Boyce on the Bible

                                                                                                                                                    Vol. XI, No. 4, April 1998

James Petigru Boyce (1824-1888) was Professor of Systematic and Polemic Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, from 1859 (the year the seminary was founded) to 1887, seminary president 1888, and Southern Baptist Convention president 1872-79. He believed that even then Southern Baptists were weak in their understanding of the great truths of the faith and sought to arm Southern Baptists against looming inroads of German “higher criticism.” Among other efforts, he prepared A Brief Catechism of Bible Doctrine stating that his aim was “to bring the truth taught within the comprehension of children of ten to twelve years old and upwards” and wrote that “Pastors of churches, Superintendents and Teachers of Sunday Schools, and pious parents are urged to consider how far a partial recourse at least to catechetical instruction may tend to restore the vigorous piety of bygone days.”

Below is reprinted the first section of Boyce’s catechism, eight questions and responses under the heading, “The Bible.”

1. What book have we that teaches about God?

    The Bible.

2. By what other name is it known?

    The Scriptures.

3. Into what two parts is it divided?

    Into the Old and New Testaments.

4. How came it to be written?

    God inspired holy men to write it.

5. Did they write it exactly as God wished?

    Yes; as much as if he had written every word himself.

6. Ought it, therefore, to be believed and obeyed?

    Yes; as much as if he had spoken directly to us.

7. Does it teach us everything about God?

    It does not; no language could teach us the full glory of God, nor could we ever comprehend it.

8. How much does it teach us?

    It teaches us all that is necessary about God, our duty to Him, our condition as sinners, and the way of salvation.

The reader is invited to contrast the view of scriptural authority and the proper relationship of men with God expressed or implied by Boyce with the very different concepts set forth by Dr. Glenn Hinson, also a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (though recently), in this Banner’s “Anti-Heritage” article.