Once upon a time, a...
Illustration
Once upon a time, a very important theologian from a very important seminary met another very important theologian from another very important seminary. They soon began to talk of the inerrancy of the Scriptures.
Now it so happened that they did not agree on what that meant, nor could they accept that God would allow two views. So they began to argue with each other. And, as professors do, they encouraged their students to do so as well.
As the months went by both theologians wrote very long papers on their views. And they both were invited to speak regularly, but only in places where people already agreed with them. At the end of the year, each had their students write appropriate exam questions on the subject.
Each student learned to defend a position on inerrancy by using certain references. And it was a great challenge to use the Bible to prove what their itching ears wanted to hear.
When these students graduated, they knew how to prove their point from Scripture, and it made wonderful sermons. The people were not equipped to do every good work, nor were they trained in righteousness, but it didn't matter for they knew the Bible was inerrant.
Now it so happened that they did not agree on what that meant, nor could they accept that God would allow two views. So they began to argue with each other. And, as professors do, they encouraged their students to do so as well.
As the months went by both theologians wrote very long papers on their views. And they both were invited to speak regularly, but only in places where people already agreed with them. At the end of the year, each had their students write appropriate exam questions on the subject.
Each student learned to defend a position on inerrancy by using certain references. And it was a great challenge to use the Bible to prove what their itching ears wanted to hear.
When these students graduated, they knew how to prove their point from Scripture, and it made wonderful sermons. The people were not equipped to do every good work, nor were they trained in righteousness, but it didn't matter for they knew the Bible was inerrant.
