The Authority of the Bible

by Donald G. Miller

Book by Donald G. Miller

139 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Paul Vawter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is a bit of a mixed bag. I found the chapter on the Bible disappointing, as Miller argues that "The Bible is time-conditioned and limited in other spheres, often reflecting the naive scientific world-view of its time and filled with much that is the accompaniment of the Word of God rather than a witness to God" (p.37). We are to distinguish between what is "frame" and what is "painting" by our subjective opinion about what is truly relevant to the gospel of salvation. If followed, Miller's perspective here would undermine all the authority of Scripture, because one can never be certain if he is dealing with the building itself or its scaffolding (p.38).

On the other hand, the chapters dealing with the Scriptures' authority over Christian experience and the biblical basis for the church's authority are excellent. He deals effectively with the liberals and the charismatics, both of whom rely on religious experience as the lens through which Scripture's authority is mediated, arguing for the Bible as the only reasonable authority in spiritual matters. He also argues that the church, as a church, has authority only insofar as she preaches the word of God, and that, by majoring in social action, she replaces the root of Christianity with its fruit.

In sum, The Authority of the Bible has some benefit to the discerning reader.