Debating the Text of the Word of God

By: Douglas Wilson, James R. White

Narrated by: Douglas Wilson, James R. White

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Christians believe that the Bible is the "word of God." But to what text does this refer? Is it the Bible translation I hold in my hands? Is it a textual family behind the King James Version? Is it a modern critical text, with its attempt to recover a single "original"? Or is it something else?

In this lively debate about the world's most influential book, two Christian intellectuals confront this subject head-on. Both participants come from a conservative evangelical tradition, and yet passionately disagree about what version of the New Testament is truly God-breathed. Part theology, part textual-criticism, part ecclesiology, Debating the Text of the Word of God is the most thorough "in-house" debate ever conducted on this subject. You don't want to miss it!

©2017 Simposio LLC (P)2017 Simposio LLC

Good Introduction to Textual Criticism

This will expose the listener to the core concepts of the debate. It may set the student on a lifelong quest to come to grips with the historical realities of how the New Testament was transmitted down through the centuries.

Good debate on the subject

I'm a fan of both these men and have heard them debate before on another subject. Both are Reformed and have high respect for the Word of God. I have a feeling that people who are interested in this subject might find ways of talking past the arguments presented (on both sides). So this book/debate might serve those of us who have an interest in textual criticism but not super passionate about this particular subject.

The book is well laid out like a proper debate would be conducted. I really, really wish there was more back and forth on the direct Q&A from the two as the clarification that could have been had would have been very valuable.

I won't use the review to give my opinion who won; however, it was clear that Wilson asserted a lot of claims that he didn't get around to substantiate. There were moments though, where he made some clarifying claims and counter claims that were good for his position. White had a lot of good arguments against Wilson's position and a few responses that were a little more geared towards deflecting than answering. This may have been the result of a non-neutral party bringing up those points. The "audience" Q&A portion, as in normal debates, had only one or two questions that helped the exploration of the topic. All others were for different arguments or off topic.

This is a good debate topic that should be explored further and is best for those who have already gotten into the topic of textual criticism. It is not the best for those just getting into the subject. Final Grade - B+

A meaningful debate over an important issue.

I think both James White and Doug Wilson did an excellent job debating the subject. I'm not sure who won, but they both raised important points throughout the debate.