It seems that there are two ways to cite the viewpoint of an external source (an article, speech, book, etc.) in relation to one’s own opinion.
I can say something to the effect of, “Chomsky makes a good point in this article, though I disagree with this or that conclusion.” Thus I can bring in this external source as an equal voice with which I can divide into pieces that I like and pieces that I do not like. No one can hold his article above me and claim that I hold to its every tenant, for I may conveniently distance myself from obtuse or abrasive portions as I see fit.
But for the Christian it certainly must function differently with the Bible. If the Bible is believed to be the inerrant word of God, then it cannot be viewed as an “equal voice” in the arena of ideas, for it must be the supremely authoritative voice and the ultimate paradigm-shaping idea to govern all areas of life.
If we treat the Bible as such, we cannot distance ourselves from it, we must not make excuses for it, and may we never seek to escape from its authority.
Are we ashamed or embarrassed by things we read in the Bible? Are there things written in it that make us feel uncomfortable? Are there things that we wish were not in there? What kind of excuses do we make for these things to others?
We must not approach the Bible as an equal–or worse, an inferior–message we can manhandle and divide to our liking. Rather, we must humbly submit to it and let it manhandle our pride, divide us from our deficiencies, and form us according to God’s liking, not our own.
