The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum I've been reading Tim Challies' posts from . . .

Anne,

With all due respect, I do not see the alleged similarity in the use of "narrative" in the examples you have supplied. What "I" see is the word narrative used, but in two totally different ways. The "ECM'ers" use the word in such a way that it obviates "divine inspiration" and the "Grammatico-Historico" hermeneutic. Put another way, they read the Bible as if it was nothing more than a "story" (aka: narrative), which should be taken seriously, but nevertheless, it does not contain propositional and immutable truths; true truth.

Contrariwise, "NPP'ers" rely heavily upon the traditional "Grammatico-Historico" hermeneutic, albeit creating a deformed hermeneutic by elevating alleged new historical data as the "eyeglasses" through which we are to understand the actual written text. In the examples you included by N.T. Wright, he is using the word narrative as it is commonly understood as a part of literature. And from what I can see in that very short example, he wasn't doing anything different than what any conservative Pastor or Bible student would do in delving into the actual text itself and coming to a fuller understanding of what the passage is teaching. Wright's problem is in the application of the text (no doubt his exegesis suffers as well). But at least he does hold to "divine inspiration" and the reality that the Bible teaches "propositional truth".

I have no intention of trying to defend the heresies of N.T. Wright, NPP, FV, etc. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" /> But I do think it is important that when we criticize individuals and/or groups that we do it with verifiable facts and not criticize them for that which they are not guilty.

Methinks that this is a perfect illustration of why these two heretical movements are so dangerous.... and have been from the beginning. The language used by them is vague, subtle, etc.... but also couched in familiar language usage. Those who have had dealings with the neo-Orthodox camp are well aware of how this all works. Reading their garbage for the first time, one is often deceived into thinking that they are simply stating what historic Christianity has always taught. But when it is understood that when they use such terms as "salvation", "faith", "Word of God,", et al, they have totally redefined them and thus what they are really saying is in dire opposition to historic Christianity . . . the proverbial lights go on <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Ponder.gif" alt="" /> and they are exposed for what they are.... HERETICS!

In His grace,