Holy Scripture
A Dogmatic Sketch

A re-understanding of the special character of Scripture outside of mere textual and historical interrogation, first published in 2003.

John Webster (Author)

9780521831185, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 October 2003

154 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.35 kg

'this is a powerful, elegant and urgently needed refresher course for strengthening the portestant will to engage secularism with the convictions proper to Christian faith … All orthodox Christian thinkers should appreciate Webster's commitment to the centrality of theology to understanding, hearing and reading holy scripture …' Journal of SJT

May we speak, in the present age, of holy scripture? And what validation of that claim can be offered, robust enough to hold good for both religious practice and intellectual enquiry? John Webster argues that while any understanding of scripture must subject it to proper textual and historical interrogation, it is necessary at the same time to acknowledge the special character of scriptural writing. His 2003 book is an exercise in Christian dogmatics, a loud reaffirmation of the triune God at the heart of a scripture-based Christianity. But it is written with intellectual rigour by a theologian who understands the currents of modern secular thought and is able to work from them towards a constructive position on biblical authority. It will resonate with anyone who has wondered or worried about the grounds on which we may validly regard the Bible as God's direct communication with humanity.

Introduction
1. Revelation, sanctification and inspiration
2. Scripture, church and canon
3. Reading in the economy of grace
4. Scripture, theology and the theological school
In place of a conclusion
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM], Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]