J. A. O. Preus (1920–1993)

This book is definitely for Christians. The general argumentation is from a Christian perspective to people with a Christian perspective.

The argument is pretty simple: if you say you are a Christian, but reject the authority and inspiration of the Bible, what do actually believe? If you can pick and chose which parts of the Bible accept and reject, how are you any different from a non-believer? The Bible is where the witness and testimony comes from.

As you can see, not exactly an argument to show more direct to non-Christians. Preus addresses the fact a non-believer would obviously not believe in the authority and inspiration of the Bible. That is the distinction between the Christian and the non-Christian. Which is kind of the point.

It doesn't delve into the correctness of interpretation. That would be an interesting side conversation. E.g. Lutherans and Baptists believe in the authority and inspiration of the Bible, but disagree about the real presence. So there is still a degree of being able to pick-and-chose even under that umbrella. show less

"Martin Chemnitz -- the Second Martin of the Lutheran Reformation -- stands with Luther and Melanchthon as an author of the Lutheran confessions and father of Lutheran theology. He was the chief author of the Formula of Concord, the most consulted theologian of the late Reformation, and a voice to unite the factionalized Lutherans of Germany. He has been called, after Martin Luther, the most important theologian in the history of Lutheranism." From the back of the book.

“In studying Jesus’ teachings about the Scriptures, and the attitude toward the Scriptures He imparted to His apostles, Dr. Jacob A.O. Preus, discusses their nature, authority, inspiration, truthfulness, and saving power. About his work Dr. Preus says: “It is our particular purpose in this study to consider Jesus’ doctrine of Scripture, in order that as Christians we may also acknowledge His lordship in this important area.” From the back of the book

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