AND THE WORD BECAME A BOOK

Many evangelicals anchor their theology in the phrase “divine inspiration,” treating Paul’s line that “All Scripture is God‑breathed” as proof of absolute inerrancy. Yet the New Testament itself hardly develops that idea—the Greek term appears only once, Paul likely meant the Jewish Scriptures, and both Paul and Jesus often interpret Scripture creatively, privileging spiritual authority and life over literalism. Elevating the text to a mechanical safeguard can replace the living work of the Spirit and, history shows, often produces division rather than the fruit of faith. A more balanced posture honors Scripture, tradition and community while embracing freedom, discernment and the evidence of spiritual transformation.