The October Synod: More on the dread "i" word . . .

Whether the issue is construed in terms of inerrancy or inspiration matters little, since both are inseparably related and begin with the letter "i"; but in this case, the stated issues is biblical "inspiration" and deals with the upcoming October Synod of Bishops on the topic of the Word of God. The foundational importance of the subject can hardly be overestimated. It's a wonder there has been no more news on the Synod. But then, this is the age of politicians, economists, Hannah Montana and Paris Hilton.

Some of you may recall the our post nearly a month ago, "Danger of revisionist misinterpretation of Dei Verbum at October synod?" (Musings, September 7, 2008), citing Fr. Brian Harrison's letter to the editor of the St. Louis Review sounding a note of concern.

Now the same reader who called that letter to our notice has sent an email calling to our attention a new website, ScriptureSynod.com -- "A site dedicated to providing up-to-date information on the Catholic Church's groundbreaking Scripture Synod--October, 2008." The reader comments: "Here is at least one voice that appreciates the issue of Inspiration as it needs to be if dealt with honestly." The reader went on to express certain concerns, but concluded by saying that he remains hopeful.

The linked website provides, among other things, a "Theological Analysis of the Instrumentum (Outline) for the upcoming Synod on the Word of God." It is long and gratifyingly detailed. The critical heart of the discussion begins with the following section (scroll down):

The second group of positions taken by the Instrumentum deals specifically with inspiration and inerrancy per se. In many ways, this is at the very heart of the discussion because how inspiration and inerrancy are defined and how they are related to each other determines the whole understanding of Scripture. While this discussion is somewhat technical, it is necessary to strive for accuracy and to ensure that the emerging concepts are consonant with the perennial teaching of the Church. The key text is found under Sacred Scripture, the Inspired Word of God (c.) of the document ... (Read more here.)

[Hat tip and many thanks to J.M.]