Inspiration: Towards a Christian Interpretation of Biblical Inspiration anchors its study of inspiration firmly in the Scriptures and examines the inspired nature of the Bible and its inspiring impact. Gerald O'Collins begins by examining classical view of inspiration expounded by Karl Barth and Raymond Collins. He takes up the inspired origin of the Old Testament, where earlier books helped to inspire later books, before moving to the New Testament, which throughout shows the inspiring impact of the inherited Scriptures-both in direct citations and in many echoes. The work then investigates the Bible's inspiring influence on Christian worship, preaching, teaching, the visual arts, literature, and life. After a chapter that clarifies the interrelationship between divine revelation, tradition, and inspiration, two chapters expound ten characteristics of biblical inspiration, with special emphasis on the inspiring quality of the Bible. O'Collins explains a major consequence of inspiration, biblical truth, and the grounds on which the Church 'canonized' the Scriptures. After spelling out three approaches to biblical interpretation (the authorial intention, the role of readers, and the primacy of the text itself), the book ends by setting out ten principles for engaging theologically with the Scriptures. An epilogue highlights two achievements of the book. By carefully distinguishing inspiration from divine revelation and biblical truth, it can deliver readers from false problems. This work also underlines the inspiring effects of the Scriptures as part of the Holy Spirit's work of inspiration.

About the Author
After studies at the University of Melbourne and at the University of Cambridge, where he was a research fellow at Pembroke College, Gerald O'Collins taught at the Gregorian University, Rome from 1973 to 2006 and was also Dean of the Theology Faculty 1985-91. Known around the world as a lecturer and visiting professor, he has authored or co-authored seventy books, including thirteen with Oxford University Press. As well as receiving numerous honorary doctorates and other awards, in 2006 he was created a Companion of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest civil honour granted through the Australian government.

Reviews
O'Collins' work deserves a careful reading from Catholics and Protestants for its coordination of pneumatology, Christology and bibliology. Discerning Protestants, especially, can benefit from O'Collins' sustained emphasis on the Spirit's role in our interpretive work. * Kenny Silva, International Journal of Systematic Theology *
Keep no one from celebrating the gift O'Collins has provided in this panoramic view of a landscape that is too often insufficiently explored. * David R. Nienhuis, Seattle Pacific University and Seminary, Seattle, WA, Scottish Journal of Theology *
This timely work is an excellent introduction to theological study of the Bible for theologians, theologically oriented biblical scholars and readers interested in a theological framing of biblical reception. * Ela Lazarewicz-Wyrzykowska, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *
O'Collins has helpfully drawn attention to a theme that has been overlooked for too long. * Tony Clark, Fettes College, Edinburgh, Theology *
[O'Collins] has now provided the essential "go to" resource for scholars and students of the Bible on this crucial and complicated topic. * Ronald D. Witherup, Theological Studies *
This masterly treatment...brings together a lifetime of learning in biblical and systematic theology. The style is elegant and economic...This is interdisciplinary theology at its best...a real gem, which deserves to have a significant impact in the Church, and especially in the scholarly community. * Dr Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester., Church Times *
a penetrating and stimulating account of the Christian doctrine that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit * Joseph K. Gordon, Reading Religion *
an outstanding book,...treating a topic of immense (and neglected) importance with all his accustomed erudition-worn, as ever, with enviable lightness * Nicholas King, The Tablet *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198836773
Author Gerald O'Collins, SJ
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 193mm * 129mm * 15mm