Book Description

All People, All Times: Rethinking Biblical Authority in Churches of Christ explores the assumptions traditionally held in a cappella Churches of Christ regarding how one knows what in Scripture is binding on all people at all times. The development of the tripartite model for determining Bible authority (i.e., command, example and implication) is examined and critiqued. While many in Churches of Christ advocate abandoning the model altogether, others refuse to see its limitations in a postmodern culture. All People, All Times offers a hermeneutical approach (The Transformational Restoration Hermeneutic or TRH) that sharpens the tripartite method by providing a biblically based grid to more accurately discern Scripture's emphases. As well, it introduces a sorely needed means for the formational use of Scripture. In short, the TRH recognizes not only the need to take Scripture seriously when it speaks authoritatively regarding external or doctrinal necessities, but also when it speaks to the spiritual, moral and relational priorities stressed in our postmodern era. It is hoped the TRH can provide a hermeneutical bridge between the widening streams of a fellowship historically devoted to speaking where the Bible speaks. For the last 18 of his 32 years in preaching, Jeffery S. Stevenson has served as the Preaching Minister for the Church of Christ at Louisville, Ohio and the Director of Second Wind Christian Counseling Ministries. Jeff holds degrees from Freed-Hardeman University (Bible), the University of Akron (Marriage and Family Therapy) and a Doctorate from Ashland (Ohio) Theological Seminary. Jeff has written on topics such as hermeneutics and biblical application in the Restoration Movement, evangelism and Christian counseling. He has published articles in the Gospel Advocate, Christian Standard and Restoration Quarterly. Jeff and his wife Tonnie have three grown daughters-Micah, Meghann and Mallory. Jeff's likes reading, walking, cycling and model railroading.