Scripture Alone Non-Fiction Review : 2004/10/10

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Scripture Alone: Exploring The Bible's Accuracy, Authority, and Authenticity
by James R. White
Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2004, 217 pp., $12.99, softcover.

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Sola scriptura is the Reformational principle that the Bible alone is the sufficient rule of faith for believers, standing against Rome's insistence on her magisterial authority and traditions. In this era of an evangelicalism that is drifting--or better, hurtling--into postmodern thought patterns that locate meaning within the reader rather than within the text, we need a renewed respect for the Word of God. Factor in the increasing ecumenism (see Evangelicals & Catholics Together), and the need for another look at sola scriptura is in order.

Scripture Alone reflects the wisdom author James White has gleaned from numerous debates and discussions with Roman Catholics and Mormons, two very different groups who share the view that the Scriptures do not carry sufficient authority to be the rule of faith. As the subtitle indicates, White also examines the accuracy and authenticity of the Bible, dealing with issues such as the canon in understandable language (the canon is the body of inspired books):

The Holy Spirit provides the canon for the church; the church does not establish the canon by her own authority...the true foundation for confidence in the canon of Scripture is found in God's sovereign power to fulfill His own purposes (Psalm 135:6), and it is His purpose for Scripture to function in the church as a means of instruction, admonishment, and encouragement (109).

Scripture Alone is written on a popular level--any reasonably intelligent teenager should be able to understand the concepts dealt with in the book, and every adult Christian should be conversant with the materials presented here.

Works Cited

James R. White, Scripture Alone, (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2004).

4 comments for Scripture Alone

1. Shell Email Web 2004-10-14 8:10am

If I were to pick one thing that evangelicals need to get a grasp on, it would be Sola Scriptura. We far too often speak of what we feel. When we do speak of what we think, seldom does it involve scripture. Our daily decisions, including many church related issues (e.g. discipline), are all void of any scriptural reasoning.
The spiritual ones among us will speak of God leading them one way or the other, or the Holy Spirit giving them a peace about one thing or another; but no scripture is mentioned. Prayer may even cover a certain decision, but scripture is never consulted. Do we think the Spirit works only by giving a burning in the bosom? Don�t we realize that the One who inspired all of scripture is the One who will sanctify us by His Word (Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:26)? Can�t we see that being filled with the Spirit is nearly synonymous with letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly (as Paul reveals in these parallel passages: Ephesians 5:18 - 19; Colossians 3:16)?
Scripture is the very means that God uses to guide us in our decisions. It is one of the means He uses to sanctify us. It is in black and white and is unmistakable, unlike that burning in the bosom. Sola Scriptura! Sola Scriptura! Sola Scriptura!

2. Brett Scollard Email Web 2004-10-14 8:11am

Actually, that one was by Brett.
darn those cookies.

3. Randy Brandt Email Web 2004-10-16 2:06pm

Indeed, Brett. I believe that the volumes of useless and unsound books and ideas out there in the evangelical subculture can be traced primarily to the loss of sola scriptura as a reality among believers.

4. GiGi Email Web 2005-05-25 9:59pm

I agree! "Christians" of today would read and do a Bible Study on the book of Mormon if the changed the name to "I feel this" and slapped a WWJD on the front. SOLA SCRIPTURA!!!!

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