Is My Bible the Inspired Word of God?: Revised Edition

by Edward W. Goodrick, Ray Lubeck (Editor)

Evangelical Christians vigorously defend the Bible as the inspired Word of God, yet we limit that term just to the autographs-those original writings of the Scriptures that no longer exist. What does this say for the reliability of your Bible? Can you honestly and truthfully claim that your Bible translation is the inspired Word of God? Ed Goodrick believes that we need to adjust our thinking about a change that argues that the Bible that you actually hold in your hand is also rightly described as the inspired Word of God. His enlightening discussion of the nature of God's revelation, the accurate copying of these original writings, the careful comparison of the manuscripts (textual criticism), and their translation into contemporary languages will give you a renewed confidence in the trustworthiness of your Bible. Goodrick also explores the issues that surround interpreting the Bible, for if it is misused by present-day readers, it does little good practically to assert its divine origin. Ray Lubeck has sought to bring this very important work back into print for a new generation of believers who now need, more than ever in this increasingly postmodern culture, to learn that the Bible is worthy of your trust, commitment, study, and confidence. Though Goodrick's arguments are timeless, his wording and sources have now been completely updated, giving the second edition of Is My Bible the Inspired Word of God? an easy-to-read style for today.

Genres: Christianity

140 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, Professor Goodrick says (and demonstrates) "your Bible is reliable." But even more interesting is his head-on collision with modern exegetes (not to be confused with interpreters) who "pollute" the larger reliable text to fit their doctrinal preconceived notions. He provides helps for the mordern reader to get the clear (and inspired) meaning from the text.

My favorite quote, if only because it shows the sea shift in academics since Goodrick (born in 1913) went to school, "Be thankful you were trained in high school to diagram sentences." I was; weren't you?

[Lena Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a simple and relatively enjoyable introduction to the ideas of textual criticism, translation, interpretation, and inspiration. Unfortunately, it definitely had too many typos.

[Sara Guild · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating. The author addresses many questions I’ve had over the years as I studied the Bible.

What struck me as ironic was how many punctuational and grammatical errors appeared throughout the book, even while the author discusses human errors and their impact on inspired Scripture. Was this part of the lesson?

[Jacob Gambill · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read for sure. A bit disorganized at times but genuine.

To answer the question… yes. I believe the Bible I have today is still the inspired word of God. Note that I said inspired, not infallible or inerrant. I hold an opinion on each of those words, but loosely. Ultimately I believe the Bible to be trustworthy, and that is the most helpful way I know to frame it.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough analysis of the doctrine of inerrancy. Author does a great job of explaining the intracracies of the arguments for and against inerrancy. I read the first edition. My understanding is that this book has been revised and updated...

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent little book to help you gain confidence that any evangelical translation does not only contain the Word of God but is the Word of God.