A discussion between
Austin Farrer
Alan Richardson
J. K. S. Reid and Leonard Johnston
Christians believe that the Bible, as well as the Church, possesses the divine authority, in that it communicates the Word of God to men. Through the Bible the believer encounters that Word. But the status of Scripture may be thought ambiguous. Modern methods of criticism make it impossible to accept a simple doctrine of inerrancy. In what sense then is the Bible still authoritative? The Church is custodian and interpreter of the Canon; but what, if anything, distinguishes the ' authority ' of the Canonical Books from that of other early Christian writings?
Two Anglicans, a Presbyterian, and I Roman Catholic discuss these questions and other aspects of Scriptural authority in tonight's programme.
Authority of conscience: May 6