tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331156725554508589.post9178325657915755173..comments2023-10-04T05:09:54.848-05:00Comments on Contra Mundum: Review of Louis Gaussen's "Theopneusty."Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908788730958708701noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331156725554508589.post-50670937444622686532015-10-01T14:35:13.786-05:002015-10-01T14:35:13.786-05:00Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to do with t...Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to do with this particular line of reasoning Gaussen employs. He says it is not begging the question, and provides an explanation why he believes so. I am not sure I follow his argument, but I presented what he says. I do not concede the argument either. The Plenary Inspiration of Scripture, and hence, its authority, are matters of faith. If this is deemed circular, so be it. There are no apologetic methods that don't begin with presuppositions. If we presume the inspiration and authority of Sacred Scripture, much better to acknowledge such up front and proceed on the grounds of such presupposition. The denier of this doctrine works on presuppositions, too. Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02908788730958708701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331156725554508589.post-58109747094329865232015-09-30T12:30:43.223-05:002015-09-30T12:30:43.223-05:00Good stuff, but I have one objection: Gaussen conc...Good stuff, but I have one objection: Gaussen concedes that using the testimony of Scripture to prove its own authenticity is circular. I, however, do not concede that argument. Rather, that evidence must be assumed, because the Bible is (or is not) the highest standard of truth that we have. To subject it to any lesser test is to concede that something else is of higher authority that the Bible. It would be as if the captain of a ship had to justify his commands to a deckhand. Who can call God to give an account of Himself (Job 38:4, Romans 9:20)?<br /><br />External information serves to CONFIRM Scripture, such as archeology, but cannot prove it. As the Westminster Confession (I:4) says, "The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (Who is Truth itself), the author thereof; and, therefore, it is to be received because it is the Word of God." Consider the evangelistic sermons in the book of Acts, especially Paul before the Athenians in chapter 17, in none of those accounts do the Apostles seek to prove the authority or authenticity of Scripture, even when speaking to pagans. In each case, they take those things as given. <br /><br />As the Confession (section 5), proceeds to say, while various proofs "are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God, yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word, in our hearts."<br /><br />Arguments and proofs are good for the encouragement of believers and the silencing of unbelievers, but no one can be argued into a proper understanding of the nature of Scripture.Chris Colehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08235793234791146943noreply@blogger.com