Thy Word is Truth: Some thoughts on the Biblical Doctrine of Inspiration
Book Description:
Since its first publication in the USA in 1957, Thy Word is Truth has been recognized as the classic popular exposition of the biblical doctrine of inspiration. There are several reasons for the wide and warm acclaim which has been accorded to the author, the late Professor Edward J. Young, of Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.
Thy Word is Truth explains the importance of the doctrine of biblical inspiration. Without it the reliability of the Bible is in serious doubt, the integrity of Jesus is put in question, and the only final authority men have in matters of faith becomes their own conscience. If we cannot trust what Scripture says about itself, how can we trust what it says about God, about man’s need, or about Christ’s saving power?
Furthermore, Thy Word is Truth explains why this doctrine has been so fiercely contested. It is precisely because it lies at the heart of Christianity. While it is said that only what we think of Christ really matters, Professor Young urges us to recognize that what we think of him inevitably depends on the reliability of the Bible. If it fails us, we can know nothing for certain about Christ. He has chosen to make himself known through Scripture.
To write such a book as this demands special gifts, and a rare combination of qualifications. E.J. Young possessed these to an unusual degree. He was an outstanding linguist and biblical scholar, and knew the text of the Bible intimately. He understood the doctrinal issues which are at stake. He possessed a lucid mind and pen. He was also willing to rest his own soul on the convictions to which Scripture itself drove him-even when this involved swimming against the tide of the world of scholarship in which he moved with high distinction. His blend of true scholarship with humble commitment to Christ makes this study a reliable introduction to a question which continues to haunt the church at the beginning of the 21st century.
Contents
- THE ISSUE BEFORE THE CHURCH
- THE EXTENT OF INSPIRATION
- THE HUMAN WRITERS OF THE SCRIPTURES
- SOME REFLECTIONS UPON INSPIRATION
- WHAT IS INERRANCY? [I]
- WHAT IS INERRANCY? [II]
- ARE THERE ERRORS IN THE BIBLE?
- DOES IT MATTER HOW WE APPROACH THE BIBLE?
- SOME MODERN VIEWS OF THE BIBLE [I]
- SOME MODERN VIEWS OF THE BIBLE [II]
- THE BIBLE AND SALVATION
Author:
Edward Joseph Young (1907-1968) was Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary from 1936 until his death. He also edited the Westminster Theological Journal.
After receiving the Stevenson Fellowship upon graduation from Westminster Seminary in 1935 (Th.B., Th.M.), he married Lillian Riggs Borden and made the trip to Leipzig, Germany, a honeymoon as well as an opportunity to study under outstanding scholars. He was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) from 1935-36 and then in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church from 1936. In 1943 he obtained his Ph.D. degree in Semitic languages from Dropsie College, Philadelphia.
E. J. Young’s principal works include The Prophecy of Daniel (1949), An Introduction to the Old Testament (1949), Arabic for Beginners (1949), My Servants the Prophets (1952), Studies in Isaiah (1954), Thy Word is Truth (1957) and The Study of Old Testament Theology Today (1958). He died suddenly from a heart attack in February 1968. John Murray, a former colleague at Westminster, said of him: ‘Edward J. Young adorned his Christian profession. So many were the virtues making up this adornment that it is difficult to single out any for special appreciation. But his humility was so conspicuous that no one could fail to mark it. For those who knew him more intimately his circumspect consistency was no less evident. Unassuming and reluctant to make his own voice heard he was always ready to speak out when the honour of Christ and the claims of truth demanded it. He burned with holy jealousy for the integrity of God’s Word and for the maintenance of the whole counsel of God.’
Additional Information:
Cover: Softcover
Number of Pages: 280
Publisher: Banner of Trust
Publication Date: 2021