Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology: Reflections of a Bultmannian Turned Evangelical

by Eta Linnemann

In Historical Criticism of the Bible Eta Linnemann tells how modern Bible scholarship has drifted far from the truth, and why its assumptions are nonetheless so influential and thereby inherently dangerous. In part 1 she analyzes the ideas that have shaped Western thought through four centuries, explaining how secular humanism, the Enlightenment, and German idealism have influenced Western universities in general and biblical scholarship in particular. In part 2 she argues that historical criticism constitutes an ideological system rather than the objective scientific method scholars say they observe—exposing the presuppositions and dangers of the historical-critical system. "Every leader and participant in our educational system owes it to themselves and to the public to face the issues starkly laid out in this volume. The intellect is in severe trouble today, and Eta Linnemann shows clearly why. Her analysis sets the agenda for responsible Christian intellectuals and ministers in our day." —Dallas Willard, University of Southern California. " She offers important insights and challenges to all who, within the academic enterprise, seek to be faithful interpreters of the Scriptures as the Word of God." —E. Earle Ellis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good book, but just not what I was looking for. The author assumes that the reader has some familiarity with historical-critical theology so she often references books or professors and their works with very little explanation. Since I am unfamiliar with all but the barest definition of historical-critical theology and completely unfamiliar with individual authors, this left me to guess at what she was trying to refute. I’m sure that for someone more informed, her arguments would be much easier to follow. So I was looking for a book that would explain it as well as refute it and this book didn't do it for me. I did appreciate the later chapters more as she takes more time to answer specific charges made in defense of it.
I could wish that chapter 4 was placed differently; maybe as an appendix? Its long discussion of an institution of Christian higher learning broke the train of thought for the rest of the chapters.

[Adam Balshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars [Education]
(W: 2.52, U: 2.75, T: 3.05)
Exact rating: 2.77

[Jonathan Klimek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise the Lord for His regenerating grace in saving Eta Linnemann! She has written a phenomenal book exposing the dangers and idolatry of Historical Criticism.

[Donald Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an outstanding evisceration of the historical critical theology and its methods by one who was trained in them, then saved out of them.

Eta Linneman repudiated her former work and beliefs when she came to Christ. Search online for a transcript of her testimony, it is truly a blessing.

Linneman is mostly criticizing the German educational system. I think in North America, the Christian colleges and universities are somewhat different, but some of her critiques still apply. One that resonates most with me is the impulse for "new scholarship" that lies behind successful PhD programs. Since dissertations must "add to the field" they often stray outside the bounds of Scripture and innovate into heresy, or at least aberrant theology. This approach needs rethinking.

Part 1 of the book analyzes "Christianity and the Modern University." As noted, she is speaking especially about Germany, but some of her criticisms apply to North America as well. She begins by asserting that the whole university concept is a revival of pagan approaches to knowledge.

Part 2 deals with "God's Word and Historical-Critical Theology." It is here that she really hits her stride, and ends with a ringing affirmation of the inerrant and all sufficient Word of God. A few quotes from this section follow:

pp. 137-138: Placed in the framework of a theological discipline, an evangelical scholar can either fill a gap or occupy a fringe position. In filling a gap he contributes to the stabilization of the system and is therefore fully accepted. In the fringe position he will either fall into the oblivion reserved for those who do not support the system, or he must protect his work by interlocking it with adjoining conceptions, recasting his original starting point.

p. 139: While this idea of progress has today generally faded into the background as a major feature in the modern worldview, it still reigns in scientific research with nearly unchecked force as an inherent obligation to show that progress is being made. Anyone who says "Yes" to science by conducting research can hardly escape the endless spiral of progress for progress' sake. The compulsion to show that progress is being made, however, and loyalty to what the Bible says are not compatible. Progress for the sake of progress wvill inevitably result in the desecration of God's Word.


p. 139: If evangelical theology makes the claim to be science, then it must ask itself if it wishes to use these methods to deal with God's Word. If it does so in an unrestricted fashion, then it has ceased to be evangelical. If it makes only restricted use of the methods, then it must reckon with being recognized as scientific to only a limited extent. It is not we evangelicals, but rather historical-critical theologians, who determine what is scientific. Any evangelical who claims to be scientific hands himself over to the criteria of selection of historical-critical theology and must put up with being stigmatized as underqualified. For the concept of theological science is currently defined by historical-critical theology. To want to be "scientific" as a theologian inevitably means to know and accept one's place within the complex of traditions of theological discipline.

p. 140: But giving up the claim to be scientific does not mean giving up competent intellectual work in theology. I believe that there can and should be scholarship on which God smiles and which God's people find helpful. Such scholarship is not some free-wheeling indulgence of intellectual curiosity which pries into everything that can be investigated. It takes its bearings, rather, from that which needs to be taught. It does not see itself as a means for selfish self-realization but rather as a ministry. Such scholarship is not caught in the pressure to which scientific work must submit...

p. 145: When we permit ourselves to be pulled down to the level that we compare all the "Holy Scriptures" with each other so that we can perhaps grant that the Bible has a relative preeminence, then we are guilty of worshiping false gods. Let us learn from God's Word how mighty our God is and how contemptible and foolish this sort of false worship.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love her message but the book is a little uneven. I wish it was really focused on the details and a bit less preachy. The books seems like it was patched together from different talks she gave or something. But still, it is a valuable message.

[Stanley Jebb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A trenchant expose and refutation of historical-critical theology by a former Bultmannian professor.