A fateful weekend in 1978

As I’ve mentioned before, I used to be a conservative evangelical. For a living. One of the organizations I worked for required us to sign our agreement to a shortened version of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. While this document may not be a household name, it has exerted significant influence on evangelical (and US) culture.

I’m thrilled to introduce a new reported essay from Liz Charlotte Grant about the creation of this statement, which has shaped so many people’s views of the Bible. The piece pairs well with our big project this month; as I mentioned last week, we asked dozens of scholars, faith leaders, and writers to tell us what they think the Bible is for, in seven words or less. We’ll be publishing their responses throughout the month, and we have a great new entry from the beloved Amy-Jill Levine.

Our video of the week makes this a Liz Grant double feature! In addition to her new essay on inerrancy, we have a video chat about Christian Reconstructionism, a theological movement related to many troubling recent political developments. Plus scroll down for even more great content, like an essay from Brian Bantum about new lessons in finding hope.

The certainty summit

In 1978, a who’s who of conservative evangelical leaders met in Chicago to draft a statement on biblical inerrancy. It would change the course of church and state.

by Liz Charlotte Grant

What is the Bible for? Amy-Jill Levine responds.

“Helping us ask the right questions.” Click for Levine’s more thorough explanation.

Here are all responses to date.

VIDEO: The theology fueling MAGA evangelicals

Liz Charlotte Grant talks to Jon about Christian Reconstructionism, presuppositional apologetics, and more.

In the Lectionary for March 23 (Lent 3C)

Who can resist the gardener’s advice to dig around deeply and replenish the soil?

Lent 3C archives

The substance of small things I’ve seen

“Looking back on those early years of pessimism, I realize the choice I had was not a matter of belief or disbelief in what could change. I realize I was making a constant decision to discount the witness of those who had changed, the spaces that had become a little more open, a little more free.”

by Brian Bantum

A matter of love, not certainty

In Carl Hughes’s hands, Kierkegaard helps to distinguish Luther’s desire for certainty from his appreciation for mystery.

review by David Newheiser