Here are my top 5 recommended books for the study of Scripture, Canon, and Inerrancy These topics fall under the broad heading of, Bibliology, which is the study of the nature of Scripture.
- Christ and the Bible, by John Wenham (Book Review)
If you only read one book from this list, read this one. Wenham writes at an accessible level and makes a very compelling argument for treating Scripture in the same manner that Jesus did. Wenham also provides a helpful discussion of the canon of the Bible (i.e., what books belong in the Bible). This book was highly influential for me and I strongly recommend it. - Canon Revisited, by Michael J. Kruger
This is a very beneficial book addressing the concept of canon, especially as it relates to the books of the New Testament. Kruger surveys the various understandings of canon and then presents a compelling case for a self-authenticating model of canon. This is one of the few books I have ever read more than once. This is a moderate-level book, but is still written at an accessible level. Highly recommended. - Canonical Theology, by John C. Peckham (Book Review)
In Canonical Theology, John C. Peckham argues for the 66 books of the Bible, and all of the books, being the final source of authority. He especially argues against the idea that an additional creed or rule of faith is necessary for the correct understanding of the Bible. I was pleased to see that in his chapters on the canon, Kruger’s book mentioned above was heavily cited in the affirmative. This is a scholarly work, but for those studying canon and theology at a deep level it is a must-read. - The Doctrine of the Word of God, by John Frame (Book Review)
This is a systematic treatment of, as the title states, the doctrine of the Word of God. Frame does an excellent job treating just about every topic associated with the study of the nature of Scripture. This is a broad-ranging, systematic theology, but it still succeeds in giving a thorough treatment to each topic addressed. There are plenty of footnotes to chase specific topics in more detail. This is a moderate-level book, and is the largest book on this list (in both topics addressed and number of pages), but if you are willing to work through it, it will be a richly rewarding experience. - A Clear and Present Word, by Mark D. Thompson (Book Review)
Finishing this top 5 list is a monograph presenting a defense of the perspicuity of Scripture. In other words, that the Bible is understandable and does not require a special class of authorized interpreters (such as the Roman Catholic Church claims). Thompson does not deny that some individual passages are difficult to understand, but ably defends the overall clarity of Scripture. This is a scholarly monograph, but if you are studying the nature of Scripture it is highly recommended (Frame cites Thompson a good bit in his treatment of the Bible’s clarity). If you are not interested in this level of scholarship, the above-mentioned Christ and the Bible discusses these topics at a more accessible level.
Studies in the Bible 