8 On Understanding Scripture as the Word of God

Abstract

Abstract The so-called classical view of scripture states that scripture really is the word of God. Karl Barth's view has emerged as an important and influential alternative to the classical view. He does not endorse what is often loosely called a ‘progressive’ or ‘liberal’ view of scripture. He does not think that the Bible contains or reflects the Word of God and does not believe that it is merely the record of some important religious experiences. But nor does he endorse the traditional view, and indeed he is critical of it. Instead, he is convinced that scripture really is the Word of God — but only in the ‘event’ that it becomes so. This chapter engages Barth's proposal. It attempts to show how Barth's own concerns might be addressed by the use of analytic tools. Making use of recent developments in analytic philosophy of language, it argues that the theologian who shares Barth's fundamental theological commitments can — and indeed should — hold to the classical view.