Book Review: The Shape of Sola Scriptura by Keith A. Mathison

In The Shape of Sola Scriptura, Keith Mathison intends to accomplish two purposes regarding the doctrine of sola scriptura.  One purpose he attempts is to clear away some of the historical and theological misconceptions surrounding the debate about sola scriptura.  Much of the debate, he contends, on both sides of the argument, is marred by confusion from unclear or contradictory definitions, mishandling of the historical facts and evidence, and in many cases arguments that knock down only straw men.  Mathison’s second purpose is to present a clear and consistent doctrine of sola scriptura.  Mathison accomplishes these purposes by organizing his book into four parts.  Part One consists of a historical survey from the times of the apostles to beyond the reformation of the doctrine of Scripture.  This part is the majority of the book.  Part Two is a discussion of what Scripture states about itself, tradition, and the church.  Part Three is a discussion of the theological necessity of sola scriptura, consisting of critiques of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Modern Evangelical positions, and an exposition of the proper doctrine of sola scriptura.  Part Four is a brief objection and answer section, and a brief but weighty discussion of the importance of the Canon, the Church, and Creeds.