Theories of Inspiration

Question 1

What are the Theories of Inspiration (8)

Answer 1

• Neo-Orthodoxy
• Evangelicalism
• Ecstatic Theory
• Dictation Theory
• Illumination Theory
• Existential Theory
• Limited Inspiration Theory
• Plenary Verbal Inspiration Theory

Question 2

Explain the “Plenary Verbal Inspiration Theory” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 2

God inspired every word of Scripture, including the distinct personalities and styles of the writers. However, you see writers writing-personalities.

Question 3

Explain the “Neo-Orthodoxy” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 3

Bible is a witness to the Word of God, but does not claim to contain all of God’s words.

Question 4

Explain the “Evangelicalism” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 4

The Bible is the Word of God in its entirety, inspired and authored.

Question 5

Explain the “Ecstatic Theory” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 5

Writers were mystics overcome by ecstasy or trance-like states, with no involvement of their natural faculties.

Question 6

Explain the “Dictation Theory” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 6

God directly dictated every word to the writers, bypassing their personality.

Question 7

Explain the “Illumination Theory” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 7

Writer was inspired, without God’s direct involvement.

Question 8

Explain the “Existential Theory” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 8

Scripture becomes the Word of God based on the personal experience of the reader.

Question 9

Explain the “Limited Inspiration Theory” (Theory of Inspiration)

Answer 9

God inspired the thoughts of the writers but not the words, suggesting human error in the details.