Systematic Theology (Vol 1) - Hodge - XI - Chapter 6 (The Protestant rule of faith) commenced

Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 6 (The Protestant rule of faith) by reading up to the heading '3. Adverse theories'.

My summary
This week Hodge begins to speak about the Protestant view of Scripture.

Firstly he gives us a statement of the doctrine: 'the word of God, as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only infallible rule of faith and practice'.

Secondly Hodge unpacks what is meant by the claim that the Scriptures are infallible.  He teaches us:
(i) the nature of inspiration;
(ii) the supernatural influence of inspiration;
(iii) the distinction between revelation and inspiration;
(iv) how inspired men were the organs of God;
(v) proofs of the doctrine of inspiration;
(vi) that inspiration extends equally to all parts of Scripture;
(vii) that inspiration extends to the Words;
(ix) some general considerations in support of the doctrine;
(x) answers to some objections to the doctrine.

What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's honesty in admitting that there are some real difficulties in Scripture which appear to challenge the doctrine of inspiration. 

But his response was also excellent: 'Admitting that the Scriptures do contain, in a few instances, discrepancies which with our present means of knowledge, we are unable satisfactorily to explain, they furnish no rational ground for denying their infallibility. " The Scripture cannot be broken." (John X. 35.) This is the whole doctrine of plenary inspiration, taught by the lips of Christ himself. The universe teems with evidences of design, so manifold, so diverse, so wonderful, as to overwhelm the mind with the conviction that it has had an intelligent author. Yet here and there isolated cases of monstrosity appear. It is irrational, because we cannot account for such cases, to deny that the universe is the product of intelligence. So the Christian need not renounce his faith in the plenary inspiration of the Bible, although there may be some things about it in its present state which he cannot account for.'

Just because we cannot explain everything, doesn't mean we need to reject everything.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 6 (The Protestant rule of faith).

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