Sign-In
Cart
The Crisis of Biblical Authority: Interpreting Scripture Responsibly When Christians Disagree
Paperback
Bible StudiesGeneral Christianity
Publisher Price: $26.99
ISBN13: 9781514011744
Publisher: IVP Academic
Published: Nov 24 2026
Pages: 224
Weight: 0.74
Height: 0.61 Width: 6.02 Depth: 8.97
Language: English
How Flawed Interpretation Disrespects the Bible and Divides the Church
The Crisis of Biblical Authority is noted biblical scholar John H. Walton's response to one of Christianity's most pressing challenges: the damage done when believers treat the Bible as a tool for advancing their own agendas rather than as a sacred text to be faithfully understood.
Christians agree that the Bible has authority, but it can be difficult to identify where that authority resides in the text. Without a clear framework for reading Scripture faithfully, we risk leveraging its authority for our own interests, causing damage to our churches and fractures to our witness. If our methods only reinforce our own ideas, we are at risk of following our own word rather than God's.
At its worst, this kind of individualist interpretation doesn't just lead to mild disagreement, it fuels conflict between believers and has even been used to justify the dehumanization of others. Even further, to weaponize Scripture in service of our own agendas is to abuse the very text we claim to hold sacred.
Walton shows the way forward in learning to read the Bible well and developing appropriate approaches to these issues vital to our faith. He presents a clear, step-by-step hermeneutical framework for interpreting Scripture that remains faithful to the text without overstepping its boundaries. The Bible's authority isn't found in how we think it should work; rather, interpretation should focus on the author's original intent. The result is a thoughtful approach to biblical interpretation that takes the Bible seriously without falling into individualism.
Walton explores four levels of understanding needed to read the Bible responsibly:
- Answering the question, What is the Bible and how does it function?
- Defining the scope of authority within the text
- Articulating a method to prioritize understanding the authors' intent
- Practical procedures that guide productive biblical interpretation
This book doesn't seek to establish the Bible's authority for its own sake, but for how it shapes the way Christians understand, interpret, and apply that authority in their lives. Walton offers a consistent way to appeal to the Bible's authority that moves beyond prooftexts to shape our thoughts, hearts, and lives responsibly.
This book is perfect for pastors, students, and informed lay readers seeking to understand hermeneutics, and it serves as an excellent introductory text for biblical interpretation courses. Whether you're a longtime fan of Walton's acclaimed Lost World Series or new to studying biblical interpretation, this accessible book invites you to take seriously the words of the Bible and to be faithful to the intent of the authors that carries the authority of God.
Also from
Walton, John H.
Rvr, Biblia de Estudio Trasfondo Cultural (El Contexto Lo Cambia Todo), Tapa Dura, Interior a Color, Comfort Print: Explora El Mundo Antiguo de la Esc
Revisada, Reina Valera
Hardcover
New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis: Advances in the Origins Debate
Walton, John H.
Paperback
The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Context
Walton, John H.
Paperback
Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
Walton, John H.
Paperback
Demons and Spirits in Biblical Theology: Reading the Biblical Text in Its Cultural and Literary Context
Walton, J. Harvey
Walton, John H.
Hardcover
The Lost World of the Torah: Law as Covenant and Wisdom in Ancient Context Volume 6
Walton, J. Harvey
Walton, John H.
Paperback
Old Testament Theology for Christians: From Ancient Context to Enduring Belief
Walton, John H.
Paperback
Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation
Walton, John H.
Paperback
The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate Volume 5
Walton, John H.
Longman III, Tremper, III
Paperback
Demons and Spirits in Biblical Theology: Reading the Biblical Text in Its Cultural and Literary Context
Walton, J. Harvey
Walton, John H.
Paperback
The Lost World of the Israelite Conquest: Covenant, Retribution, and the Fate of the Canaanites Volume 4
Walton, J. Harvey
Walton, John H.
Paperback
El Mundo Perdido de Adán y Eva: Génesis 2-3 y el debate de los orígenes humanos
Walton, John H.
Paperback
El Mundo Perdido de las Escrituras: La cultura literaria antigua y la autoridad bíblica
Sandy, D. Brent
Walton, John H.
Paperback
Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation
Walton, John H.
Audio Book
Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation
Walton, John H.
Audio Book
Rvr, Biblia de Estudio Trasfondo Cultural (El Contexto Lo Cambia Todo), Leathersoft, Negro, Interior a Color, Con Índice, Comfort Print: Explora El Mu
Revisada, Reina Valera
Hardcover
The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Context
Walton, John H.
Audio Book
The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Context
Walton, John H.
Audio Book
Rvr, Biblia de Estudio Trasfondo Cultural (El Contexto Lo Cambia Todo), Leathersoft, Negro, Interior a Color, Comfort Print: Explora El Mundo Antiguo
Revisada, Reina Valera
Hardcover
Also in
Bible Studies
The Early Versions of the New Testament: Their Origin, Transmission, and Limitations
Metzger, Bruce M.
