The doctrine of Scripture is of vital importance for Christians, and continues to be debated by theologians. Furthermore, differing views can be found among those who describe themselves as 'evangelical'.

A. T. B. McGowan engages with the issues, debates and terminology, and reconstructs and re-expresses an evangelical doctrine for the current context.

First, he reconsiders the place of Scripture in theological systems, and argues that it should be relocated, in order to emphasize that it is an aspect of God's self-revelation and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, he revisits the vocabulary used to articulate the doctrine, with some proposals for new terminology.

Thirdly, he examines the important differences between two evangelical positions, 'inerrancy' and 'infallibility', with some further proposals for strengthening an evangelical doctrine.

Finally, he addresses two key issues – the relationship between Scripture and our creeds and confessions, and how Scripture is preached in the context of the life of the church.

This stimulating and informative volume offers a valuable contribution to our understanding and articulation of the nature of Scripture and its significance for today.

1. IntroductionThe locus of Scripture reconsidered The vocabulary of Scripture reconsidered The doctrine of Scripture reconsidered The use of Scripture in the church reconsidered

2. Reconstructing the doctrine

Introduction
Revelation
The work of the Holy Spirit
Reconstructing the vocabulary

3. The Enlightenment and liberal theologyIntroduction The Enlightenment Liberal theology The response to liberal theology Conclusion

4. Fundamentalism and inerrancy

Introduction
Warfield and Hodge
Fundamentalism
The modern inerrancy debate
Arguments against inerrancy
The rationalist implication
Rejecting the incarnational model
Conclusion

5. Infallibility: an evangelical alternativeIntroduction An evangelical alternative James Orr Orr and the Dutchmen Herman Bavinck Bavinck’s doctrine of Scripture G.C. Berkouwer Summary Conclusion

6. Scripture and confession

Introduction
Scripture and confession
Scripture and tradition
Defining the relationship
Conclusion

7. Preaching ScriptureIntroduction Scripture and the believer The preaching of Scripture Reformed preaching Application

8. Conclusion

Summary of chapters 2-7
Anticipating the critique
Charting the way forward
Conclusion

Bibliography
Index of names