Theologia et Vita

Evaluating the Reliability of the Bible: Chauncey Sanders’ Threefold Test J. Neil Daniels In the study of historical documents, scholars often employ standard methodologies to assess the credibility of ancient texts. One influential framework is provided by Chauncey E. Sanders (1898–1962) in his Introduction to Research in English Literary History , where he outlines three tests of reliability commonly used in general historiography and literary criticism. Though not a theologian—Sanders was a professor of military history—his methodology has been widely adopted in discussions surrounding the historical trustworthiness of various ancient works, including the Bible. His approach consists of three principal tests: bibliographical, internal, and external evidence.¹ The bibliographical test concerns the textual transmission of a document, or how well the text has been preserved and copied from its original composition to the manuscripts we possess today. Applied to the Bible...

Pride, Novices, and the Perils of Unstudied Zeal: Richard Baxter’s Pastoral Rebuke J. Neil Daniels  Nota Bene: A "Deep Dive" audio overview is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P6lhDH9N7RzQKByymbs-2ABeKk3chlqG/view?usp=drivesdk Introduction   Richard Baxter (1615–1691), the renowned English Puritan pastor and theologian, was known not only for his deep theological writings but also for his passionate concern for the spiritual well-being of ordinary Christians. In The Quakers Catechism (1655), Baxter engages in pastoral polemic, warning against the spiritual hazards of ungrounded confidence in one’s own opinions, especially when they contradict the learned consensus of godly teachers. Drawing from Scripture, ecclesiastical order, and pastoral concern, Baxter issues a firm yet charitable exhortation to a young man who, though zealous, lacks the spiritual maturity and theological grounding necessary to make sound judgments. His words remain a powerfu...