In a really stunning 1985 article in Theology Today, Albert Outler argued that the first task of post-liberal (that would be us) biblical work is to recapture the idea of the unity that holds the Bible together:
In a postliberal age, a fresh case must be made for the Bible’s integrity, if this can be done—and if the proper hermeneutical implications can be drawn. If such an integrity is to be denied, the alternatives cannot be evaded. Neither Judaism nor Christianity can survive with their Holy Scriptures regarded as nothing more than anthologies of religious literature.
I am reminded when I read that of the oft-used teaching that the Bible is not “a” book, but a library of books. I wonder if such an attitude is the idea that Outler is critiquing here.
He conlcudes by quoting what Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel said after listening to a long theological discussion at a conference that Outler was part of:
It has seemed puzzling to me how greatly attached to the Bible you seem to be and yet how much like pagans you handle it. The great challenge to those of us who wish to take the Bible seriously is to let it teach us its own essential categories; and then for us to think with them, instead of just about them.
I love that. Thank you Rabbi Heschel and Brother Outler.
I am a part-time local pastor serving 
The doctrine of original sin is surely more humbling to man than the opposite: And I know not what honour we can pay to God, if we think man came out of His hands in the condition wherein he is now.
