Don Stewart :: What Is the Encounter View of the Bible's Authority? (Barthian, Neoorthodox)

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There is an inadequate view of the Bible's authority known as the "encounter view," the "Barthian" or the "neoorthodox view. This theory comes from the late Swiss theologian Karl Barth. This complex view of the Bible's divine inspiration has become popular among many people.

The encounter view sees the Bible as similar to other books. What makes the Bible unique is the ability of the Holy Spirit to reveal truth for those who read it. In that sense, individual people, as well as churches, encounter God through the Bible by means of the work of the Holy Spirit. According to the encounter view, divine inspiration is an ongoing process since God continues to reveal His truth to all of those who read the Bible. Consequently the Bible becomes revelation at the time the person or church is reading it.

This view teaches the Bible is not the Word of God, but only becomes the Word of God through a special encounter when God speaks to a person in some kind of subjective religious experience. In other words, the Bible only witnesses to the Word of God, but it is not the Word of God.

According to the encounter view, the Bible contains some myths. This makes the recorded history inaccurate. For example, whether or not Jesus Christ actually rose from the dead in time and space is not relevant. The important thing is the divine encounter with God that is possible when one reads about the risen Christ.

With This View There Is No Ultimate Authority In Scripture

This type of Bible has no authority. Paul made it clear that his actual writings were the Word of God - Scripture did not merely become the Word of God when someone encountered it.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe (1 Thessalonians. 2:13).

The encounter view of divine inspiration (also known as Barthian or Neoorthodox view) basically treats the Bible as other books. It argues that Bible has no authority in and of itself. Scripture contains myths, legends, and historical inaccuracies. The unique feature of the Bible is its ability to testify to Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Individuals, as well as entire churches, may encounter the living God through the Bible when Scripture is read. Thus the Bible becomes revelation at the time anyone is reading it but it is not to be considered a record of divine revelation. Consequently the divine inspiration of the Bible is an ongoing process. God continues to reveal His truth to all of those who read the Bible.

There are many problems with this perspective. It rejects the biblical idea that Scripture is the record of God's divine revelation. It also finds errors in Scripture - something the Bible does not promote. Historical truth is important from a biblical perspective since it records God acting in history. Scripture teaches that people encounter Christ through a reading the Bible because it is God's objective and authoritative Word. The Encounter View removes all the authority from Scripture.