Sort of like politics these days.The scandal of the Evangelical mind is that degrees, books, papers, and other marks of prestige are valued–provided you come to predetermined conclusions.Biblical scholarship is the recurring focal point of this type of scandal.*Sure, dig into evolution and the ancient context of Genesis, but by golly you’d better give me an Adam when you’re done.*Knock yourself out with scholarship on the Pentateuch, but make sure at the end of it all you affirm that Moses basically wrote it.*Be part of cutting edge archaeological studies, but when you’re done we want to see you affirm the historicity of the exodus and conquest of Canaan pretty much as the Bible describes them, regardless of what others say.*Do whatever work you need to do, but when the dust settles, explain how your conclusions fit with inerrancy.The scandal of the Evangelical mind is that doctrine determines academic conclusions.
Link: The Deeper Scandal of the Evangelical Mind: We Are Not Allowed to Use It
