This is something I never struggled with, primarily (I guess) because I never bought into seeing inspiration as an event vs. a process ruled by providence. But some people do, so here’s a link to an interview with a real life textual critic. (Point: Many scholars in this field are not Bart Ehrman, nor do they buy Ehrman’s views on the NT).
How Can You Be a Textual Critic and Not Lose Your Faith?
Dr. Heiser, thank you for posting this and the for placing the link to the radio interview with Dr. Hernandez. It has been a long time since I listened to Ancient Faith Radio, and this was an excellent interview. The comment by Dr. Hernandez which most stood out to me was “I think the appropriate posture is humility.” That is definitely the key for any of us (and I’m placing my sinful/prideful self right at the top of the list here) to continue to grow in our walk with Christ.
Can you explain what you mean by “seeing inspiration as an event -vs- a process ruled by providence” ? If I’m understanding this correctly, then I don’t buy into it either.
I am very thankful that there are people like you and Dr. Hernandez who study the ancient languages and different versions of the texts, and make new insights available to linguistically impoverished folks such as myself. Having a more vast array of tools and materials for exploring the ancient roots of our Christian heritage should not be a threat to one’s faith (which is substance and evidence). Of course, if one did not have faith to begin with, but merely belief (mental ascent to an idea) based purely on intellectual learning and study, then of course delving into wide-ranging definitions, perspectives, historical views, etc., and uncovering whole new evidences, angles, etc. definitely has the potential to alter one’s entire world view, let alone a purely intellectually constructed belief system whose foundation is not rooted in the Rock of Faith.
By the way, if you ever get a chance…Ancient Faith Radio has a fantastic podcast called “The Illumined Heart” with Kevin Allen. His guests include Biblical scholars, theologians, monastics, church leaders from many denominations and backgrounds, artists, etc., and many incredible personal accounts of people who came to know Christ, often in some very unique ways. Anyway, it’s a cool show.