<p>The doctrine of Scripture determines precisely how theology is done and what authority theological statements&mdash;including those in sermons, dogmatic texts, and confessional writings&mdash;possess. At stake is nothing less than truth itself and the possibility of communicating the truth of Christ to mankind.</p>

<p>This book compares the pre-modern approach to Scripture, following early Christian theologians, Martin Luther, and historic Lutheranism, with modernism, starting with Socinianism and continuing with Enlightenment philosophers and recent modern theologians, especially the neo-orthodox. &nbsp;These differences are most clearly visible in the doctrine of Scripture, especially its inspiration, and the method for establishing true facts. &nbsp;Modern theology starts with scientific truth as a given and will not go against it. &nbsp;Pre-modern Christianity started with Scripture and assumed its inerrancy, by virtue of its speaker: God, who is inerrant.</p>

<p>Modernism is not easily defined in traditional terms, but it represents an overturning of biblical Christianity. &nbsp;In academic theology confessing and sure facts are disallowed by scientific and scholarly doubt. &nbsp;Modernism, or Enlightenmentism, explains why bold Christian confessing has diminished. &nbsp;Modern exegesis and hermeneutics are the primary obstacles. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The destructive role of modernism and scientific values in historically confessing churches is explored, using the Lutheran Church&mdash;Missouri Synod as an example.</p>