Note: The following are rough notes from the conference. Internet is slow at the conference.

Trueman admits he is a historian and not a theologian

This is not a theological or biblical reflection but there is a role for historical contemplation because of how the nature of some of the objection against inerrancy

The Reformers spent comparatively little time on doctrines of Scripture

That’s because the Reformers inherited it from the church and had intentionally no problems with it.

Factors:

1.) The theologians in the middle ages was working through the issue of source of revelation

2.) The black plague which makes people see him as arbitrary

By the time near the reformation Luther saw scripture as only reliable source

We remember Luther’s bondage of the will was about the will but clarity of Scripture and the latter was more foundational

We must not have the battle for the bible without the battle for the God behind the bible

Aquinas made a good distinction between revelation and inspiration

Remember the key issue in reformation was not scripture yet we see their language about scripture match the same high view of Scripture of those before them

In this message three reformers are whom we look at: Luther, Calvin, Bullinger

For Luther how he uses Scripture is insightful:

Scripture is recommended against the devil

Luther believed the word did it all for the reformation

Calvin believe in inspiration

Did not hold to dictation theory

Bollinger was someone who was better known for earlier protestant circles than today

Letter 82 of Augustine to Jerome is important and a stunning statement of dealing with error: faulty manuscripts, own misunderstanding,

Is error a modernist concept? Reformers did understand the word difficulties concerning interpretation

Luther on chronology prefer interpretation that does not presupposes error

His approach may not be adequate but he wishes to preserve the integrity of the bible

Secondly the Reformers believe in a trustworthy God that led to a trustworthy Bible

The connection is so close

Why should we do it? Because together it is very powerful