An apologetic in support of biblical inerrancy substantiating objective faith in a pluralist society

Abstract

Scripture’s witness of its Divine authority holds enduring importance for many Christian believers. There is renewed contemporary interest in the topic of scriptural authority, inspiration, and inerrancy. There is also philosophical, theological and cultural opposition to such notions, given a globally prevalent pluralistic culture. This study considers the contemporary relevance of biblical inerrancy (unless otherwise stipulated, hereafter referred to interchangeably as either biblical inerrancy or inerrancy), acknowledging serious implications for biblical doctrine and its objective application to human life. Consulted materials demonstrate an interplay between the nature of God, and humanity towards understanding the nature of Scripture. Since this study concerns itself with nature, truth (specifically, objective truth) is a prominent theme of this study. The study affirms the likelihood of inerrancy, given historical, textual, and epistemological factors in reaching a conclusion; also, acknowledging nuances for study. Objective faith is paralleled with inerrancy, one allowing the other, such that substantiating inerrancy substantiates objective faith, with the proposed effect of resolution against ideological pluralism. The topic is proposed in line with the Reformed Tradition and evangelical orthodoxy, applying historical-grammatical methodology, and relevant subsidiary methodologies.