The Fundamentals - Torrey - VII - Chapter 6 (Christ and criticism)

Required reading
The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 6 'Christ and criticism'.

My summary
Today the attack on higher criticism continues.

Anderson firstly outlines the inherent problem in higher criticism by pointing out its faulty method: '...here we must distinguish between the true Higher Criticism and its counterfeit. The rationalistic "Higher Criticism," when putting the Pentateuch upon its trial, began with the verdict and then cast about to find the evidence ; whereas, true criticism enters upon its inquiries with an open mind and pursues them without prejudice.'

Then Anderson proceeds to object to higher criticism for two reasons:
(i) it is inconsistent with the evidence;
(ii) it directly challenges the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ as a teacher.

What grabbed me
I think a very important point was made today about the way higher criticism ends up undermining Jesus' teaching authority: 'And this brings us to the second, and incomparably the graver, objection to "the assured results of modern criticism." That the Lord Jesus Christ identified Himself with the Hebrew Scriptures, and in a very special way with the Book of Moses, no one disputes. And this being so, we must make choice between Christ and Criticism. For if "the critical hypothesis" of the Pentateuch be sustained, the conclusion is seemingly inevitable, either that He was not divine, or that the records of His teaching are untrustworthy.'

You can't deny the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and still have Christ as your Lord.  If you do, you are illogical.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 7 'Old Testament criticism and New Testament Christianity'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.