Dogmatic Theology Vol 1 - Shedd - VI - Chapter 1 (Revelation and Inspiration) commenced

Required readingDogmatic Theology Vol 1 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 1 (Revelation and inspiration) by reading up to the paragraph starting with 'In maintaining the plenary inspiration of the Bible, we shall consider it first as containing matter that is revealed, in distinction from inspired. (Page 77 of my edition).

My summary

Now Shedd begins his section on Bibliology with Chapter 1 on revelation and inspiration.

Shedd firstly outlines what general revelation is and how it is not infallible.

Then he moves to special revelation, that is written revelation.  

Shedd teaches us about the contents of written revelation:

(i) ethics;

(ii) truths and facts from human observation;

(iii) supernatural truths.

Then Shedd begins to speak of the two modes of Divine operation upon the human mind:

(i) inspiration;

(ii) revelation proper.

Today we only consider 'inspiration'. Shedd says it is a superhuman influence upon the particular person selected to be the organ of the Divine mind. But inspiration goes no further than to insure freedom from error in presenting that truth which has been obtained in the ordinary ways in which men obtain truth; while revelation discloses new truth that is inaccessible to the ordinary human mind.

What grabbed me

I liked Shedd's sharp contrast between Christianity and natural religion: 'The distinguishing characteristic of Christianity is not the teaching of sound ethics, but the offer of mercy through a Divine mediator, and a radical change of human character. Christianity is gospel, not law; but Confucianism and Buddhism, so far as they contain truth, are law, not gospel. If it can be shown that Buddhism and Confucianism actually secure the forgiveness and extirpation of human sin, then they may be classed with Christianity. But there is no pardon and no regeneration in any religion but that of Jesus Christ. "Who is he that forgiveth sins, but God only?" Hence the modern Christian, like the primitive, cannot concede that Christianity is merely one among several religions; merely one of the religiones licitae. Christianity is an exclusive religion for man, because it is the only redemptive religion for him.'

Only the Christian message is truly good news.

Next week's reading

Continue Chapter 1 (Revelation and inspiration) by reading up to the paragraph starting with 'The objections urged against the plenary inspiration of the Bible are the following:' (Page 93 of my edition).

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