Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology? Reflections of a Bultmannian Turned Evangelical - Paperback

by Eta Linnemann (Author), Robert W. Yarbrough (Author)

In Historical Criticism of the Bible Eta Linnemann tells how modern Bible scholarship has drifted far from the truth, and why its assumptions are nonetheless so influential and thereby inherently dangerous. In part 1 she analyzes the ideas that have shaped Western thought through four centuries, explaining how secular humanism, the Enlightenment, and German idealism have influenced Western universities in general and biblical scholarship in particular. In part 2 she argues that historical criticism constitutes an ideological system rather than the objective scientific method scholars say they observe--exposing the presuppositions and dangers of the historical-critical system.

"Every leader and participant in our educational system owes it to themselves and to the public to face the issues starkly laid out in this volume. The intellect is in severe trouble today, and Eta Linnemann shows clearly why. Her analysis sets the agenda for responsible Christian intellectuals and ministers in our day." --Dallas Willard, University of Southern California. "

She offers important insights and challenges to all who, within the academic enterprise, seek to be faithful interpreters of the Scriptures as the Word of God." --E. Earle Ellis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Back Jacket

The ideas contained in secular humanism, Enlightenment, and German idealism have greatly shaped Western universities and indeed our society. But has it also influenced biblical scholarship? Eta Linnemann, a former student of Rudolf Bultmann and Ernst Fuchs, that it has.

The author presents a telling analysis of the relation of scientific method and biblical interpretation within the context of the history of ideas. She offers a radical prescription for its recovery. In his translator's introduction, Robert Yarbrough contends "Linnemann's diagnosis and prescription have preemptive value, calling evangelicals to consider their ways before current maladies escalate to fatal proportions--assuming, of course, that is not already too late."

"Every leader and participant in our educational system owes it to themselves and to the public to face the issues starkly laid out in this volume. The intellect is in severe trouble today, and Eta Linnemann shows clearly why. Her analysis sets the agenda for responsible Christian intellectuals and ministers in our day."