Lee Martin McDonald, Ph.D.

President Emeritus,
Acadia Divinity College, Acadia University,
Nova Scotia, Canada

The most prolific author on the formation of
the biblical canon of the 21st century. 
See his Amazon author page.

Collier has provided an engaging discussion of several critically important discussions going on among biblical scholars and leaders in churches today, namely, how did the Bible come to be and how should its inspiration be understood?  He treats the subject matter seriously and fairly and is clear in his presentation. He is aware of the major issues related to his topics and presents them in a clear and convincing manner. While he will no doubt encounter opposition to several of his conclusions, he nevertheless makes reasonable arguments on the most important matters. I believe that those who read the Bible as the Word of God will gain many insights from this book.  Collier wants his readers to consider carefully the issues he raises and those who do will gain a greater understanding of their Bible. 

William J. Abraham, Ph.D.

Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies,
Southern Methodist University,
Dallas, TX 

Editor of Canonical Theism (2008)
and author of
Canon and Criterion in Christian Theology (1998).

Gary Collier has written a book that tackles the classical issues related to canon and inspiration with amazing simplicity and earthiness.  He moves on two levels.  First, he takes the reader on a guided tour of the terrain; second, he drills deep into the history.  His style is user-friendly; there is not a hint of aggression or bad faith.  Yet he does not run away from the hard questions or settle for cheap answers.  Through it all there is a vibrant Christian faith that is intoxicated with a love for Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the World.  This is a splendid contribution to the debate about canon: accessible, deep, and truly invitational.

 William “Chip” Kooi, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Theology,
Oklahoma Christian University

No topics are more vital to the future of the church in America than those addressed by Gary Collier in this book.  Positions on issues of canon and inspiration are frequently formulated a priori  and then imposed onto the Biblical text—Collier's treatments clarify the issues and help the reader see and consider evidence typically ignored or glossed over, either for lack of knowledge or out of fear of the implications.  If all truth is God's truth, then Christians should have no fear of honest inquiry.  Scripture, Canon and Inspiration  opens the inquiry and offers us an entry into conversations that we absolutely must have if Christian faith is to continue to be a significant voice in our culture.

Dawn Gentry, M.Div.

Executive Director of Adult Ministries
Christ Community Church
Omaha, Nebraska

As Christ followers, whether or not we acknowledge the fact, how we view the Bible impacts every other theological decision we make.  Collier’s conversational approach engages the reader while his academic depth provides plenty of challenge for scholars.  I thoroughly enjoyed the conversational style all through the book, and Collier’s joy of God’s word comes through loud and clear.  I was not surprised or disappointed by anything I found.  I also especially resonated with the ‘what if’ section at the end of chapter 9, and I agree with constantly asking ‘what can we do to make things better?’  Those who are willing to read without assumptions will find a conversation partner worthy of our time and respect.  If you can imagine a faith community that values dialogue as we pursue Christ above all, begin here.

Carson E. Reed, D.Min.

Associate Professor and Dean,
Graduate School of Theology
Abilene Christian University

Fans of the Coffee With Paul Classroom website will not be disappointed with Gary Collier's new work, Scripture, Canon, & Inspiration.  Collier does what he does best; he provokes active thought and conversation through his engaging, conversational style.  Relying on his own extensive textual work in biblical materials as well as more broadly with other ancient sources such as Philo, the author draws the reader into important, current conversations about the Bible by looking at the texts themselves.  

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Patrick Spicer,

IT professional,
Bible student and teacher, Houston, TX. 

Hailing from a tradition that boasts a high view of scripture, it was hard to imagine the possibility of an even higher view—but Gary Collier proposes exactly that. And if Gary is correct about the canon of the earliest Christians, we are recovering something not of mere tradition but of sheer beauty. Whether slightly or radically, all careful and objective readers of Scripture, Canon, & Inspiration will be compelled to adjust their thinking about this crucial topic.

Beverly L. Watkins M.A.
Biblical Studies

Pastor of New Members Ministry, 
Promise Land Christian Community  Church, Indianapolis, IN. 
 

Scripture, Canon, & Inspiration  is a powerful book. It is so awesome that I had to read some and digest it before I could continue. I strongly recommend that every serious Christian, student of the Bible or any other interested person read the book. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. I found myself being challenged in my belief system quite a bit more than was comfortable, however, it was extremely profitable to me Spiritually. It is a powerful tool for any study group or individual who wants to understand what the Bible is and is not, and much more. This book will cause you to engage in conversations with it and raise questions that you probably would not have thought of before reading it. It is a must read for everyone, whether you are serious about the Bible, curious about the Bible, or just want to know. I challenge you to pick it up and begin to read, you won’t be able to stop until you have finished.

[Pic = Beverly with Gary, Joe, Fred, Ben
at Hebrew Union College.]

Michael Wilkinson, M.D., F.A.C.P.

Internal Medicine Associates
of Palestine, TX.

 Scripture, Canon, & Inspiration  is not written for scholars. Gary Collier is a scholar and is capable of discourse on that level, but this book is written for the rest of us. If you are a student of scripture, a church leader, a Bible teacher, or simply a committed but curious follower of Jesus, then this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Your faith will be strengthened and you will never read the Bible the same way again.