AMCL 2005 - A Clear and Present Word- The Clarity

Thompson introduces the theme of the clarity of the bible. Thompson examines the assumptions underlying the claim that the bible is the authority as the word of God. He starts to address whether or not the bible is reliable. Thompson highlights 5 protests made by those defending the reliability of the gospel and the issues that they are defending against. Talk is followed by questions.

Thompson makes some observations on Christian theology. He explains that this is important when considering the doctrine of the clarity of scripture. Thompson shows that what we say about the Bible impacts our knowledge of God. Thus, when we preach the gospel, we also preach Christ. Thompson explores the humanity of Christ. Thompson looks at what it means for God to speak, which is assumed throughout the Bible. He explains that this is not accidental, but instead reflects his character. Both God's speech and character can not be separated. Thompson looks at how language reveals that power of God, and that the words that God uses is not an accident. Thompson looks at the role of the scriptures, and what it means for Jesus to be the Word of God, which the scriptures point to. Thompson shows that God chooses to make himself known both through his Son and through scriptures. Talk is followed by questions.

Thompson answers questions from the previous lectures. Thompson looks at how Jesus uses the language of the Old Testament in his teaching and propesying about his death. He shows that the scriptures can be undertood as they stand, even if this is hard at times. Thompson examines the teaching of the Apostles, and that the Old Testament and Apostolic teachings help us to understand each other. He identfies how Paul appeals to the Old Testament : 1. Use the Old Testament as the proof which supports his argument 2. Use the Old Testament as a starting point, which then supports the gospel. Thompson explores whether the Old Testament is clear without Jesus/before Jesus. He looks at how the text brings us light, and why scripture is described as light. Thompson shows that the text acknowledges that it can be hard to understand.

Thompson speaks on the importance of doing hermeneutics with any text, including the historicity of the Bible. He shows that the Bible is both written by people and written by God. 1. Theology and contemporary hermeneutics 2. Changes since the Enlightenment 3. The form of scripture is not a shell which can be discarded 4. Scripture must be seen in the context of the arrangement of the Bible 5. The claim to authority of the Bible 6. Interpreting scripture Talk is followed by questions

Thompson expounds Luther's teaching on the clarity of scripture, and that we have been told everything we need to know. The difficult passages do not hinder the whole of scripture. He shows that we can clarify scripture with scripture. Thompson outlines Luther's arguments that : 1. All teaching must be tested by scripture 2. Placed engagement in the Bible within a greater spiritual context Thompson expounds Bellarmino's response to the Reformation, and Whitaker's response to him. Thompson highlights Whitaker's actions in encouraging all believers to read the bible for themselves. Thompson explores the relationship between Christian doctrine and Christian living, and shows that this issue is just as significant in the 21st century. He stresses that scripture is how God communicates with us and allows God to draw near to us as this is how we know Jesus, and thus the Father. Talk is followed by questions.