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                                                                                                   Concerning Inspiration

The three elements of the classical (orthodox) theory of the verbal inspiration of scripture are impulsus ad scribendum, suggestio rerum, and suggestio verborum.

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But what is it, exactly, that is inspired in this revelation? Obviously, the apostles and prophets themselves are inspired. But the judgment that they are so is not a judgment about their personal existence in relation to the Holy Spirit; it is a judgment about their decisive re-presentative role in our existential relation to the Spirit. What is inspired, then, is their "doctrine" – -- not, I should insist, its verba (= formulations), but its res (= assertions). And inspired it is, whatever the form of its communication, be it oral, written, or sacramental.

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