Thinking Biblically about Eclecticism

Abstract

This paper examines the eclectic method of textual criticism as applied to Old and New Testament manuscripts, arguing that reasoned eclecticism is superior to the majority text method for determining the best reading of Scripture. The author surveys the necessity, definition, and complexities of eclecticism, evaluates external and internal evidence, and demonstrates how the eclectic method—unlike the majority text method—accounts for textually insecure passages and enables scholars to reconstruct 97–99% of the original New Testament. The paper concludes that the consistent, literal, grammatical, historical hermeneutical principle must accompany textual criticism to guard against eisegesis and to ensure that doctrine is built only on textually secure passages.