Hardcover
The Apostle and the Empire: Paul's Implicit and Explicit Criticism of Rome
Heilig, Christoph
Hardcover
The Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis: Commentary on the First Three Chapters
Smith, David Chaim
Paperback
Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks, Expanded Edition: A Year-Long Bible Study
Spangler, Ann
Paperback
The King Is Coming Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: It's Time to Prepare for the Return of Christ
Bevere, John
Paperback
Where to Find It in the Bible: The Ultimate Resource for Quick-And-Easy Biblical Reference
Anderson, Ken
Paperback
Becoming Like Jesus Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: A Bible Study on the Beatitudes
Chandler, Matt
Paperback
Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds
Fugelsang, John
Hardcover
Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-To-Face with Jesus
Johnston, Jeremiah J.
Paperback
Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks Revised and Updated: A Year-Long Bible Study
Lucado, Max
Paperback
The Meaning of Marriage Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video, Updated Edition: A Vision for Married and Single People
Keller, Kathy
Keller, Timothy
Paperback
The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion: With Selected Prayers from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Michalenko, Seraphim
Paperback
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Large Print Edition: Discovering God's Love for You (Large Print Edition)
Keller, W. Phillip
Paperback
Revelation: An Insightful Chapter-by-Chapter Journey Through the Book of Revelation
Dewaard, Erica
Paperback
Every Thought Captive Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: How Renewing Your Mind Can Change Your Life
Idleman, Kyle
Paperback
The Women of the Bible Speak Workbook: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
Bream, Shannon
Paperback
Revelation: An Insightful Chapter-by-Chapter Journey Through the Book of Revelation
Dewaard, Erica
Hardcover
Parables Workbook: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter: Expanded Second Edition
Freeman, Lindsay Hardin
Paperback
Twelve Ordinary Men Workbook, Revised and Updated: How Jesus Shaped His Disciples for Greatness and What He Wants to Do with You
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
Making Your Case for Christ Bible Study Guide: An Action Plan for Sharing What You Believe and Why
Mittelberg, Mark
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Catholic Book of Prayers: Popular Catholic Prayers Arranged for Everyday Use (Large Print Edition)
Fitzgerald, Maurus
Paperback
Nothing Is Impossible with God: Eleven Heroes. One God. Endless Lessons in Overcoming.
Bream, Shannon
Hardcover
The Beginner's Bible Study Guide: An Introduction to All 66 Books of the Bible
Trimble, Cameron
Paperback
Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World
Armas, Kat
Paperback
The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Philippians: Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy
Wiersbe, Warren W.
Paperback
Evidence That Demands a Verdict Bible Study Guide: Jesus and the Gospels
McDowell, Sean
McDowell, Josh
Paperback
Brain Games - Large Print Bible Word Search: The Words of Jesus
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Complete Orthodox Ethiopian Bible in English: A Comprehensive Collection of Scriptures and Apocrypha Including the Book of Enoch, Ezras, Jubilees,
Press, Covenant Sacred
Hardcover
The Promise of Heaven Bible Study Guide: Why You Can Get Excited about Your Eternal Home
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
The Complete Ethiopian Bible in English: The 88 Books Canon Including The Book of Enoch, Jubilees, Meqabyan, Ancient Biblical Apocrypha and More Ortho
Various Ancient Authors
Hardcover
The Westminster Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition with the Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books
John Knox Press, Westminster
Hardcover
No More Boring Bible Study: Why Taking Scripture Seriously Is Easier and More Exciting Than You Think
Womack, Faith
Paperback
Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs: How the People of the Bible Really Lived
Vos, Howard
Paperback
30 Life Principles Bible Study: An Action Plan for Living the Principles Each Day
Stanley, Charles F.
Paperback
The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible
Cobble, Tara-Leigh
Hardcover
El Poder de la Kabbalah: 13 principios para superar los desafíos y alcanzar la realización
Berg, Rav
Paperback
My Utmost for His Highest: Updated Language Paperback (a Daily Devotional with 366 Bible-Based Readings)
Chambers, Oswald
Paperback
Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
God, AI and the End of History: Understanding the Book of Revelation in an Age of Intelligent Machines
Lennox, John C.
Hardcover
Brain Games - Bible Crossword Puzzles: Prayers, Parables & Prophets - Large Print
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
Paperback
The Daily 5-Minute Bible Study for Women: 365 Focused, Encouraging Readings
Compiled by Barbour Staff
Paperback
Resilient Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times
Eldredge, John
Paperback
The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) about Scripture's Most Controversial Issues
McClellan, Dan
Hardcover
Grace Bible Study Participant's Guide: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine
Lucado, Max
Paperback
The Last Book: What You Need to Know About Revelation, the Rapture, and the End Times
Kaddis, James
Hardcover
Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us about Who We Are, Where We're Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus
Burrell, Kevin
Hardcover
The Circle Maker Bible Study Participant's Guide: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
Batterson, Mark
Paperback
When God's People Pray Bible Study Participant's Guide: Six Sessions on the Transforming Power of Prayer
Cymbala, Jim
Paperback
Believing Jesus: Are You Willing to Risk Everything? a Journey Through the Book of Acts
Harper, Lisa
Paperback
Everything You Need Bible Study Guide: Essential Steps to a Life of Confidence in the Promises of God
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
The Book of Signs Bible Study Guide: 31 Undeniable Prophecies of the Apocalypse
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
Talks to Farmers: Inspiring, Uplifting, Faith-Building Meditations (a Collection of Charles Spurgeon's Best-Known Sermons)
Spurgeon, Charles H.
Paperback
Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ
Heiser, Michael S.
Paperback
Mysteries of the Messiah: Unveiling Divine Connections from Genesis to Today
Sobel, Rabbi Jason
Paperback