epistemological humility

ArvesonPT@nswccd.navy.mil
Thu, 21 Oct 1999 12:32:38 -0400

The scripture passages that helped to shape my thinking on "inerrancy"
are the following:
1. Matthew's genealogy - especially his count of the numbers of
generations,
which fall into a numerological pattern, as stated directly in Ch. 1,
although no
commentary I have ever found explains why so many generations are
not included that are listed in Luke's genealogy.

2. Paul's words in I Corinthians -- an inspired book of scripture -- about
scripture itself: "If anyone thinks he knows something, he does not know
as he ought to know" (8:2) and "Now we know in part" (13). So the
Bible itself testifies to the limitations on knowledge of truth by humans.

I think the appropriate response to this situation (as suggested in the
context)
is not apostasy or exaggeration, but humility and curiosity (credo ut
intelligam).

Paul Arveson