
Long-time research professor of New Testament D.A. Carson provided a helpful assessment of the recent publications on Scripture. In his own words, he aimed for breadth over depth in his analysis. Nevertheless, he helpfully demonstrated where the various party lines tend to be. Additionally, he named several volumes he didn’t feel were worth much attention, and others that were.
The final plenary address was given by prolific historian and New Testament theologian Ben Witherington. Witherington’s address implied the need for caution about the way evangelical scholars configure the doctrine of Scripture, including words like inerrancy which require careful qualification. Though Witherington’s talk might be considered the most cautious of the three on inerrancy, he raised some helpful distinctions worth considering on how the Bible testifies to its own nature.
During the annual banquet, ETS President Robert Yarborough gave a lecture entitled, “The Future of Cognitive Reverence for the Bible.” Though much of what Yarborough shared was only an extension of remarks made by other speakers, it was framed with a global perspective on how Scripture is revered and contended for internationally. In particular, he rebuked biblical scholars who ungraciously critique Scripture while believers abroad are willing to suffer for the sake of God’s Word.
b. Key Dialogues/Sessions
With the recent release of two new Counterpoints books from Zondervan, the conference also featured corresponding presentations and panel discussions.
The first was the substance of Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy. Southern Seminary President Al Mohler presented a classic, articulation of inerrancy as essential to evangelical integrity. In his words, “When the Bible speaks, God speaks.”
In sharp contrast, controversial biblical scholar Peter Enns argued that inerrancy, however defined, doesn’t describe what the Bible actually does. In the friendly, but humorous words of panelist Michael Bird, Enns is the “Kim Kardashian of biblical studies.” Wherever Enns goes, there are people who love him and hate him.
As the sole non-American on the panel, Bird offered an international perspective on inerrancy by suggesting that the term isn’t so helpful outside of the American context (including his Australian context). Though sympathetic to the critical stances later articulated, Bird seemed more congenial to inerrancy, provided some qualifications be made on the Chicago Statement of Inerrancy.
Prolific scholar Kevin Vanhoozer wanted to recast inerrancy in a way that didn’t change its actual substance, while allowing for hermeneutic concerns to have more play in its formulation. His “well-versed Augustinean inerrancy” says that Scripture is true in what it affirms, but it will also prove true when “right-minded readers read rightly.” Vanhoozer believes a proper definition of inerrancy will take into account the many ways in which God uses words to convey truth.
Finally, John Franke of Yellowstone Theological Institute also wants to recast inerrancy. Franke’s idea of a “missional God” is a driving idea in how His Word should be understood in a pluralist society. Though I wasn’t present for this talk, it seems that Franke’s proposal ends up with a Bible more akin to Enns’ Bible.
A panel discussion followed these presentations that focused largely on the nature of divine accommodation and revelation, as well as the usefulness of an incarnational model like the one Peter Enns espouses.
While the inerrancy panel was occurring, another on the historical Adam was also happening. Many readers will be aware of a resurgence of interest in the early chapters of Genesis. Some of this was reflected in an event held at Bryan College in 2011. Yet with Four Views on the Historical Adam soon to be released, a panel was held with several of the contributors presenting on the topic.
The Colson Center also sponsored a luncheon that featured four speakers who addressed matters of religious liberty in the public square. Speakers included familiar faces such as Timothy George and Russell Moore.
c. “Arminian Concerns”
Many Forum readers may also wonder about subjects particular to the Free Will Baptist doctrinal concerns. There were several that touched upon these.
First, lay theologian Kevan Barkley presented “Arminians: The True and False.” Barkley’s presentation left much to be desired. He ultimately opted for a rather generous and minimal understanding of what it means to be an Arminian.
Laurie Norris of Moody Bible Institute presented an interesting paper on “New Testament Warning Passages and Speech-Act Theory.” She urged listeners to pay attention to how warnings are designed to elicit a certain response from readers. Therefore, we should avoid premature theological judgments about questions of perseverance before attending to these.
My former theology professor Ken Keathley engaged in dialogue with Reformed philosopher Greg Welty on the differences between a Molinist account of providence versus a Calvinist one. I suspect this dialogue will continue as the Molinist idea of middle knowledge is of interest to Arminian and Calvinists alike.
Broadman & Holman editor Christopher Cowan presented a scathing critique of Wayne Grudem’s analysis of the warning passages in Hebrews. Though Cowan’s critique was well-placed, ultimately his espousal of the “means-of-salvation” approach to the warning passages suffers from a different set of problems that do little to move the discussion forward [1].
Finally, Welch College was represented by Matthew McAffee, who presented an analysis of how the Ugaritic language provides understandings of the Rephaim in Isaiah 26:13-19. Though technical to some, McAffee’s paper was a good representation of the advancement of Free Will Baptist scholarship in the broader academic community.
d. Eclectic Interests
I was also able to attend other sessions of personal interest on a diversity of subjects. Below is a brief overview of them.
“Faith Comes by Hearing?”: The Use (and Abuse) of Visual Media in Preaching: Though homiletician Eric Moore didn’t break any new ground with this presentation, his cautions were well-noted. More biblical-theological work in understanding electronic media is still needed, but it is encouraging to see this subject being presented on in this context.
ETS and Inerrancy: Reflections on the Pinnock, Sanders Membership Challenge: Long-time member and leader in the ETS Craig Blaising gave an historical account of membership challenges in the past. Specifically, he shared how open theism was confronted and dealt with in the early-mid 2000s.
The Interpretation of Scripture: The Evangelical Philosophical Society meets concurrently with ETS, and they didn’t disappoint by bringing in world-renowned philosopher Richard Swinburne. The elderly Brit’s personal insight was interesting, but most evangelicals will likely not be helped by his reflections on hermeneutics.
How John Wesley Guided my Understanding of the Authority of Scripture: One of my favorite theologian/historians, retired Methodist Thomas Oden, gave a memorable account of his journey from heresy into orthodoxy, and how Wesley guided him in this journey. Oden’s recent work on Wesley is certainly worthy of our time.
John Henry Newman (1801-1890) in Recent Discussion: Duke Divinity School introduced me to the most important Anglo-Catholic theologian of the 19th century—John Henry Newman. Newman continues to be widely studied figure in contemporary scholarship. Ken Stewart of Covenant College (GA) helpfully surveyed the landscape of Newmanian scholarship.
Conclusion
I was heartened to see how many people identified with the Arminian heritage. Many serious evangelicals recognize the intellectual viability of non-Calvinist theologies that account for the biblical data. Of course, there are those who simply read Arminian through Wesleyan lens. There are those who have not read Arminius at all, and see no use in reading him. And then there is a slow, but growing number who are reading Arminius and taking him seriously as a theologian of the Reformation (regardless of whether they ultimately agree or not).
ETS continues to be a vibrant organization for significant Christian scholarship. For pastors and aspiring scholars who want to know where the conversation is in their respective discipline, subscribing to the Journal for the Evangelical Theological Society and occasionally attending regional meetings will perhaps be the most workable option. However, the annual meeting is worth attending as well.
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[1] Ironically, Wayne Grudem peaked into the door during the presentation to see if there were more seats left, but ultimately passed. If only he knew what he missed!
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